What if we did something unexpected, perhaps even out-of-character, in order to bring happiness to someone else? Take a look at the video below. A few college students are treated to a Coca-Cola Happiness Machine where the unexpected happens. Some may argue the reason for the excitement is getting something for free, however I wonder if the same machine doled out jokes, a handshake, or perhaps wrote a check to a non-profit organization, if the reaction might be very similar. Keep reading below the video!
Win Computer!
As some of you know, I've been given a to use on longterm loan, put through the paces and then GIVE ONE AWAY to the readers of this blog.
My contest
Create a video that shows you bringing an unexpected moment of happiness to someone. My goal is very simple in that I hope these moments will get us all thinking about ways we can brighten our days and those of others around us.
Once you've created your video, follow these steps.
- your video to YouTube and be sure to include the tag, "HappinessM90." You may add other tags if you like.
Note YouTube's requirements below. Although YouTube allows videos up to 15 minutes in length, I strongly recommend your video be much, MUCH shorter.
Videos can be...High Definition
Up to 2 GB in size.
Up to 15 minutes in length.
A wide variety of formats
- Give some background and cite this blog (with the URL) and the Lenovo M90 in your YouTube video description. .
- Between May 1 and May 5, comment here with the link to your video and some reflection about your experience creating the video.
You are on the Honor System for a few things:
- If you include other people in your video, you must have their permission to post online.
- No copyrighted material or copyrighted music without permission. If you use someone else's material (with permission) be sure to give credit where credit is due. See YouTube's and the page. These pages can help you determine whether your video infringes on someone else's copyrighted material. YouTube is on violations and I wouldn't want you to lose out. Here are a few resources you may want to use:
- For images, try this created by .
This contest is open to anyone, in and outside the United States. One entry per person. I will select the winner (most likely with the assistance of some friends who do not enter) and you can probably guess that originality and engagement and FOLLOWING THE DIRECTIONS will be most important in the selection process.
The winner will be notified via YouTube's "" feature (so be sure your YouTube account is linked to a valid email address). The number of entrants will dictate when the winner is announced, however it is my intention to announce the winner within a few days of contest close date, May 5, 2011. Lenovo has promised to ship the computer as soon as I provide the winner's shipping information.
The winning video will also be featured here on A GeekyMomma's Blog.
I realize I've made this a tough contest, possibly weeding out many of you who might feel intimidated by the idea of creating a video, and if this promotion isn't your thing, you have many other opportunities to win. These blogs listed below are also running their own promotions to give away a Lenovo M90z:
Lenovo M90z Participants
| Site | Start | End Date | |
| Apr 14 | Apr 18 | ||
| Apr 15 | Apr 19 | ||
| Apr 16 | Apr 20 | ||
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| Apr 18 | Apr 22 | ||
| Apr 19 | Apr 23 | ||
| Apr 21 | Apr 25 | ||
| Apr 22 | Apr 26 | ||
| Apr 23 | Apr 27 | ||
| Apr 25 | Apr 29 | ||
| Apr 26 | Apr 30 | ||
| Apr 27 | May 1 | ||
| Apr 28 | May 2 | ||
| Apr 29 | May 3 | ||
| Apr 30 | May 4 | ||
| A GeekyMomma's Blog | May 1 | May 5 | |
| May 2 | May 6 | ||
| May 3 | May 7 | ||
| May 4 | May 8 | ||
| May 5 | May 9 | ||
| May 6 | May 10 | ||
| May 7 | May 11 | ||
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| May 9 | May 13 | ||
| May 10 | May 14 | ||
| May 11 | May 15 |
You can upload your video to YouTube at anytime,
Have fun!
12 comments:
Right now the only machine that could make me happy would be one that could suck out a LOT of water from my cellar, carry off the wet carpeting, dry the whole thing out for me and take out all the trashed 'stuff.' (23 years in the house and we NEVER had water problems before) But, I'll pass this on to colleagues who may have energy for more creativity!
Hmmm... Why not make it a bit easier for us to join? What if we don't have a camcorder or a camera phone? I am watching every site doing this contest and this is the most difficult I think. Good luck to those who will join but I will just wait for the next site to open their own contest.
HappinessM90 This video was made to celebrate success and the learning of new and wonderful things that can be done with digital resources in schools. This was sent from a cell during the presentation and fits with happiness and the blog post at /2011/04/can-you-be-happiness-machine.html. Of course, all this could be done on a Lenovo M90. And it would go to Poway Unified School District to continue their great work with technology.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oknzTUBYXtg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS-SjIy6jTc Same deal as before. With another, short, happy video from a participant.This video was made to celebrate success and the learning of new and wonderful things that can be done with digital resources in schools. This was sent from a cell during the presentation and fits with happiness. Of course, all this could be done on a Lenovo M90. And it would go to Poway Unified School District to continue their great work with technology
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC3czEDQQfc Another happy participant. Let's hear it for the social network of GeekyMomma, cell phone videos, and technology in classrooms everywhere. This video was made to celebrate success and the learning of new and wonderful things that can be done with digital resources in schools. This was sent from a cell during the presentation and fits with happiness and the blog post at /2011/04/can-you-be-happiness-machine.html. Of course, all this could be done on a Lenovo M90. And it would go to Poway Unified School District to continue their great work with technology.
I read about this contest and brought it up to one of my classes. They’re not a group that it typically enthusiastic about school, but they loved the idea. They came up with some bizarre plans, until one looked out the window & said we should do something outside (today was one of the first warm, sunny days we’ve had this spring). They got really excited, and were able to convince most of their senior class (it’s a small school) to spend their lunch period playing duck, duck, goose outside. Most of them knew nothing about the contest—they just came to play and have fun. They had a BLAST! Seeing a bunch of high school seniors (in May!) playing a kids’ game and giggling like… well, like kids… was pretty amazing. They laughed even more when they watched the video I took. Talk about spreading spontaneous happiness!
Thanks for the contest and for the fun you brought my students today!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwzcQ532AKk
happinessM90
In my attempt to be a happiness machine, I experienced an "unexpected happy" moment and captured it on my flip.
My hopes are that by seeing this video you will smile and enjoy the day and the moments that are all around you ...some that are expected and some not...because they are both fleeting...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts-3WWV60_o
Thanks Lee, Darren
I just finished creating this video showcasing the ISTE Newbie Project: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-P7ynw7c04.
Over the last 2 years this project has brought a tremendous amount of happiness to three very special educators. When each one of these people were told that I had selected them to be the Newbie and they would be attending ISTE for free they were not only happy, but shocked. While I was making this video tonight I recalled the conversations that I had with Richard, Jason, and George both when I told them they had been selected to be the Newbie and when the fundraising was over. All three of them had the same reaction which was, "I cannot believe people sent money for me to attend this conference!"
Even if I don't win this awesome computer, I still had a wonderful time putting this together and spending some time remembering what a wonderful time I have had heading up this project.
My son has taught me so much about happiness. It's not about the big things, but the little everyday things. It's not about looking for happiness, but creating moments of happiness. I captured this footage back in January 2009, and it always puts a smile on my face. Who would have ever thought snow could taste like a hamburger! Priceless.
Here's the link. Thanks for the challenge, Lee!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2J5ddEKOfs
There wasn't much time to plan, create, and edit a video but I realized that even though I can't afford to create a huge fun spectacle, I can't afford to miss an opportunity to try and win this either. My oldest son (almost 6yo) shares my current computer and my wife uses a netbook. I write a blog from home, but my wife homeschools so I have to give up time at my desk (computer is in my son's room).
I created a happiness machine to surprise my youngest son who just turned 2yo last month. I used a sock puppet and took a video with our camera. It was hard to hold the camera, but I have to go to work (2nd shift) and wanted to get this entry in right away.
I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed making it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RnIxSy6jC4
One more thing - if for any reason you chose my video, you can edit it any way you want..video is yours.
Thanks,
Larry H.
I'm back with a MUCH better version of the video - all the rules of the giveaway still followed, but edited down to just over a minute, brightened, and a few dissolves added.