Video Production for the Classroom. Notes from #EdCampDallas

Here are the notes from my session at #edcampdallas on uses for video production in the classroom.

But I can't afford a camera!
Do you have an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Android device? If so you already have a camera. You have an HD camera if you have a recent iPod touch, anything newer than iPhone 4, iPad 2, and most Android devices. If you feel you want to purchase a camera, there are a number of options...

• Pocket Camcorder - We started with a simple Flip camera and moved to the Kodak Zi8. Sadly neither is made anymore but you can still find them around. Shop around for pocket camcorders and read reviews. With cell phones and such the pocket camcorder market has all but died. You can get an iPod touch for the same price as a pocket camcorder these days. Look for something with external mic input as most of time the audio quality leaves a lot to be desired.
• Consumer Camcorder - We moved up to a full camcorder last year. We use the Canon Vixia HF R21 and LOVE it! I picked this camera because it records to SD cards and there is no need to worry about tape. It also has an input for external mics which is important for our productions. This is not a required feature by any means, but better audio goes a long way.
• Cell phone/iPod - Again, almost any cell phone these days has a camera and most have gone HD. Don't reinvent the wheel if you don't need to.

But how do I get the video off the camera?!

If you buy a camera it will most likely come with software to import the video. If you shoot to SD cards, just pop the card into any card reader and you should be able to pull the video off. If you have a mobile device such as a smart phone or iPod/iPad it is much easier; all you need is Dropbox. When you install the Dropbox app on your device, it will give you the ability to export your video to your Dropbox. The most recent version has automated this process if (you chose that option). You can set Dropbox to automatically upload any video taken on your device. You can then access the video via the Dropbox web interface OR  it will automatically sync if you have the desktop client installed.

I don't know anything about editing video!

You don't have to. You can make a simple video with no editing required. Just shoot it. It does not have to look like The Avengers as long as the message is conveyed.

But I want to edit my video! 

Awesome! There are a number of options available. If you are a Windows user you can simply use Windows Movie Maker. If you are on a Mac you can use iMovie. Both are simple, free video editing programs for basic videos. If you are feeling more ambitious, there are several editing programs out there...

• Adobe Premiere Elements - I use this program and LOVE it. It has the simplicity of Movie Maker or iMovie with the potential and flexibility to produce high-quality videos. Mac and Windows. Cost: less than $100
• Adobe Visual Communicator - This software streamlines the process of video production, especially for green screen work. It works on a "live-to-tape" concept where in you shoot the video and no editing is needed. This software includes a telepromoter function, live intros, live transitions, and live green screen effects.
• Pinnacle Studio -  I have used older versions of Pinnacle and it comes highly recommended. There is also an iPad version for iPad 2 or later that allows for exporting to the desktop version for continued editing. Windows only. Cost: $60-$130 MSRP depending on version
• Sony Vegas Family - Sony has a line of video editing software that ranges from basic editing to professional quality. I personally cannot speak to the quality of this product but it is well-reviewed and is the preferred software of several video production colleagues. Windows only. Cost: $50-$500 MSRP depending on version

But how can I use this in my class/at school?

If you have decided you want to make videos for you classroom, here are just a few examples what you can do...

• Daily announcements - This is what started it all for my school. We produce a daily announcement program with the pledges, moment of silence, important information, lunch menus, and birthdays.
• Record presentations - Your students work so hard on those posters, dioramas, speeches, etc. Why not video their presentation for posterity?
• Connect with parents - Share the above video with parents. They can't be there for the presentation but you can share the video with them so they can see the hard work their student did.
• Replace the poster/diorama - Why have the students spend time and money making something that will most likely get thrown away? Have your students create a video presentation instead. They could act out a skit, collect footage to go along with a speech/presentation, or demonstrate a concept. When they are done you and they have a tangible record of their work.
• Assist other students - Have your higher students create how-to videos for the lower students or perhaps for those who are absent. Having these available can free you up for one-on-one help. You could also create videos for lower grade levels. I have seen high school students make videos for kinder or 1st students to teach reading and math.
• Record of progress - At the beginning of the year make a short video demonstrating the skills of the students. At the end of the year make another. The students can now SEE how much progress they made over the course of the year. This can also be useful to document for an ARD and to pass along to their teacher the next year.
• Record a lesson - Set a camera up at the back of the room when you are teaching a lesson or giving a lecture. This creates a great resource if you need to be out.
• Anything you can think of - This is just a small sample of the MANY ways video production can help you

So, I made a video. Now what?

Once you have made the video, what you do with it is really up to you. You can make an archive, share it with parents/staff, or even upload to YouTube or TeacherTube/SchoolTube. I will suggest that if you decided to upload your video make sure you have ample permission from your students' parents. This is slightly more than the usual release for pictures in the paper or yearbook. I use a separate release form for students' work/likeness to be posted to the internet. I also remind the parents every time something is getting uploaded to make sure it is still okay.

Resources 

Below is a list of resources for your videos. Theses sites contain stock footage, music, tips, etc. Most are under Creative Commons and/or are fair use for education.

• Music
• http://freeplaymusic.com/ - This is a great resource for royalty-free music
• Video
• http://www.ignitemotion.com/ - Free Motion Backgrounds (HD)
• http://www.movietools.info/free-web-resources.html - various video elements including Background Loops and Lower Thirds. Some free, some pay. 
• http://thecliparchive.com/ - Collection of links to free video clips. Some are stock footage, others are backgrounds and such.
• http://www.videoediv.net/vj-loop/ - Free SD stock footage
• http://www.stockfootageforfree.com/table/stock-footage/ - "Free" stock footage. There are a few gems here. I only include it because I have found some useful things.
• https://www.videoblocks.com/ - subscription service for video, music, sound effects, and other video elements. Offers 7 day free trial. Unlimited access with paid subscription. Pricey but can be worth it. Or just spend that 7 days downloading everything you can ;)
• http://www.pond5.com/ - Pay site for video elements. I purchased the animated flags used for our announcements from this site.
• http://videohive.net/ - Pay site for video elements. Most are After Effects files. I have purchased the last two intro videos from them.

These are just the sites that I use regularly. There are any number of sites available, just Google it. I also use videos from YouTube. YouTube Downloader is a great program for downloading and converting YouTube videos.

Conclusion
I really hope this helps. I was so blown away by the response to the session and I hope you all get something out of this. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. I am on Twitter @chrisevans17 or you can email me chrisevans17 at gmail dot com. I have a collection of sample videos available for download if you would like to see some of the work we have done. If you would like that link, please message me on Twitter or email me and I will send you the download link. Be warned, it is about 500mb so it might take some time to download.

30 Days and counting...

I have not posted in a several days because I have barely had time to workout let alone blog about working out. Last Thursday I went to a concert with my dad (Aussie Floyd FTW), Friday I had dinner with my folks, Saturday I was podcasting all morning then spent the rest of the day with my folks again, Sunday I did a light workout, and Monday was a holiday with my kids so I spent that time with them. I got back at it last night and could tell I have been slacking the last few days. My run is picking up and my legs are about to fall off. I really need to get past my "I hate to warm up/cool down. I would rather just get to the workout" hangups and actually stretch. Things are beginning to settle back down with my schedule and I will be back on track by the end of the week. I am getting very nervous about this run. It is officially a month away and every time I think about it I get anxious. Perhaps that is part of why I am slacking. But as Yoda tells us: Fear leads to Anger, Anger leads to hate, Hate leads...to suffering.

Side note: I signed up for another run! I know, right?!? The run that started this whole crazy plan is coming to DFW. More specifically to Forney, which is just right down the road. Since the location is what mainly stopped the Austin run, I have no excuse this time so I signed up (apparently all you have to do is tell me the price is about to increase and I will sign up). This run is in March so assuming the world does not end in December I will be tackling the Zombie Apocalypse!

\m/ IS NOT TRY \m/

38 Days...

Did a good run last night then a good (albeit once again interrupted) boxing workout. I just (and I do mean just as I closed the tab and open this one) ordered a new water bottle, new speed wraps, and knuckle protectors from Title MMA. They had a free shipping plus 10% off sale that I jumped on. Their shipping is so high that I try and place an order everytime they do free shipping. Their sister company Title Boxing (although I am not really sure what the difference is as they both seem to have the merchandise) had a similar sale a week or so ago but I had not gotten paid yet. This one hit just at the right time. Hopefully the knuckle protectors will do their job. My hands looks like I have really been fighting. I'm going to a concert tonight so there will be no working out. I'll be back at it Friday and this weekend.

\m/ IS NOT TRY \m/

39 Days...

I did the treadmill (C25K W3D2) last night along with a good tire workout. I was really nervous about the tires since that was when my arm went crazy. My wrist sounded like a bowl of Rice Krispies, but it did not hurt too bad. Got boxing and treadmill on deck for tonight. I am trying VERY hard not to get sick but I am not letting that stop me.

Side note: I have decided to stop weighing in every day. I am getting discouraged and frustrated at the inconsistency and fluctuation. I will have a good series of weigh-ins and then shoot up 4-5 lbs when nothing has changed. This would make sense if it was water weight or something and I was just bloated that day but it stays with me and I have to work it off again. That gets to be quite discouraging. I am just going to keep doing what I am doing and maybe weigh in once a week but I am avoiding the scale for the most part for the time being.

\m/ IS NO TRY \m/

40 Days...

Too the day off. I am not feeling well (sinuses are being stupid) and my arm is still giving me trouble. I was going to run, but my wife was sick in bed and the treadmill is in the bedroom. *But can you just run outside?* No, I can't Running outside hurts my knees too much and plus it was raining. Wife's sickness permitting I am going to do treadmill tonight and either box or tires. I really want to get back to the tires, but I am worried about exacerbating my arm.

\m/ IS NO TRY \m/

43 Days...42 Days...41 Days

Got in a good run and a good boxing workout this weekend. My arm WAS getting better but now it hurts more than ever. I have a run due today and I am going to try the tires again I think. Hopefully that works for me.

\m/ IS NOT TRY \m/

45 Days...44 Days...

The following section was written during a break I had around 10 am Thursday...
I decided to let my wrist chill a bit so I did W2D2 of C25K last night and that was all. I also started a challenge on NerdFitness to help with my accountability. Not much else to report today. I have to work late but I still plan on hitting the tires again. That will be the real wrist test. Hopefully I learned from my mistake.

I had to go so I held the post for a bit to come back and make sure I was done with it and never got back to it. This is why...
Well, workout did not happen last night. I got to work at 7:00 am as I usually do. I left work at 10:30 pm. Have not worked a 15 hour day in a long time. Needless to say, when I got home at nearly 11:00 last night a workout was NOT in the cards. My commitment is to work out at 5 times a week so I am still on course to do that I just missed last night. Hopefully I can squeeze a workout in before the game tonight.

\m/ IS NOT TRY \m/

46 Days...

Had a great boxing workout last night. It was interrupted right when I was really finding my groove, but it was still one of the best workouts I have had in a long time. I did a simple walk on the treadmill for my off day from C25k. Still nursing the knee, which is getting better, and C25K suggests a rest day between program days so I am using those to just walk to help with the knee. As I said yesterday I hurt my wrist Monday night. It sucks but I am dealing. Boxing stung a few times but I was careful. The real test will be Thursday when I do the tries again. Still stressed out and not having a great go at things in life but I am doing better on the workout. AND I got some exciting news: the Zombie 5K I am not getting to run in December is coming to DFW in March! The fact that it was in Austin was the biggest problem with me going. Since they added one in DFW I can most likely do that one. Plus, its during Spring Break! I'll let you know how that works out. I think I'm gonna get past the mud run first and see how that goes.

\m/ IS NO TRY \m/

50 Days........47 Days

Did not work out Friday as that was family time and we got in super late. Did a good workout on Saturday on the treadmill and some tire work. Took Sunday off. Started Week 2 of C25K and did some tire work Monday. I had a horrible day Monday and thought it would be a good idea to channel my anger in to a workout. It was, but it backfired when I hurt my wrist. So far it is just annoying and is not slowing me down TOO much. Boxing and more tires on the agenda for this week.

\m/ IS NO TRY \m/

51 Days...

I had an AWESOME workout last night. I did a solid 30 minutes of tire work and it felt great. I finally feel like I am getting back to my groove. I pushed myself last night and seriously almost puked. I am rounding out the weekend with some treadmill work and one more round of tires. I might throw some yard work in there as well if the weather allows. I will most likely do a single post on Monday for the whole weekend. Have a great weekend. See you Monday.

\m/ IS NOT TRY \m/

52 Days...

Had a really good run last night. I started over C25K. My knee was definitely feeling it but I muscled through. Did a little ab work after the run. Overall a pretty good day. Hitting the tires and treadmill again tonight. I am starting to back in the groove.

\m/ IS NO TRY\m/

53 Days...

Had a decent tire workout last night. I am becoming increasingly aware how much I have slacked off over the last few months. I tried to run a bit but my knee revolted. I thought I could jump right back in to my Couch to 5K program where I left off...WRONG. I am going back to week 1. That puts me at week 8 for the mud run, which works. By the end of week 8 I SHOULD be about to do the run just fine. This is due as much to my knee and the fact that I have backslid so much. I am upset with myself that I got so far behind, but I did it and I am owning it and moving on. Either doing abs or boxing tonight.

\m/ IS NOT TRY \m/

54 Days...

I aggravated my I'm-31-and-have-been-at-least-100-lbs-overweight-for-most-of-my-life kneed injury helping my friend move this weekend so no workout once again. I am sure you are beginning to ask yourself "Why is he blogging about training for this mud run when he actually has not done anything productive since he started doing this?" Well, that is a good question. The answer would be accountability. I am holding myself accountable for the good and the bad. I am also hoping that the continued posting of how craptasticly awful I am doing will inspire me to do better. Here's hoping.

\m/ IS NO TRY \m/

58...57...56...55 Days...

Still not a great end of the week. However, Saturday (Day 56) I got a helluva workout helping my buddy move. I spent the whole day with some great friends and thought we did some hard work with the move I still had a great time. We spent the whole day quoting movies, making "that's what she said jokes", and just generally being a bunch of dorky guys. I even made a few new friends. I may not have gotten a lot of working out done this week, but I got some "emotional cardio" on Saturday. I feel much better about things right now and, weather permitting, I am back to it Monday.

\m/ IS NO TRY \m/

59 Days...

No work out today. My "not in to it" work out Tuesday night was counter-productive. Since I was not focused I hurt myself. Need to recover a bit. Going to do some light work tonight and get back in to the swing. Lesson learned kids: focus and do it properly or it could be worse than not doing it all.

\m/ IS NO TRY \m/

60 days...

I did tires last night. I did 30 minutes but my head was just not in it. You really can't go through the motions on those tires, but it was not a great workout. Still fighting insomnia and crazy head space. Hopefully I can salvage the rest of the week.

\m/ IS NO TRY \m/

61 Days...

This is the beginning of a new series. This series will serve two purposes. The first is to force me to post more often. The second is to document my training for my mud run. On November 10th I am going to do the most difficult thing I have ever done. I am competing in the Might Mud Dash. It is an obstacle course 5K with 20 military-style obstacles... all in the mud. Watch the videos to see an example of some of the craziness I am about to put myself through. This is the culmination of my Fat Free Apocalypse and is really just to prove to myself that I can. The title serves as a countdown to the event. My plan is to post SOMETHING each day leading up to the event. Most of the time is will be a "review" of my workout the previous day. That being said... here is my first post.

My workout for 09/10: NOT A DAMN THING... I have been a bit stressed and depressed lately which has led to me getting very little sleep. Due to that I have been crashing out way early instead of working out. The way I see it, if I am falling asleep trying to eat dinner I clearly need the rest. I am trying to find ways to get my sleep patterns back on track and force the workouts. Hopefully tonight will be better.

Until tomorrow...

\m/ IS NOT TRY \m/

It's all too much OR Why I don't want to go to Comic-Con

This may be a shock to most people who know me and how much of a nerd I am, but I do not want to go the Comic Con International in San Diego, CA (also referred to as San Diego Comic Con or simply Comic Con). I mean, I co-host a podcast called Too Nerdy For TV, I have built my own lightsabre, and I have a Superman and Transformers tattoo. Comic Con should be right up my alley. Honestly I am not really interested in going. If you are past the shock of my opening statement, I will continue on and explain my position.

Reason 1: Too Many People... That might make me sound like an old man, but 130,000 is just too many people for me. My recent trip to the Dallas Comic Con and the overcrowding there was enough. Swimming through a sea of people is just not on my agenda.

Reason 2: The Average Person Doesn't See Anything... Think about it: you are on person amongst thousands of others, all trying to do the same thing. If you want to get in to Hall H (that is the big room with the major announcements and panels) you have to devote you day to just that and you get to see/do nothing else. 5% of the total attendance gets in to Hall H, that includes press and celebs who get priority  I don't like those odds.

Reason 3: I Can't Afford It... This is a practical reason. Honestly, if I could somehow afford to go, I would not be able to do much else. I can't afford any of the "con-exclusive" collectables. I can't afford autographs (I don't even get autographs at local shows anymore). If I want anything that is "con-exclusive" I can find it on ebay and most likely save a little money. Yes it will be an inflated price from the what the sticker was at the show, but add in having to get to San Diego, stay in a hotel, and go to the show ti is cheaper.

Reason 4: Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube Bring The Event To Me... Anything major that happens will be all over Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Many of the major panels get posted on YouTube and all the comic and media press report on the announcements anyway. The only thing I feel like I am missing out on is the video presentations but refer to Reason 2 as to why I would most likely not see them anyway.

Reason 5: I Do Not Want To Spend That Much Money Standing In Line... When you go to a convention, really any convention, you must make to choice to either enjoy the show or stand in line. Dallas Comic Con was like this. I enjoy cons because I enjoy the floor. I like to displays and the collectables and and the cosplay (that is people in costume if you did't know). I would LOVE to be at Comic Con and see the booths and the merchandise and the awesome costumes. To me it is not worth the money just to do that. If you want to go to panels, get autographs, etc. you are going to stand in line. Sometimes you will stand in line for a chance to stand in another line. If I am going to a show like this.

Reason 6: Comic Con Has Lost Its Way... This is the part that makes me somewhat of a nerd bigot. The convention is called Comic Con International. It has become less about comics and more about pop culture. I get that and I'm ok with that. What the hell is Twilight doing at Comic Con? What the hell is Glee doing at Comic Con? Supernatural, Game of Thrones, Merlin, etc. are all genre shows. Breaking Bad? Mad Men? Seriously? Fifty Shades of Grey will most likely be there next year and that makes me sad. Make the show about pop culture but make it about OUR pop culture and keep the posers out. Comic Con is for the ones that live it, not the hipsters that put on a store-bought costume and play dress up for a few days and then go back to "normal" on Monday. Or the ones who wear pop culture t-shirts ironically. It feels like comic con has sold out to the big money studios and I'd rather attend small, local cons that are still about the people.


In closing, I would like to say that if someone offered me an all expense trip to Comic Con next year, I would consider it. However, I would have to think long and hard about it because I just don't think that is for me anymore. Maybe Comic Con is on my Murtagh list. Whatever the case, I LOVE my local Dallas shows and can't wait for the Fan Days in October.


This is a good article that really hits on some of the points I made - Why I Hated Comic Con

\m/ \m/

How I'm spending my summer vacation...

This is a quick post to show off some homemade equipment I am using this summer. Below are some pics of my DIY-ish workout gear.

Can't take DIY cred for the punching bag and stand. However, if you look on the floor you will see my DIY medicine ball. It is made from an old basketball, filled with 10 lb. of sugar, and duck taped to hell. It currently resides in a soccer ball training thing (seriously I have had this net thing since I was like 10 and have no idea what it's purpose is anymore, what it is called, or where you might find one) to serve as a hammer.

This is my ground and pound dummy. It is several rolls of carpet covered in a ton of duck tape. It is really fun to toss around and beat on. Total cost was about $5 for the duck tape.

This is my uppercut bag. It is an old duffle bag from high school. My old marching band duffle bag to be specific. it contains a 50 lb. sand bag and it filled out with old T-shirts to round out the bag. Cost was about $1.99 for the sand and $3 for the hardware to hang it. 

This is my double end bag. It consists of a bounce ball I stole borrowed acquired from my children. I covered it in...wait for it... duck tape and secured a rope to hang it. The rope was the tricky part. It took several times for the rope to work. It is attached to the ceiling and a bucket full of concrete pieces via bungees. I had the ball, I had the bungees, and the bucket and concrete "came with the house." Seriously, the bucket is an old paint bucket left over from the renovation on this house before we moved in and the concrete pieces were just lying around my yard.

This is my most recent piece of equipment. I picked these up at a local tire shop around the corner from my house. They are awesome! I flip them, drag them, pull them, feed them, change them, etc. Through a VERY generous friend I also have a sledgehammer that I hit these awesome tires with.

So that is my workout equipment at home. Had I bought all of this brand new and "professional" it would have run me over $500. I am having a lot of fun with my new toys and will post the progress as usual. I am currently working on the final post on my "Is That A Fat Joke" series. Stay tooned...

\m/ IS NO TRY \m/

Is that a fat joke? (Part Deux)

Last time I gave a little back story, herein referred to as THEN. Now we will discuss the present and the future (most likely in part 3), herein referred to as NOW and LATER respectively...

As of this writing (May/June 2012) I have lost ~45 lbs since I really started pushing myself in January and ~60 lbs from my highest in 2007. We did a biggest loser contest at work. My official weight loss for the contest was 30 lbs or ~10.50%. I lost. The winner lost ~10.75%. POINT TWO FIVE PERCENT?!?! That is how much I lost by. Not even a full pound. Had I lost 3/4 of a pound more, I would have won. I was very upset. Not that I lost, that I lost by so little. A blowout I can handle. This was just frustrating. After a bit of a pity party, I decided to shake it off and move on. I am not doing this for a contest. I was doing this way before the contest started, I was just looking to make a buck from what I was already doing.

I began to get a bit bored with what I had been doing. I completed RUSHFIT level 1 and felt great but I wanted a new challenge. I cut WAY back on my workouts, just kept up with my eating and have not lost much more, but I am maintaining. If I am not going to lose at least I am not gaining. I started reading articles and doing some research on some ways to change things up. There is a blog that a friend on Facebook had directed me called Nerd Fitness. This is a wonderful blog from a nerd that decided to get his life together through simple means. Kind of like the poor man's Chris Hardwick (no offense, Steve. That is a compliment. I just finished Hardwick's book The Nerdist Way and there are very similar concepts). Here is some background on the creator Steve Kamb. Anyway, Steve has some amazing articles about how to "level up your life". He breaks down concepts that can be confusing due to the crazy cash-cow that is the fitness and diet industries. He uses RPGs, video games, and other such nerd/pop culture references to make the concepts relatable.

I like blogs more than newspapers or magazines* because it is easier to find an old blog post if you know what blog it was than to find an old article in print media. Its like the web holds the information for you until you need it. What is really cool is when the timing of the article hits right when you need it. The articles on Nerd Fitness were interesting and enjoyable, but they did not really do anything for me. I was looking for motivation and inspiration and all of a sudden it was like Steve knew what I needed to hear. In the span of a week or so Steve posted the following articles and it was EXACTLY what I needed to hear.

The first was Go Right. This is a wonderful piece about pushing forward and related your goals and progress to old school 8-bit video games. He posted a video that inspired the post that was amazing inspirational for me. The end is my favorite part:

"Stop worrying about the next level.  Don’t worry about that final jump.  Who cares if you’ve “died” a million times?  Try again.  Try differently.  Try smarter.
Hit continue.  
Go right."

That is such a simple way to look at things.

The second was This Time Its Different. This article is about actually proving that "this time will be different" and how to make it be different.

These are just two of the wonderful articles that Steve has posted lately. I highly recommend reading this blog and even joining the forums. I don't post in the forums as much as I should, but that will hopefully change. In the next part of this ever-growing series I am going to address the LATER part of where I am and some of the specific points I got from the aforementioned articles and how I plan to apply them.

\m/ IS NO TRY \m/

*I do not really read newspapers or magazines anymore though I do read a lot of articles posted on magazine sites, specifically Men's Health and Men's Fitness. Some are published in the print versions, some are not.

Is that a fat joke? (Part The 1st)

I have posted many times about my weight loss. I have shared things about RUSHFIT, my gains, my losses, my successes, and my failures. When I started this quest, journey, endeavor...whatever you want to call it I just wanted to be a better me. I hit the ground running and pushed myself harder than I have ever be pushed and I was proud of myself. I will admit that lately I have not been as motivated as I was previously. I have not quit altogether, but I have not been as driven as I was. I have allowed too many things to get in the way and I have let myself off the hook WAY too much. I have found a renewed sense of purpose as of late and I want to share that with you now...

DISCLAIMER: The following is written in generalities and is in no way meant to suggest that I do not have the most amazing parents and family. The lack of positive to counter the negative has nothing to do them and please do not take it that way. My parents and family were not the source of the negativity that plagued my adolescence and young adulthood. I am speaking mainly about my so-called peers and the people that, at the time, I felt like I needed to impress.

I grew up a fat kid. Plain and simple. I was never any good at sports (except for soccer because defender was MADE for me). I was a proud band nerd (yes I was the fat tuba player). I had a group of friends that I did not always feel like were really my friends. I was not popular. I never really got the girl. I was about as text book high school social leper as it gets. I grew up hearing horrible things. I was called names like Crisco (cause my name is Chris and I was fat. It was not very clever), and that was about the nicest thing people had to say about me. I was living (at least in my mind) in the shadow of my smarter, prettier, more well-adjusted sister. I had extremely low self esteem so I did what any other fat kid who really hates their life: I developed a sense of humor. A lot of this sense of humor was, and still is, self-deprecating. It takes away the power if you are making fun of yourself. That is why big people are funny. It is a defense mechanism. If we can make you laugh then maybe you will not mind being seen with us and for a brief moment you will not make us feel worthless. The problem was my self esteem was so low and I spent so much time hearing these horrible things about myself, with very few positive things to counter the argument, I began to believe those things about myself. It didn't help that my (now)ex-wife contributed to my negative self image. Years and years of this have made me a very cynical adult. Things rarely went my way. I have more or less adopted a life view of expecting everything to go wrong. That way nothing surprises me anymore and when good things happen, it is a pleasant surprise. That may be a pessimistic way of looking at the world, but it really keeps me from losing my cool as often. When bad things happen or the universe craps on me for umpteenth time, my reaction is closer to "Well sure.." that anger. 

I have said all of this to say this... Recently I have experienced something I have not experienced very often in my 31 years on this planet. I am getting positive comments about my weight. I am getting daily compliments and encouragements from co-workers, friends, and social network acquaintances. It is very odd feeling to have people say positive things about you when most of your life has been spent hearing almost nothing but negative. People are actually telling me that I look good. They say things like "you are going to wither away soon" and they call me positive names like Slim and Skinny... and not ironically. The last time I had comments like this was right after my divorce. I lost a LOT of weight REALLY fast. The initial comments were more of concern, then one particular co-worker kept calling me Ally McBeal. Yeah, that's how long ago that was. I progressively put the weight lost on "the divorce diet" back on as I got my life back together. I decided a few years ago that I would never break 300 lbs. again after topping out right before the divorce at 320 lbs. I did things off and on just trying to stay under that 300 lbs. mark. I would flux up and down the same 5-10 lbs. You can read why I decided to get things going hard core back in January on an earlier post.

I have been working on this post for over a week now and it just keeps getting longer. I am going to post this section now and keep working on the next one to be posted soon. As usual I will shameless self-promote myself on every social network I am on so if you are not subscribed to this blog you will know there is a new post. Thanks and I will see you soon.

\m/ IS NOT TRY \m/

That is why you fail...

And by YOU I mean ME! I have failed...miserably. I was making such great progress and completed the Beginner program of RUSHFIT. I was all geared up for the Intermediate program and things have not gone in my favor in the least bit. It has been one thing after another.

I have fallen, but I WILL get up!!!

I am not really sure what has caused my apathy but it stops now. I am going to let he last few weeks go and start fresh. I lost my motivation, but I am determined to win my belt. I have come too far to quit now. What is important is where I go from here. Step one is recognizing that I have a problem. Step two is addressing the problem. So let us do that, shall we...

Excuse 1: I lost my momentum I took too long a break and got lazy.
Excuse 2: I am really sore from mowing the yard. Pity party, table for one.
Excuse 3: My yearbook is due I put this off and now I have to rush to meet my deadline.
Excuse 4: It's so late and I'm so tired I farted around all night and now it's time for bed and I have not worked out yet.
Excuse 5: I'd rather spend some quality time with my wife/kids. (I'm allowing this one and I don't think anyone will judge me for it)

These are only a few of the excuses I have had over the last several weeks for being lazy. So I am moving forward with renewed spirit and drive. Allons-y!!!

\m/ IS NOT TRY \m/

**none of the videos are very long and they really go with my points so take a few minutes out of your day and watch them. Thanks.

Childhood Abuse

I had this idea last night and threw this together on my lunch break... enjoy. My entry in the Micheal Bay/Ninja Turtle/He is a nut bag war going on right now.

\m IS NOT TRY \m/

I am Rushfit(ish)...

So I "finished" the beginner program of Rushfit. I use quotes because I actually did not complete all of weeks 7 and 8. Life got in the way. I decided that in lieu of spinning my wheels to do every single workout and continually having to adjust my schedule I decided to cut my losses and call the Beginner program done. Plus, I am really anxious to get in to the Intermediate program. It's the same exercises, just a slightly more intense schedule.

I am taking this week off, as recommended, to prepare for the next step. I am doing some light cardio work and finishing my Fortress of Solitude*. When I start the next program I am going to follow it much more closely and really step up my cardio. I am going to do the Couch to 5K program along with Rushfit. I figure I am on the treadmill anyway, why not? Below you will find before and after pics and stats. I am using the same after pics and stats for the before of the Intermediate program. Later this week I will have a video post with my review of the whole program and the tools I am using to assist me in my mission.

Stats

At the beginning of the program, you are asked to do a fitness assessment and measurements. Below are my results.

FITNESS ASSESSMENT

Each exercise for 60 secs, 20 sec rest in between

Air Squats: Before = 15 After = 51

Push Ups: Before = 15 After = 26

Sit Ups: Before = 10 After = 23

Burpees: Before = 7 After = 12

MEASUREMENTS

Weight: Before = 295 After = 275

Chest: Before = 52" After = 50.5"

Waist: Before = 52.25" After = 48.5"

Hips: Before = 52.5" After = 51"

Thigh (R): Before = 29.5" After = 28.25"

Thigh (L): Before = 29" After = 28.5"

Bicep (R): Before = 15" After = 16"

Bicep (L): Before = 14.75" After = 16"

PICTURES

Here are the before and after pics

 

 \m/ IS NO TRY \m/

I need a laugh track...

I can't seem to win. I was all pumped to hit week 8 of Rushfit with a vengeance and finish strong. Then, because my life is a poorly-written sitcom, I got a cold/sinus infection thing that has had me down since Saturday. I am well enough to work out, that is not the problem. The issue is I am so congested I can't breathe, which is very counter productive. I am going to give it a shot tonight and see if I can't get through at least a few rounds so I can go ahead a finish. I am talking next week off anyway to prepare for the Intermediate program to start up on the 19th so if I can try to get through this week I can take it easy next week and not feel guilty. I am not giving up, just having trouble picking myself up right now. I will post my video review of the program along with all my stats from the last 8 (actually 9) weeks early next week.

\m/ IS NOT TRY \m/

Press play to resume...

So... I SHOULD be on week 8 of Rushfit and finishing up the Beginner program on Saturday. I'm actually on week 7 still. Last we insane and decided to take a little break. First off, I was CRAZY sore. This crazy Texas weather has been killing my joints and alergies and my abs were just not playing nice anymore (which I guess is a good thing). I decided to err on the side of caution last week and take things easy. Then my lovely wife fell during her ballet class and fractured her arm. That made the rest of the week pretty crazy. By Friday afternoon I realized that I had not done much working out at all so instead of trying to push myself and cram all the workouts I'd missed in I just chalked it up to life getting in the way and I would pick myself back up and move forward this week.

I am back on track will be completing the program on Sunday the 11th. Technically my last workout is Saturday but I am doing the post-program assessment and measurements on Sunday. I will have a lengthy post, most likely in video form, to give my full recap of the program. I am still having some motivational issues, but I am pushing through. I am hoping the break between the Beginner and Intermediate programs will give me the boost I am looking for.

In that down time I will be starting the Couch to 5k program to work on my cardio. My podcast buddies and I are running a zombie 5k in December so I want to be in shape for that. More details on that will come much later. Also coming soon will be my review of the various internet tools I am using to stay on track. Until then I am going to just keep plugging away hoping for the best.

\m/ IS NO TRY \m/

At Long Last (Shameless Self Promotion)...

After many years of spinning my wheels, I am proud to say... I am a podcaster! This is something I have wanted to for a very long time. I have bought equipment and made plans and gone nowhere. I tried to get something going at work and that has never really taken off. About a year a half to two years ago one of my best friends suggested we do a podcast. He and I have wanted to collaborate on something for years but he lived up north and I lived here. We planned it all out. We had a name, a logo, a format (kind of) and we were ready to go. Then we didn't. About a year ago another of my best friends off-handly mentioned his desire to do a podcast and would that be something that interested me. He and I got a bit further with ours, but still nothing. Finally, after growing tired of waiting, I decided to combine efforts and see if the three of us could pull this off. Erik had recently moved back to Texas so we had no more excuses. I gathered all my equipment, opened up a website and gmail account got the ball rolling. Soon we had a Twitter account and Facebook page and were scheduled to record the first episode. Before the first episode Erik suggested the addition of a fourth host. With the team in place it was time to record.

On February 4th we gathered around my kitchen table and recorded the first episode of Too Nerdy For TV. It was a blast. We all had a great time. There were some technical issues and it was wired so crazy with the equipment we had I'm shocked it sounded as good as it did. February 8th, despite some MAJOR problems from our web host, we were live with "The Saga Begins", the premiere episode of our show. We had planned to meet up again to record the second episode but life got in the way and we were still having some major problems with the site. We worked all the bugs out, found a new web host, got a proper domain, and finally got this beast some life.

We recorded two more episodes over the weekend and we are now live in iTunes. We are working really hard on this show and I am so excited to be in iTunes. We release new episodes on Wednesdays. We are a work in progress and we appreciate any feedback you can give us. Head on over to www.toonerdyfortv.com and check us out. Follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook, and subscribe to the show. I cannot say enough how proud I am of this show and how cool it is to have my name on iTunes. #humblebrag

\m/ IS NOT TRY \m/

Don't call it a comeback...

So last week I hit a wall with my workout. For some reason my motivation was GONE. I have been going hard core for 5 weeks and once I hit week 6 i just hit a wall. I talked to come friends and did some internal searching and I think I figured out what the problem was: I could not get out of my own head.

I did an update for 4 weeks which was half way through my program. I was not seeing the numbers I thought I should have and I was suddenly feeling like it was no longer worth it. I got up inside my dead and was psyching myself out. I have since realized that I was being stupid and it did not matter. I also Tweeted/Facebooked my plight to @GSPRushfit and for about an hour or so I became a Twitter celebrity. There was such an influx of support from random people on Twitter. It was humbling. No one said anything overly profound or motivational, it was just having the support from total strangers that kicked me back in to high gear.

I think part of my problem is that I weigh in every day. I have a 1/10 pound scale so I can see every change. That is good and bad. I know some people do not even weigh in or they only do out of curiosity. I am sure there is a split on each side of the fence for that. For me, it helps. It does motivate me and it helps me know what causes me to gain and lose. At the same time I was hoping for more dramatic losses by the numbers than I have seen. I understand the biology behind it and know that muscle weighs more than fat and this program is definitely building muscle. That does not always help. I am focusing on the inches and physical results over the actual weight numbers and I am doing great. I have two weeks left on this run. I am taking a couple of weeks off Rushfit after I finish to focus on my cardio. I have just about finished my homemade equipment and will have pictures posted soon. For now I am still pushing through and having fun. Can't wait for the end of week 8 to see where I am on my measurements and such.

\m/ IS NOT TRY \m/

Call me cheap if you want...

Short update today. Working on a few projects at home. I have a 4-day weekend coming up so I have some time to play around with some stuff. I am closing in on the end of Level I of Rushfit. I have three weeks left. Between now and the beginning of Level II I am trying to get some more equipment. I am looking to add the following items:

TITLE MMA Training and Fitness Dummy - $100 + $22 shipping = $122

TITLE Uppercut Bag - $90 + $25 shipping = $115

TITLE Double End Bag - $40 + free shipping = $40

Total for these items is $277. I am not spending $277. My using items around the house and some pseudo dumpster-diving I am going to be able to make all the items listed above for less than $50 (I think maybe even less than $30). I will post updates as I finish things. Short version:

Dummy = old carpet (wrapped in duck tape)

Uppercut bag = 50 lbs of play sand and old clothes in an old duffle bag. (possibly wrapped in duck tape)

Double End Bag = kids bounce ball (wrapped in duck tape)

I am really excited to get my "gym" finished. I have considered an actual MMA gym, but since I have no plans to actually fight anyone and I am just doing this for fun I see no need to pay expensive gym fees and the gas to get there (closest gym is 30 miles away). I will post pictures when everything is done.

I have about half of THIS built, but I can't seem to figure out exactly how to finish it. With everything else I am making, it is not that big a deal.

\m/ IS NO TRY \m/

So this is what I've been up to...

I found some good videos on YouTube that highlight the workout I have been doing.











It has been intense, but fun. This one is my favorite:



I was not in any kind of shape when I started this and was able to do this program. It is hard, but there are plenty of modifications available. I definitely prefer this over P90X or Insanity. It seems more approachable and I like that GSP does the workout with you. Several times it is said "If Georges is have a problem doing this, there is not shame if you are."

SIDE NOTE: Some friends and I have started a podcast. Too Nerdy For TV. We are having some hosting issues but the first episode is available for download. It will be properly posted and on iTunes soon. Give it a listen. Thanks

IS NO TRY \m/

Before and After at 4 Weeks...

Here are my before and after pics after 4 weeks. I have also included some links to what I have been using to workout. Equipment, resources, etc.

Click to enlarge. Before on the left, after on the right

Click to enlarge. Before on the left, after on the right

Click to enlarge. Before on the left, after on the right

As you can see, after only 4 weeks there is a definite progress. As I said previously, I am half way through the beginner program. Below are some links to things that I use to help me along.

Equipment -
Most all my equipment comes from one of three places: Academy, Title MMA, or Title Boxing

Program -
As I said before I am using GSP Rushfit. All that is required is a set of dumb bells. I use a set of 5s and 8s. Start small. Trust me. Its about the reps, not the weight.

Motivations and Advise -
A great resource, at least for me, is Nerd Fitness. It is an interesting approach to fitness.

Tracking progress -
The best app out there for tracking your progress is by far LoseIt. It is vital to my success.

\m/

PS: This what I plan to reward myself with. If I hit 100 lbs each side plate will have the engraved, and instead of CHAMPION, it will say IS NO TRY. Not sure what I will do if I alter the goal to account for muscle gain. It is available from Title Boxing.

One month down, one to go...

Back in January, I started the Georges St. Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) RUSHFIT (@GSPRushfit) program. It is very similar to P90X and Insanity. I knew I needed to get in shape. Not even back in shape as I have never really been in shape to begin with. I did some homework and found RUSHFIT to be the best fit for me (no pun intended). I do not find the trainer to be annoying like Tony Horton and the program seemed much more approachable than others of it kind. Also, I am a big UFC fan and was intrigued by GSP doing the workout. I have completed the first half of the beginner program. I followed the program as best I could with my crazy schedule. I may not have done every workout the day it said to, but I did every workout for the week. I finished all but one workout (I got overheated) and it has been a major challenge. I would like to talk about why I decided to do this.

It is kicking my fat butt!!!

I have always been a big guy. I did what most big guys do, I developed a good sense of humor. I made them laugh with me not at me. I also developed a rather self-deprecating sense of humor. Make fun of myself so they can't make fun of me. I have been like this for as long as I can remember. Back in 2007 I hit 320 lbs. It did not bother me at that point because I was in a really bad marriage and my weight was not something I really cared about. Shortly after my (now ex-)wife and I started divorce proceedings and I sunk in to a deep depression. This was the end of June. Around September a friend made mention of how much weight I had lost. I got on a scale and had lost over 40 lbs. in less than three months. My weight continued to fluctuate over the next several years. I had lost a total of 60 lbs. on "The Divorce Diet" but slowly gained most of it back.

Last year my son and I were playing and I was told that I was "too fat to be a Power Ranger." Now I know he did not mean it, but it hurt. So I started working out. I used the LoseIt app to track my calories in and out and did really well. Then life happened and I stopped working out and tracking my meals and such. I use the excuse that I had to get an Android phone and at the time there was no Android app, but I could have made it work. I made myself a promise the day I was dubbed "too fat to be a Power Ranger" that I would never break 300 lbs. again. I tracked my weight off and on and always made sure that stayed true, but was not really trying. I tried boxing right before my wife and I divorced and LOVED it. I was always a wrestling fan and boxing seemed to be a cool way to work out. I also am a huge UFC fan, which is what attracted me to Rushfit.

I am not sure what led me to get things going now. It's not a New Year's Resolution. I have been planning this for a few months and would have started back before the holidays but it was the holidays and we were travelling a lot, and blah, blah, blah. Anyway, I joke that just in case the world ends in December this is my last chance to be in shape. I call it my "fat free apocalypse". I just finally found some motivation to make a change in my life. In the last month I have lost about 10 lbs and around 3 inches on my waist. I have a goal to reward myself when I hit 220 lbs. since that is 100 lbs. below my heaviest. I have since realized that I am building a good deal of muscle so I am not sure when I will reward myself. I will make that decision when the time comes. In the mean time I am going to keep plugging away and take my lead from Master Yoda...

In Defense of Android (Part the 2nd)

Previously, on Geek in the Heart of Texas... My EVO crashed and I had decided to try out a custom mod. Around this same time I was given a tablet to test drive...

So I had been researching custom Android mods for a while and had come to the conclusion that CyanogenMod was the way to go. I read up on how to flash the rom and was ready. Using Revolutionary, I rooted my phone and flashed CyanogenMod 7 (CM7). It was like I had a brand new phone. I was amazed at how much better CM7 was than the stock HTC Sense UI. I found no issues with apps or anything. It made me love Android that much more. I have played around with jail breaking and iPhone and was not really impressed. This is so much better.

Around this same time I was given a Viewsonic GTab to play around with as a potential gift for my grandfather. The stock rom and UI is TERRIBLE. Five minutes after using it I went searching for a new mod. I decided to go with CM7 as well. Now it is a bit buggy being a tablet and a custom mod, but it works beautifully. I have used my iPad less and less since getting this tablet. If I can figure out how to load my eboks on it, I may not have much more use for my iPad. I would love to get my hands on a proper Android tablet, but this one it pretty slick.

Overall, my experience has been wonderful. My biggest obstacle was how to get out of Android what I was getting out of iOS. Below is a list of things I needed my Android to do that my iPhone/iPad did and how it solved it. Many times the solution works better on Android...

Sync Contacts, Calendars, Email, etc.: I use Gmail and Google Calendar. With my iPhone it was hard to keep my Gmail contacts clean because my Amy (my iMac) always wanted seemed to duplicate entries. I used iCal and had the same results. Android syncs to the cloud seamlessly and I have no problems with duplicate entries.

Sync Music: iTunes does not sync with Android well, and OSX even less. I use Amazon Cloud and Google Music. Prefer Google Music.

Apps: on this, they are about even. Although I do like that I can buy and app from Amazon from anywhere and download it later. Such as at work where I do not have wifi or a good signal. I can buy an app on Amazon and download it when I get home. I no longer have to wait until I have a signal or get back to Amy to buy apps. I can buy it right then and don't have to worry about forgetting.

eBooks: I still use my iPad for iBooks. I have a really good reader on my GTab, but I am still struggling with adding content. iOS wins that round.

Storage: I CAN UPGRADE MY STORAGE! I recently bought a 32GB card for my phone. With iPhone you must decide at that moment what storage space you want and hope its enough. Also, I can take the card out and load it as an external drive to manage files if I need to.

Podcasts: Recently, as in this week, I have found a podcast aggrigator that will download my podcasts directly to my phone so I do not have to carry around a separate device for my podcasts. This can be done in iOS as I understand it, but this keeps me from having to carry more than one device.

In closing, I love iOS. I loved my iPhone. I love my iPad. Android serves my purposes better. Hopefully if you are on the fence about whether to go iOS or Android, this helped a little. Now that the iPhone is on Sprint, I have been asked several times if I am going to go back to an iPhone when my upgrade comes around. No, I am not. Android works for me and I can't see myself going back to iOS for my phone.

In Defense of Android (Part 1)...

Let me start by saying that I am a Mac guy. I love Macs. I only use Windows at work and when I MUST at home (usually for work-related stuff). I have had many different iPods. Personally the 4th Generation iPod Nano is the best iPod ever. Currently I have a MacBook Pro (Suzie), an iMac (Amy) (best desktop machine I have ever owned), and an old G4 (Suzanne) I just can't bare to part with. I also have (between my wife and I) 2 iPads, 2 iPod Nanos, and an iPod Touch. I think iOS is a great operating system and it does what it does VERY well. There are some amazing apps, I loved my iPhone 3gs dearly, and I think the 4gs is an awesome device. I said all of that to say this...

I LOVE ANDROID! When my wife and I got married in March of 2011 I had to leave AT&T and go to Sprint. This was hard. Not that I was heartbroken to leave AT&T, though I do love having no frakking service. Ever. The hard part was I was giving up my iPhone (Gwen) (yes, all my Apples have names). I was crushed. I was saying goodbye to my beloved Gwen. I had anxiously awaited my upgrade so I could get an iPhone 4, and now I was having to walk away. I had been interested in Android for a bit and knew I wanted to get an Android phone. I did some research and my buddy @ErikH1981 suggested I get an EVO 4G. So I went to Best Buy and got my EVO. It was fun, but I still missed my iPhone. I began to explore the ins and outs of Android and became increasingly impressed with what it could do. Mainly I was impressed with how seamlessly everything integrated. I use just about every Google service available and Android being a Google OS worked out perfectly for me. My Gmail, Calendar, Tasks, and everything were there and worked out of the box. I had several issues getting everything to sync with my iPhone. I still carried Gwen around with me as an iPod Touch because I just could not cut the cord. I noticed I was using it less and less. I realized I had moved on when I went to check on something and I had let the battery run completely down. I was now an Android user.

About six months in to my Android experience, the unthinkable happened... my EVO crashed. I thought I had lost everything because I had never synced my EVO*. So I did a full system restore back to factory and prayed. I had all my data back and was able to re-download my apps from the Market**. I was amazed. The "cloud" sync worked wonderfully (much better than I have since seen with iCloud). Many months later, I had another crash and was not worried since the last crash recovered so well. Since I was going to have to go back to factory and "start over" anyway I took this opportunity to do what I had been considering doing for awhile: install a custom mod.

That's it for Part 1. Part 2 will cover my experience with an Android tablet, Cyanogen Mod, and where my Android voyage is headed next. \m/



*what I found to be a downside at first was lack of native sync with Mac for Android, or any phone that does not start with i.

**I greatly prefer to Amazon Apps Store over the Android Market

Once More, With Feeling...

Greetings, Programs! (Please don't sue for me using that, Disney)

This is the third launch of this blog. The first few attempts went great for a few weeks, but did not really go anywhere after that. This blog is nothing more than my need for a creative outlet. It is going to be all over the place. I am going to just share my thoughts on whatever strikes me. It may be work, personal, news, anything. My goal is to post around three times a week. At the very least once a week. Some posts (when I am too lazy to type anything) will be video posts. Please follow me on Twitter, Google+ or any of the other sites on the sidebar and subscribe to the feed by email or RSS. I will warn you, it can be redundant since most of my [not blog] posts go to all services but I do post specific things to specific sites. If you are looking for me on pretty much any site search for chrisevans17 and that's me*.

I have a few posts planned to give some background in to where I am coming from. Stay tuned and thanks for stopping by.


*YouTube username is cdevans. I opened it before I started trying to keep a universal "brand".