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Jan 30, 2010

WE will miss you, IHH!


Where: the Indie fest house: the Powerhouse in New Farm, Brisbane, Australia.

When: 24th January from 4.30 to late.




 Who: an overwhelmed audience And I HEART HIROSHIMA.aka IHH..
What happened? a cultural explosion of song and dance, as listeners recall there times on youtube, finding Shakeytown, Got out, South and Old tree. (Finding trouble finding IHH then click the link on our previous posts.)


From the start I heart hiroshima was full of energy and life, which was prominantly lead by the lead drummer Susie, her solo dancing while drumming and singing finally drew out in the audience a little more then the ordinary bobbing the head like the first two acts gave.

Shakeytown was just a drop from the music rain by I heart Hiroshima. its splash came from the three tripet songs combo GOT OUT, SHAKEYTOWN, SOUTH which displayed the band's true flare for experiental indie rock !!The first album created an atmospheric warm which gave way to the  hit ablum The rip which included their cover of Pink Frost by the Chills this dramatic chronological merge from old to new insured the audience a full experience of their talent and musical evolution.
For a last gig we have to say it was brilliant; and we must give props to Matthew Somers for lasting the whole night on a cold.


Should also mention that the IHH's are supposable influenced by Sleater Kinney, TV On The Radio, Leonard Cohen, The Smiths, The Raveonettes, The Magnetic Fields, Frank Black, Jesus and Mary Chain, The Walkmen, Slumber Party and The Pharcyde. Also Beat Happening, Pixies and The Go-Betweens.
so we do recomend a quick youtubeing of "I heart hiroshima".


 In overall, outstanding performance, full engagement from the audience, lots of fun, laughter, excitement and Unforgettable time...


BUT....yep, there is some sad news, ...Apparently, Sussie female voice and drummer is moving to Germany so this was their last concert 4 now in Brisbane...


Brissie will miss you, I heart Hiroshima!!!

Jan 27, 2010

the holy grails of sites for IB kiddies

i will keep on adding comment on your favorite school self help sites



English:



Spanish:

Maths

I found a website with some free powerpoints, practice papers and worksheets which are great for revision:

HL powerpoints

HL worksheets

SL powerpoints

SL worksheets

Enjoy!
(or try to at least :p)

Geography

Geography Dictionary / Glossary for Students

Art

blogs
GOMA website

Biology

> Good old wikipedia (not sure about reliability but if you just want to refresh your memory of the course...)
An online biology textbook (abit more advanced than IB but can help with research etc.)

ANIMATIONS! yay!

physics

Jan 25, 2010

The melodies from Azerbaijan...

Stress is an unavoidable part of our everyday life (especially when u are an IB) but we have a cure for it -MUSIC!!!
Music is a phenomenal language that can be understood by everyone, regardless of this person's nationality. It has the power of destroying the stress...It is my personal opinion anyway.

Here is the song that helps me to fight against the stress. That's the voice of my country-Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire. The performer is Alihan Samedov, who is a professional player of this lovely musical instrument, balaban. I hope this video will be helpful 4 u in terms of coping with stress.

The first melody is called ''Azərbaycan maralı'' which can be translated as ''The Azerbaijani Beauty''(please notice that it is not a literal interpretation coz it literally means ''The reindeer of Azerbaijan''). It is an Azerbaijani folklore song which expresses love towards a beautiful Azerbaijani girl. Please enjoy!




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjhLr3ta_dY


The second one is called ''Sarı gəlin'', which  in English  means ''A blonde lady/bride'' or ''A lady/girl in yellow'', literally ''Yellow Bride''. This folklore song is based on the sad story that is about a lover who can't be together with his beloved girl-''Sarı gəlin'' and can't marry her so he expresses his grief by means of this song. Anyway..try not to cry:)) jokin'



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmlN4cbe7Jk

A new knitting project for beginners


Yes, I know you can't see my face but you see the shrug I am wearing, right? Being inspired by the magazine called "Creative Knitting", I knitted this pretty handy shrug by just following the instructions there. As a beginner, I spent about couple of weeks for making it and at the end I got a shrug (I call it a bolero...anyway) that is extremely useful when it is too hot/cold to wear a jacket.  
Now that you learnt the basics of knitting (if you still haven't, please check our video from the series of an easy-to-follow guide; you can find it either in utube or on our blog), you can easily make your own shrug. If I could do it, you can definetely do it!!!

O.K. Ready? Let's start!!!

What you'll need: Yarn of the colour you like (recommended 50g balls of the cotton thread), knitting needles 5.5mm and 4.5mm (equivalents for US are 9 and 7; for UK 5 and 7)

What you need to notice:  Please find your measurement and knit, following the instructions that suits to your measurement. You don't want to knit a shrug that you can't wear at the end coz it is either small or big in size, do you?

Woman's Measurements
                    S   M       L     XL
To fit size (cm)     8-10  12-14    16-18     20-22
Length (cm)          34      35           36         37


Girl's Measurements

Years                  2    4     6   8    10
To fit chest (cm)  50  55  60  65  70
Length (cm)         16 20  24  28  31

What you need to understand: You might have noticed from the knitting magazine etc, knitting has its own 'language', i.e. abbreviations. I will provide you with the glossary that in fact helped me to follow the instructions and hopefully, will be helpful 4 you.

Glossary: To be honest, I just copied it from the magazine "Creative Knitting". Thanks to the editors of this lovely magazine.

KNITTING ABBREVIATIONS



Alt - Alternate; alternately

Beg - Begin; begins; beginning


CC - Contrasting colour


Ch -Chain


Cm - Centimetre/s


CO - Cast on


Cont - Continue; continuing


Dec - Decrease; decreasing


Dk- Double Knitting


Foil - Follow; follows; following


G st - Garter stitch. If knitting back and forth, knit every row. If knitting circularly, one round knit, next
round purl.


Inc - Increase; increasing


K-Knit


K1 - Knit one stitch


K2tog - Knit two stitches together


Kb - Knit through the back of the stitch


Kwise - Knitwise


M - Make one stitch


MC - Main colour. When two or more colours are used, the main colour is the yarn that is dominant.


P-Purl


P1 - Purl one stitch


P2tog - Purl two stitches together


Patt - pattern


Psso - Pass slipped stitch over previous stitch


Pb- Purl through the back of the stitch


Pwise - Purlwise


Rem - Remaining


Rep - Repeat


S1 1 - Slip one stitch across from  left needle to right needle without knitting it.


S1 1 Purlwise - Slip next stitch off left needle onto right as if to purl the stitch.


Sts - Stitches


St st - Stocking stitch. If knitting back and forth, one row knit, next row purl. If knitting circularly, knit


each round.


55K - blip, slip knit. Makes a left slanting decrease. Slip two stitches knitwise, on at a time from the left to the right needle, then knit them together through their backs.


Tog - Together


WS- Wrong side


Ybk- Yarn back


Y fwd - Yarn forward - bring yarn under the needle, then over to the knitting position again, creating a


new stitch.


Yo - Yarn over.

Instructions

WOMAN'S SHRUG (BEG AT LOWER BACK)



Using 5.50mm needles, cast on 86 (98-110-118) sts.


1 st Row: K2,*P2,K2,rep from * to end.


2nd Row: P2,*K2,P2,rep from * to end.


Last 2 rows form rib patt for Back.


Cont in rib until work measures 16cm from beg, working last row on wrong side. Tie a marker at each end of next row to indicate beg of armhole.



Beg Armhole: Change to 4.50mm needles.


1 st Row: K2, 'M1' knitways, rib to last 2 sts, 'M 1 'knitways, K2 ... 88 (100-112-120) sts.


2nd Row: P3, * K2, P2, rep from * to last st, P1.


3rd Row: K3, * P2, K2, rep from * to last st, K1. Rep last 2 rows until work measures 36 (38-40-42) cm from markers, working last row on right side.


Next Row (wrong side): P2, K2tog, rib to last 4 sts, K2tog, P2 ... 86 (98-110-118) sts. Place a marker at each end of last row to indicate end of armhole.


Change to 5.50mm needles and cont in rib until work measures 16cm from second markers, working last row on wrong side. Cast off loosely in rib. 

TO MAKE UP

'Mattress St' method and a plain yarn to sew up your handknit are recommended. Join side seams to markers, reversing seams half-way to allow turn-back for collar.

Mattress Stitch method is as follows:



1 . Put the two pieces next to each other, right side up and edges together.


2. Thread a wool needle with along length of yarn.


3. Work one whole stitch (V shape) in from the edge and leave a long end before beginning to sew.


4. Put the needle between the edge stitch and the second stitch on the first row. Pass the needle


under 2 rows (2 cross bars), then bring it back through to the front.


5. Repeat step 4 on the other piece.


6. Swap from side to side, always going into the hole that the last stitch on that side came out of.


Always go under two rows - be careful not to miss any rows,


7. Keep the seam firm, but do not pull the yarn too tightly.


8. When the seam is finished, sew in ends.


GIRL'S SHRUG (BEG AT LOWER BACK)


Using 5.50mm needles, cast on 54 (62-66-70-74) sts.


1 st Row: K2, * P2, K2, rep from * to end.


2nd Row: P2, * K2, P2, rep from * to end. Last 2 rows form rib patt for Back.


Cont in rib until work measures 5 (8-10-13-14) cm from beg, working last row on wrong side. Tie a marker at each end of next row to indicate the beg of armhole.

Beg Armhole: Change to 4.50mm needles.

1st Row: K2, 'M1' knitways, rib to last 2sts,'MTknitways, K2 ... 56 (64-68-72-76) sts.


2nd Row: P3, * K2, P2, rep from * to last st P1


3rd Row: K3, * P2, K2, rep from * to last st, K1. Rep last 2 rows until work measures 22 (24-28-30-34) cm from markers, working last row on right side.


Next Row (wrong side): P2, K2tog, rib to last 4 sts, K2tog, P2 ... 54 (62-66-70-74) sts. Place a marker at each end of last row to indicate end of armhole.


Change to 5.50mm needles and cont in rib until work measures 5 (8-10-13-14) cm from second markers, working last row on wrong side.


Cast off loosely in rib.


TO MAKE UP


Work as given for Make Up for Woman's Shrug.

And, that's about it!!!
If you have any questions, contact us on notazebra@hotmail.com or comment on the blog....

Jan 22, 2010

Crocheting cute dolls

Amigurumi!!!
As the 'Not a Zebra' team, we feel so passionate about the Japanese doll making technique-amigurumi (ah-mee-guh-roo-mee). ''Ami is a shortening of the word amimie, which means 'stitch.' Gurumi is a shortening of the word nuigurumi, which means 'stuffed doll or toy'. Smoosh the two together and you get amigurumi.''

The crochet hook is a powerful instrument to make these awesome 'creations'. They are cute, challenging creativity and requiring little bit crocheting technique as well as passion and patience. However, the greatest thing about them is that these dolls are awesome for the gift ideas.

'Not a Zebra' presents you our 'humanoids'; they are original in themselves-totally, the product of our imagination! Oh yeah, that's another great feature of the Amigurumi-you can crochet whatever you like, once you got used to the technique:)))

Our visual guide on crocheting is coming soon and hopefully, in our later posts, we will be showing how to these cute dolls:)
4 for Now, We Have a Question:
 Have you been inspired?

If your answer is YES, please do not hesitate to comment or e-mail us on notazebra@hotmail.com.

Thanks to the helpful book, 'Amigurumi' by Elisabeth A. Doherty.

Jan 21, 2010

Shinji Ohmaki

i went to GOMA, inspired to play once again in the whimsical child like string instilation by Shinji Ohmaki. this has to be the best art work ever. first you can touch it and 2nd you can finally play 44 home in an art work > ok this is going on the list of outrages things to have in my dream house. think about it a room of string.






please watch and hopefully you can enjoy this amazing work > even virtually!!! 


info from the GOMA site: 
Shinji Ohmakis installations create absorbing and labyrinthine environments through a skilful deployment of repetition and scale, and the use of everyday materials such as flour, correction fluid, and thread. Often working with the architecture of the gallery, Ohmaki transforms spaces so that boundaries between the interior and exterior become blurred. Liminal air descend 2006 combines masses of knotted thread, artificial light and architectural form to produce dramatic, immersive encounters. Inspired by the beauty of natural forms, Ohmakis works invite a sense of wonder and weightlessness, conveying the notion of infinity. The formal aesthetic structures of Japanese architecture and Zen gardens are also important points of departure for Ohmaki, as is their function as spaces for meditation and contemplation. Inspired by these architectures, Ohmaki transforms a discrete gallery space in the Gallery of Modern Art into a liminal zone, offering a profoundly physical experience in which audiences can consider perceptions of eternity and the sublime. Experience the buzz of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT6) opening weekend at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and Queensland Art Gallery (QAG), Brisbane, Queensland, in December 2009. Two days of artist talks, discussions, in-conversations and artist performances.



Jan 17, 2010

Step-by-step guide of knitting for BEGINNERS

Surprise from the 'Not a Zebra' team!!!

From now on, we will be presenting the series of 'an easy-to-follow guide' for beginners!
The guides will mainly be the explanatory videos:) 

      The first visual guide is on knitting!
Are you eager to learn how to knit? If yes, this video is just for u!!!

Jan 15, 2010

What more can I give?

Here is the song I got obsessed with during this holiday...

Well, it is not a new song but I 've discovered it  recently...This has not been that popular compare to the other songs of Michael Jackson and has got a conflicting history. To find out more about it, just click on http://www.allmichaeljackson.com/lyrics/whatmorecanigive.html.

If you are lazy, here is a little extract and useful info about this song:

''Michael Jackson recorded this song with more than 35 artists including 3LW, Aaron & Nick Carter, Anastacia, Beyonce, Carlos Santana, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Hanson, Julio Eglesias, Luthor Vandross, Mariah Carey, Mya, N Sync, Ricky Martin, Shakira and Usher to name a few.''

''Michael was inspired to write this song after he met Nelson Mandela in 1999. Michael said that song was to help people find comfort, and help ensure global unity after such a tragic event had occurred. (the September 11th 2001 attacks)''

I found it so appealing and sincere so I couldn't just stop listening to it...Besides, it is really good to improve your Spanish:) yeah I know IB talk again but it is true...In fact, listening to the Spanish music and following lyrics of it is just so perfect, if you are eager to learn this language:)))


Please enjoy this lovely song...
''There are 2 versions of this song:
 an English version



Here is the lyrics:
What more can I give
How many people would have to die before we understand
How many children have to cry, before we do all we can?
If sending your love is all you can give
That we all live
How many times can we turn our heads
And pretend we cannot see
Healing the wounds of our broken earth
We are one global family
Just sending your preying
Is something you will feel
Helping one heal
What have I got that I can give?
What have I got that I can give?
To love and to teach you
To hold and to need you
What more can I give?
Say the words
I will lay me down for you
Call my name
I am your friend
Why do they keep teaching us
Such hate and cruelty
We should give over and over again
Over and Over again
Don't do it
Don't drop the ball
What have I got that I can give?
What have I got that I can give?
To love and to conceal you
To hold and to need you
What more can I give?
What have I got that I can give?
What have I got that I can give?
To love and to conceal you
To hold and to need you
What more can I give?


and a Spanish version



The Spanish lyrics is a follows:

Todo para ti
¿Cuántas personas se perderán y nadie protestará?
¿Cuántos pequeños van a llorar y nadie lo evitará?
Un poco de amor, no hay más que pedir para vivir.
¿Cuántas miradas se esconderán pretendiendo no saber?
Que al mundo herido hay que ayudar y es de todos el deber.
Con una oración y un poco de fé, ayudaré...
Voy a dar todo para ti
Voy a dar todo para ti
Ayuda y abrigo,
Abrazo de amigo
Amor para ti.
Todos hermanos que el llanto cruel no nos deja hacer la paz.
Todos unidos de corazón y la unión nos salvará.
Un poco de amor, para ti, para mi
Para vivir...
Voy a dar todo para ti
Voy a darlo todo
Voy a dar todo para ti
Ayuda y abrigo,
Abrazo de amigo
Amor para ti.
Llámame y yo vendré por ti.
Háblame, te escucharé.
Por qué caer en la maldad.
¿Por qué odiar así cuando hay tanto, tanto que dar?
Voy a dar todo para ti
Voy a darlo todo
Voy a dar todo para ti
Todo para ti
Todo para ti
Ayuda y abrigo,
Abrazo de amigo
Amor para ti
Voy a dar todo para ti
Todo para ti
Todo para ti
Voy a dar todo para ti
Voy a dar todo para ti
Ayuda y abrigo,
Abrazo de amigo
Amor para ti
Voy a dar todo para ti (voy a darlo todo)
Voy a dar todo para ti
 Ayuda y abrigo,
Abrazo de amigo
Amor para ti
Voy a dar todo para ti
Voy a dar todo para ti
Ayuda y abrigo,
Abrazo de amigo
Amor para ti
Voy a dar todo para ti
Voy a dar todo para ti
Ayuda y abrigo,
Abrazo de amigo
Amor para ti

Please do not hesitate to comment:) Your opinions are important for NOT a Zebra!

Jan 14, 2010

Our Mission Statement

It all started with the IB...



For those who haven't heard of IB; it stands for the International Baccalaureate Program that breeds the army of very 'unique' students. To be exact, the students, who have no sense of pain and look for opportunities everywhere to get Creative, Active and do Service:) This is the philosophy behind the original IB subject-CAS...Ok, ok, enough...I'm not going to talk IB'ish


During holiday-time, being typical IB'ers-Aili and Aliya came up with the creative project-making the pompom wreath...well, as you guessed, it was for CAS:) This awesome project inspired us to build the blog Not a Zebra!!!


'Not a Zebra' was born on 11.01.2010. Since its first breath, it undertook the mission of creativity and inspiration! The 'Not a Zebra' team looks at the world from the 'not a zebra' perspective-we see more positive and colourful stripes than black & white and WE ARE HERE to share our optimism...

Our intention is to inspire you, who read this blog, to open your creative mind, having fun and learning at once! (sorry, I just can't get rid of my IB'ish way of talking)


Are you ready?
Get inspired and create with 'Not a Zebra'!!!


<3 Aili and Aliya



Zoom in the Fiber


Please, focus on the picture above for a couple of minutes. What do you reckon it is made of?

I might surprise you: it is ''wool, felted with needle felted details''.
This art work is called ''Supernova of the Soul'' and belongs to Betty Maguire Hazylett. She is a fiber artist. The Fiber Art? What is it?
Also known as Textile Art, it is a branch of fine art, which was always attacked and put in dillemma by means of the cliche question 'Is it ART?'. What makes it art? What is art? These are the questions that I am exploring for my IB art. Betty M.H. is one of my inspirations. She has her own unique style and the materials she uses are mainly felt and wool but in overall, the materials for the Textile art can vary from human hair to the fish skin. It is an amazing style of Art. The more I investigate it, the more I fall in love with it.
Here are other fantastic works by her. Her abstract work is not disturbing but heart-warming, which really suits to my theme-Love....






Jan 13, 2010

crochet


WE heart crochet pieces








crochet lamps.






<3 crochet stones creative way to decorate lovely water weathered stones. 



Crochet Plates!!!


this is soo cute,  finally my stone collection can keep cold during winter. thanks to resurrection fern : http://resurrectionfern.typepad.com/resurrection_fern/cats-and-dogs/
ok, says aili finally i know how to incorporate aliya's theme of textiles to change: apperance change, experimenting with concealing the outsides of things with crochet thus changing the aesthetics of the object .





Knit a Scarfette with Vintage Buttons
 Lazy Girls Guide to Felting Rocks


< crochet helpers also borrowed from resurrection fern. 



Jan 12, 2010

Gonkar Gyatso

recently journey to the Brisbane art gallery G.O.M.A saw this work, and instantly loved it  here are links to the interview of Gonkar about his work






Gonkar Gyatso

he uses stickers line and form to express the commerializing of tibet. it is really cool work because of the mixture of mostly stickers, newspaper cuttings and pencil sketchs the images range from  sailormoon to words to porn to images of himself. if you are in brisbane i highly recomend it.