Phonographer: Jim Metzner - "Pulse of the Planet"

Jim Metzner Discussion (14:49) Science and audio enthusiasts gathered at the studios of KQED in San Francisco on May 10, 2011 for a Science Cafe evening with Jim Metzner, the host of "Pulse of the Planet."  Metzner discusses his radio productions based on his soundscape recordings.

Soundscape: Street Musicians of New Orleans' French Quarter

These three videos provide a glimpse into the musical soundscape for which the French quarter in the city  of New Orleans, Louisiana is known.

Sounds of the French Quarter (12:51) The streets of the French Quarter ring with "a symphony of street artistry" in this  video by David Minsky. Source: YouTube

The French Quarter in three musical acts (2:02) Three street performers provide a glimpse into artistry of this lively city scene. Video by the Twain Trip Project. Source: YouTube

Grandpa Elliott (1:43) A well known and iconic street musician performs, "Stand by Me". Read more about  Grandpa Elliott.  Video by Phil Bildner. Source: YouTube

Phonographer: Dave Ruddick

Sound in the field (5:21) In this PBS Nature segment sound recordist Dave Ruddick explains how he records sound in the field as he goes through his set-up to record surround sound on location in the Tongass National Forest.

Source: PBS Video

Lecture: James Crutchfield and Bioacoustic Interactions

Insects, Trees, and Climate: The Bioacoustic Ecology of Deforestation and Entomogenic Climate Change (60:31) Professor James Crutchfield explores a novel bioacoustic interaction between insects and trees as key drivers of infestation population dynamics and the resulting wide-scale deforestation. The proposed mechanisms he suggests may provide nontoxic control interventions and detection strategies. His lecture, based on work with acoustic ecologist and sound artist David Dunn, and others, explores three themes: (1) Pattern and Chaos; (2) Bioacoustics and climate change; (3) Art and Science.  Source: Vimeo and UCLA Art|Science.


See related posting: David Dunn and Sonic Beetle wars. 

Soundscape: Flash Mob Performances (Part 1)

Human sound making is one activity that can temporarily change the character of an acoustic space.  A flash mob is a group of people who are quickly assembled in a public place to perform for a brief time and then disperse. Such gatherings are most often organized through social media such as Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, or other networking technologies. The purpose of such mobs varies and can range from publicity to social protest. Many are organized for entertainment. Most flash mobs meet well before their events to rehearse often complex dance and musical routines. These are then quickly performed and then the participants just as quickly disperse. 

The following are examples of flash mobs from around the world and how they function within the soundscape be that a shopping mall, train station, public plaza, or other space that facilitates an acoustical event.

Beirut Airport (3:04) A flash mob performs in the Duty Free Departures Lounge.

Berlin Train Station (4:21) The Staatsballett of Berlin perform before amused travelers promoting an up-coming ballet. 

Bondi Beach (5:05) This mob seems to spring from the ocean sands in dance and song. 

Jeddah Mall (2:48) A Red Sea Mall flash mob celebrates Saudi National Day with poetry and the singing of the national anthem.

Melbourne Campus (3:32) An Indian themes flash mob at La Trobe University surprises folks in this outdoor event.

Moscow Mall  (3:55) Shoppers at a popular Moscow mall are treated to an unexpected Orthodox choral song sung by a flash mob. 

Nairobi Street (2:49) A joint flash mob event between Nairobi Kenya and Eindhoven Netherlands promotes an AIDS awareness campaign. 

Philadelphia Train Station (3:52) The Opera Company of Philadelphia performs a "flash opera" with 30 participants. 

Port Elizabeth Mall (5:33) The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University choir delights unsuspecting shoppers. 

Santiago Plaza (5:47) The plaza is a setting for this performance that begins with a costumed couple that is then joined by others in this traditional dance. 

Tbilisi Bus (3:45) A Georgian flash mob prepares their performance and then boards a bus to surprise fellow passengers. 

Valencia Mall (6:31) Opera is performed to the surprise of shoppers in the large Mercado Central de Valencia.

Noise Issues: Induced Hearing Loss (PSA)

Noise Induced Hearing Loss (2:26) This is an effective 2005 short Public Service Announcement  from the House Ear Institute about hearing loss that is painless, permanent, and preventable. "When an individual is over-exposed to excessive sound levels, sensitive structures of the inner ear can be damaged. This can result in permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). These structures can be injured by exposure to a brief but intense sound, such as an explosion, or from regular exposure to excessive sound levels over time. NIHL can be prevented through the control of sound levels or proper use of hearing protection devices (HPDs), such as earplugs or earmuffs."  For more info visit the House Research Institute. Source: YouTube

Lecture: Daniel Kish and Human Echolocation

Echolocation is the location of objects by reflected sound, in particular that used by animals such as dolphins and bats. Daniel Kish has developed a form of  human echolocation. called flash sonar,  that he uses to navigate through the soundscape and has taught others how to use it as well.

There are three videos in this set including a short lecture at TEDx and two news reports that provide on site demonstrations of Mr. Kish's navigational techniques.

Seeing With Sound (5:45) Daniel Kish is President of World Access for the Blind - a nonprofit organization which facilitates self directed achievement for blind people.  "Though Daniel's main expertise lies in developing all aspects of human perception in sighted as well as blind people, he is perhaps best known for his expertise in echolocation. In this area he has conducted pilot research, and has completed one of the most comprehensive literature reviews detailing the nature and utility of echolocation in blind humans. From this research, in-depth collaborations with noted scientists and perception experts, and over ten thousand hours experience with students of all types and cultures, Daniel created the first systematic, comprehensive echolocation curriculum for advanced training. Daniel and some of his students have applied FlashSonar combined with other techniques to riding bicycles independently at moderate speeds through unfamiliar environments, and to participate effectively and independently in other complex activities such as skating, ball play, and solo wilderness travel." Sourse: TEDx Talks and YouTube.

Flash Sonar (2:55) This Discovery Networks video provides additional insight into how Daniel Kish uses flash sonar, or echolocation, to navigate through an environment using a clicking technique that he teaches to others. Source: Discovery.

Human Echolocation (3:04) A CNN Ideas report about Daniel Kish and his use of echolocation. This video provides more details on the use of the flash sonar technique.

Soundscape: New York City

NYC Soundscape (2:47) This intriguing video montage of New York City combinesimages of Penn Station, Rockefeller Plaza, 5th Ave, Grand Central, and other locations with  a mix of field recorded sound. No credits available except a note that it was uploaded by SpatialRep. Source: YouTube