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RANTS & RAVES

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Well, do you? Kinda hard these days since most of us prefer texting. Gone are the days where we would answer a phone with no idea who was calling but we took our chances, let’s just say we were adventurous.

Truth be told, your voice says a lot about you. When you finally stop texting and actually call someone, that person’s voice gives you a little more insight into the person you are talking to. You sometimes can guess where the person is from, what mood they are in, how friendly they are and more.

Just like a firm handshake, a ‘solid’ voice sets the tone when meeting someone for the first time. It either impresses you or falls short. As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover but how can you not be affected by the tone, rhythm and style of someone’s voice.

I remember having a friend in college who spoke very fast, like very fast and initially, I couldn’t understand him when he would speak so there was a lot of “could you repeat that?” and “what was that?” during the first few months of class. I know when my daughter has had too much caffeine too because she speaks a mile a minute.

Speaking too slow is also a problem. Speakers and politicians and monotonous voices that put people to sleep. We should make it mandatory for them to join Toastmasters or a public speaking program. But then again, maybe that’s their sole purpose to bore you to sleep that you won’t remember what they promised to do for the community.

Then there are those who are too loud. I find these people obnoxious and honestly speaking sometimes my voice irritates the heck out of me and I’m more conscious of it when I have a migraine. And in recent months, with tourists coming back into town, my friends and I have noticed that certain foreigners from certain countries are unnecessarily loud. Are they like that from needing to be heard or needing to tell everyone heeeeey I’m foreign!

Get ready people! I’m about to rave about something… Finally. Let’s appreciate sound for all that it is. The sound of a voice can be reassuring; the sound of music can be uplifting when feeling down and the sound of nature can be soothing. Silence can be deafening to those who are uncomfortable with their thoughts so when you open your mouth or create a sound make sure it’s worthwhile.

by Noor F.Z. Ali Image | Unsplash

Did you know? Transformers actually began as Japanese toy lines in the 80’s called Micro Change and Diaclone. Obviously, they were robots that were able to transform into everyday vehicles, electronics, and even weapons. Hasbro bought the two brands and began creating backstories for them with the help of Marvel Comics. Through their evolution, one thing has remained a constant, the iconic voice of Optimus Prime.

Before Optimus was Optimus, he was formerly known as Orion Pax. In Japan, he is referred to as Convoy. The character is almost always depicted as having a strong moral compass, sound decision making skills, and most importantly, an excellent leader. With these sets of characteristics, Optimus surely needs a deep and commanding voice. Through the years and the many iterations of the Transformers series, he’s had a few voice actors have helped provide that presence, such as Ron Hayden, Neil Kaplan, Garry Chalk, Robert Belgrade, David Kaye, Jon Bailey, and Alan Tudyk. However, there’s been one voice that we all associate Optimus with, that man is Peter Cullen.

Peter was born in Montreal, Quebec on July 28, 1941. He is of Irish descent and has three siblings. Hir brother, Larry, was a retired captain in the United States Marine Corps and would inspire Peter with the voice of Optimus. He auditioned for the role of Optimus in the original animated series, which was “the opportunity of the year” for him, and won not only the part for Optimus but for Ironhide as well. Funnily enough, Peter had no idea of Optimus Prime’s popularity until the character’s somewhat controversial death in a 1986 animated film. However,

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