Psychological Neoteny

One World, One Dream

2008-10-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
It is Blog Action Day and the theme this year is poverty. If you are not familiar with Blog Action Day, it is a day when bloggers are encouraged to write on one specific topic on a specified day of the year. Last year bloggers were challenged to write about the environment in order to focus our everyday conversations on a topic of importance instead of the trivial chit-chat normally found in our daily interactions. I wrote about the unsustainable lifestyle that our society has grown accustomed to and the need to question that lifestyle in a post called "Global Problem."

This year's topic of poverty is universally felt by everyone around the world. Besides the more obvious definition of poverty as a lack of the human necessities of food, clothing, and shelter, poverty also refers to lack of opportunity -- for example, opportunities to learn, to prosper, or to succeed. Given my Olympic fever back in August, I feel that it is my responsibility to address the other side of the China Olympic story... well at least one aspect of the controversy that I think is poignantly illustrated in this image (whether or not this is real or Photoshopped):

Beijing Olympics, One World, One Dream [SOURCE]

MORAL:
The result of the juxtaposition of the Olympics with the reality of living conditions for so many in China was direct conflict. Yet it was almost too easy to resolve that conflict as the Olympics played out in all of its glory as we are distracted by the pomp and circumstance as well as the accomplishments of the athletes. However it was unfair to everyone involved to have to come to a resolution in the first place. Isn't the Olympics about strengthening infrastructure not only physically but also mentally? Did the people of China reap this ultimate benefit of having the Olympics in Beijing? Perhaps some did and will but one could argue that most did not and that is an even greater tragedy. What happens to these people? And why have we stopped talking about them since the Olympic closing ceremonies?

Art Inspiration: Reverse Graffiti

2008-09-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
Over the past year or so, reverse graffiti has been getting a lot of attention among artists and for good reason. The creativity and beauty in these often elaborate pieces call us to question societal perceptions about traditional graffiti. And while reverse graffiti simply involves cleaning dirt or debris to create an image instead of the use of paint or markers, somehow it is still subject to the same perception of recklessness and lawlessness as traditional graffiti.

Alexandre Orion working on his piece "Ossario: Art Less Pollution" via Ossario

The blog, Environmental Graffiti, which writes about cool and quirky environmental news, did a good overview of works of reverse graffiti. The ad hoc scribbles on dirty cars that we have all done at some point in our lives are put to shame by these works. Be on the look at for this style of graffiti to flourish in the future.

One of my favorites are Brazil's Alexandre Orion work "Ossario: Art Less Pollution," where he cleaned skulls into the wall of a transportation tunnel to highlight the negative effect of car emissions.

The originator of reverse graffiti is arguably Paul "Moose" Curtis. His Reverse Graffiti Project has done several large scale works in San Francisco.

Reverse Graffiti Project by Moose Curtis via PicoCool

MORAL:
This is a great example of the rethinking of materials. Both the production and execution of these pieces are noteworthy. The pieces themselves are awe inspiring and the process is equally intriguing.

Art Inspiration: Part 1

2008-08-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
Last year I wrote about the artist Phil Hansen in a post called "Inspiration." Hansen mostly does portraits that have a single or multiple stencil look although most do not actually utilize stencils. The latest piece that is featured on Hansen's website is a huge portrait (15.5 ft x 11.5 ft) of Lance Armstrong. Hansen made the painting by dripping paint onto the wheels of a classic red Radio Flyer tricycle that he rode over the canvas. This piece does utilize clear plastic stencils to get a clean look but the marks have a lot of depth and character because of the way they marks were applied.

Here is a video of the making of this piece: "Lance"

MORAL:
Phil Hansen's creative methods and materials are always inspiring for me. Throw in his consistent output of work and I'm sold. He has discipline and talent... both of which I could use a little more of right now.

I haven't produced new work for a long while and the last time that I did was for a class that I took last year on block and lino printmaking. So if it were not for the class motivating me to pursue my art, I would still be without new work. I simply have not had the motivation or discipline to follow through even though I have been constantly developing new ideas. I am not sure what is holding me back... fear perhaps? Lack of time? Lack of talent? All of the above? Whatever the reason or excuse, it is clear that I can no longer hide behind it.

An artist friend of mine recommended that I read the book "Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking" by David Bayles and Ted Orland. I just started reading it and already it is giving me necessary perspective.

So my next several posts will focus on artists that inspire me, like Phil Hansen, for whatever reason -- their conviction, their artwork, their methodology, the subject of their art, etc. I hope that by surrounding myself with their work something good will rub off on me.

Urban Prankster

2008-08-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
My newest obsession is the blog Urban Prankster. According to their about me, "Urban Prankster covers pranks, hacks, participatory art, flash mobs, and other creative endeavors that take place in public places in cities across the world."

Their most recent post was on a piece from Bruno Taylor's "Playful Spaces" series where he installs a swing at a London bus stop.

Several blog's have covered Bruno Taylor's "Playful Spaces" work. Check them out:

Pixelsumo -- Bruno Taylor

Wooster Collective -- Bruno Taylor's Playful Spaces

TreeHugger -- Go Play Outside: Bruno Taylor Makes Cities Fun

designboom -- playful spaces by bruno taylor

Urban Prankster -- Bus Stop Swing

MORAL:
This video made me very happy this morning so I just had to share the happiness that it brought to me. I think I will search out a swing later this afternoon and rekindle the joy of childhood.

Let It Out

2008-08-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
As a continuation of my post on Olympic fever, an appropriately timed release of Kleenex's 40-minute documentary on US athletes and the fans they inspired does just the trick to get right to the core of the Olympic spirit.

Here is the trailer for the film:

Go to the Let It Out website to view the full documentary.

MORAL:
At the core of the Olympics is the promise of humanity. You are compelled to rally behind the pursuits of others as they test the limits of human capacity. The Olympics is not only a time of peace (theoretically) but it is also a time when differences are put aside to celebrate the human race. If only we could only bottle the Olympic spirit or learn to translate that spirit to our everyday... if only.

Has the Olympics inspired you? How can we live the spirit of the Olympics everyday? Let's try.

Olympic Fever!

2008-08-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
We are currently at the beginning of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing China. So much press has been given to these games before they even started on August 08 2008. And while the human rights violations and the role of China in several humanitarian crises cannot (and should not) be ignored, the Olympics should really focus on athletic skill and the competitive spirit.

If you have ever worked towards an athletic goal such as running a marathon or competing with a local intramural soccer team, then you have just a taste of what these athletes strive towards... what they live and breath for for the four (or more) years leading up to an Olympics. It takes incredible devotion and even more sacrifice. And if you ever dedicated your time and energies towards something personally important, then you have an idea about what it means to be an Olympian.

The Olympics are not only for the athletes but is equally for every country's people. There is a sense of national pride during the Olympics. But at the same time there is a sense of camaraderie between countries and athletes. If only the spirit of the Olympics could continue past the 16 days of the XXIX Olympiad.

MORAL:
I have Olympic fever! The only thing that I watch is Olympic coverage on television. Handball, trap shooting, fencing, water polo... I watch it all. I love seeing the fans in the stands waving their flags, yelling at the top of their lungs, and supporting their teams. I love seeing countries win their first Olympic medals... ever. Or seeing when the athletes march in the opening ceremonies filled with pride.

The best part of the Olympics for me is that for 16 days every two years I believe I can live out my Olympic dream. As delusional as that thought may be, during the Olympics I can dream... and dream big!

UPDATE (08/13/08): I just read this quote from Dominque Dawes, who is serving as a commentator at the Olympics, about the US silver medal win in women's Team Gymnastics. I think it sums up my point quite nicely.

"I experienced Opening Ceremonies for the first time this year," Dawes said. "And what I took away is, the Olympics is not about one athlete or one moment. It is about the team and world and the impact these athletes make on the world. No matter how well they perform." -- from ESPN.com, "Team final result should not define Sacramone" By Alyssa Roenigk

Pil-Ams Represent!

2008-08-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
I need to take moment to bring attention to all of the Pilipino-Americans who have been representing hard on American dance shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, America's Best Dance Crew, and Dancing with the Stars.

America's Best Dance Crew (ABDC) is probably the best example. Of the ten crews that started on ABDC this season (season 2), eight crews have at least one Pil-Am. SoReal Cru and Super Cr3w are two of the three remaining crews still in the competition. 6 of the 7 members of the SoReal Cru and 3 of the 6 of Super Cr3w are Pil-Am. Way to represent!

This has super special importance considering that the Philippine All Stars just won 2008 World Hip Hop Championships on August 3rd in Las Vegas! What! What!

MORAL:
I am a very proud Pilipina-American. It is important to have Pilipinos serving as positive role models in the U.S. and in the motherland so that young Pilipinos can know that hard work can provide great opportunities. The efforts of these Pilipino role models are something that I think should be recognized more. It is not easy to be a good role model but consistently these groups promote positive attitudes, good sportsmanship, mutual respect, and gratitude -- all attributes that we could all use in our daily lives.

This I Believed

2008-07-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
My friend just started a new blog with a great theme -- This I Believed. Many of you are probably familiar with the international essay project called This I Believe, which is often featured on public radio. This I Believe is intended for people to share the beliefs that guide their daily lives. This I Believed however is intended to reflect our changes in belief through the years.

MORAL:
I was asked to contribute to this new blog... and I how could I refuse? There are so many beliefs that I have had throughout my short life and the fact that they change and morph is incredibly reassuring. While it can be inspiring to see people hold true to certain core beliefs despite any opposition they may face because of those beliefs (read: voter rights, civil rights, etc.), the reality is that more of our beliefs have changed... or at least I hope they have changed.

I spent many nights debating my beliefs with friends in high school (we were a cool crowd). And it was early on in high school that I realized that I don't have to believe what my parents believe or what my teachers believe or what my religion dictates. I could and should question everything. How appropriate that I have ended up pursuing science...

Brooke Hogan = Idiot

2008-07-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
First off, there is something wrong in the world when every single past and present TV star has a reality TV show (Christopher Knight -- My Fair Brady, Scott Baio is 46 and Pregnant, Denise Richards: It's Complicated, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, and it goes on and on). Anyhow, Hulk Hogan had a show last season about his family called "Hogan Knows Best." And now this season his daughter has a spin off reality show called "Brooke Knows Best." As far as I can tell the show has everything any successful reality show in America should have... a star that is an absolute train wreck and people who will wait at her beck-and-call. Please take this as the only evidence that you need or would ever want... in a recent episode she was asked who she was going to vote for, please enjoy her horrendous response:

MORAL:
All I can say is God help us.

In Memoriam: Randy Pausch

2008-07-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

Randy Pausch giving a speech at the 2008 Commencement exercises at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh PA.

INCIDENT:
Carnegie Mellon computer science professor Randy Pausch died today of complications from pancreatic cancer. He was only 47 years old and is survived by his wife, Jai and their three children, Dylan, Logan and Chloe. Pausch gained national and international fame recently for his "last lecture" delivered at Carnegie Mellon in September of 2007. The video of the lecture made its rounds on YouTube and resulted in a book that further expounded on the themes of the original lecture -- live out your childhood dreams. I wrote about his lecture in a post called "I want to be a Tigger!" back in October and since then I have been searching for more of his great wisdom on life. Luckily, Pausch had many great friends and had touched the lives of a countless number of students. His legacy will live on in each and every person that encountered him in person and through the blessing of technology. One of Pausch's friends and colleagues at University of Virginia, Dr. Gabriel Robins, has a great website with videos, PowerPoint slides, and PDFs of Pausch's recent and not-to-recent lectures for the public to enjoy. If you haven't yet, take a moment and be moved by the strength and courage of this man. Afterwards, I am certain you will be believe that you can move mountains... and you will want to.

MORAL:
My deepest sympathies to Randy Pausch's family and to all those who were close to him. I hope and pray that his children will know what an amazing man their father was and how his life inspired millions. As a wonderful professor at UVA and CMU, he encouraged his students to push the limits of creativity and technology. Those of us that did not get the chance to take Dr. Pausch's Building Virtual Worlds class (there was always a very long wait list!) were still moved by his presence on campus. You can not say that about many professors outside of your own discipline. His "last lecture" and his time management lecture gave him the chance to inspire the world.

For sharing his message and his struggle, I will always be grateful.

Stop-Loss

2008-07-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
My friend's son just got back from his third tour in Iraq. Following two tours in Iraq his initial end of term of service date drew near and he was suppose to get out of the military; however, he was stop-lossed. If you are unfamiliar with the stop-loss policy in the United States military, it is the involuntary extension of a service member's active duty service (Thanks Wikipedia!). It has also been referred to as the back door draft. Thousands of soldiers have been stop-lossed in this current war. Depending on the timing of the stop-loss, the soldier could be forced to serve another tour of duty. My friend's son went on to serve another 18 month tour in Iraq. His stories of Iraq are unbelievable and surreal. And every moment speaking to him you feel proud of all of our military personnel serving our country and at the same time outraged at how they have been treated.

Recently a movie directed by Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don't Cry) and starring Ryan Phillippe (Igby Goes Down), Channing Tatum (Step Up), and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (3rd Rock from the Sun) has tackled this issue. Stop-loss is about the lives of a soldier and his platoon buddies as they return from their tour of duty in Iraq. Life was not as they expected it to be upon their return.

MORAL:
It is important to see this film and other films about the war in Iraq so that we can gain some perspective about the reality of war. We seem so isolated in the United States from everything that is going on in the Middle East and I wonder if an accurate image of the day-to-day in Iraq is what our country needs as we head to the voting booth in November.

If we will not get the truth from this administration, the very least we can do is to search for the truth ourselves. We owe it to our country and to our service members in the military.

The Girl Effect

2008-07-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
My friend recently posted a video about "The Girl Effect" on her blog, Tizzylish. And as I read more about it, I started to get all teary-eyed. So what is the Girl Effect?

The Girl Effect, n. The powerful social and economic change brought about when girls have the opportunity to participate in their society.

It is an almost simple concept... to give opportunities to those who are willing and capable but don't have the means. Don't we all deserve the opportunity to reach our full potential?

MORAL:
With the state of the world, it is an almost overwhelming concept to think that positive change is possible. But occasionally we get a glimmer of hope. Like minded people who are committed and driven by the promise of tomorrow remind us that we are not alone. It is not just one person working towards a better world. It is all of us. We just have to pick up our flags and fly them high so that we can find each other. That is what a good organization can do... they can organize those who want to help make things better. Together we can foster change.

337 Project

2008-07-07T23:09:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
Buildings are knocked down to make way for new developments everyday (check out Implosion World to get your fill of building and structure implosions). Although there is a high frequency of building tear downs, most don't make the news unless it is a prominent or famous building or structure like Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh or the Great Buddhas of Bamiyan. So one would not expect that the destruction of a small office building in Salt Lake City (of all places) to turn any heads... except this one did.

The 337 Project was an art collaborative experiment. The owners of the building at 337 South 400 East turned the demolition of the office building and turned it into a great opportunity. They invited 94 artists to cover the building and its 42 rooms with art including installations, graffiti art, sculptures, and paintings. The building was on display for two weekends and then it was demolished as planned.

Images from the project can be seen here. The project was also documented in a film by the Dada Factory, titled The 337 Project Documentary, which is now being screened in Salt Lake City all summer for free at the Salt Lake Art Center. Here is the trailer for the film:

An exhibit is also currently on display at the Salt Lake Art Center called Present Tense: A Post 337 Project. It is an exhibition by some of the artists who participated in the original 337 Project. Aside from the documentary and the exhibition, the 337 Project also gave birth to two good resources on art in Salt Lake City.

337 Project Blog - tracks everything related to the 337 Project including another 337 type project in the works

Dada Robotnik - "Robotnik is a place for crazy art and ideas"

MORAL:
It is so great to see imaginative thinking about the demolition of a building. Often the destruction of a building only results in lots of landfill, instead this project inspired the creativity of countless of artists and observers.

It also addresses the fragile nature of life. Although you know that at some point your life will end, it is not usually on the forefront of your mind. 337 Project starts with that premise. To create art with the knowledge that it will change and in fact be destroyed is profound. We often hold close things in this world with the hope that it will never leave our lives. If we take for one second the mindset that things are transient... that life is transient... would we live different lives?

Proposal: An Airline Passenger License

2008-06-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
I just got back from a quick weekend trip to San Diego for a friend's wedding. As you may know I have a pet peeve about how people store their luggage in the overhead compartment. So this time as I was waiting for people to board, I started thinking about all of the things that I don't like about flying. Before I leave for any trip I feel pretty anxious. It is not until I get to my destination do I begin to feel really excited. The combination of an incomplete to-do list at home, the hassle and frustration of airports, the long security lines, delayed flights, and the coordination of airport pick-ups and drop-offs can make anyone anxious.

MORAL:
Considering I fly rather often, I put some thought into how to resolve my anxieties about flying. So I came up with a proposal. My idea is that people need to get an airline passenger license. There are plenty of activities that require training before you can partake in them... why not flying? Seriously think about it... if something happened on the plane, would you like everyones first experience with opening the exit hatch or operating the emergency slide the moment when it was most needed? I don't think so.

So what would this airline passenger license involve? Well to start, a review of TSA guidelines would be good. Aren't you curious about how the guidelines were determined? Really what is the difference between 3.4 oz. and 3.5 oz. of liquid to homeland security? Follow that with training on the dos and don'ts of going through the airport security line. This is key in helping with speed of getting through the security line. Then we can round off the licensing procedure with first hand training in operating the exit doors, using oxygen masks, dealing with unruly passengers, putting on life vests while getting to the emergency exits, and of course, storing luggage properly in the overhead compartment.

This airline passenger license will take the Clear card to the next level. And if it is required for everyone, then flying will be a much better experience for all. Think about it... and while we are at it, I have some other ideas for things that should require licenses as well...

Green Porno

2008-06-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
Growing up we have all been exposed to many educational films in school and on television... think health class/sex education. There were usually full of cliches ("Stay in school!" or "Save it for marriage!"), were poorly acted, and low low budget. But that also made them pretty memorable... well the message itself was not so memorable but you get the picture.

Well, we finally have some worthwhile educational films about how insects reproduce care of the amazing Isabella Rossellini... Yes, Isabella Rossellini. These short films called Green Porno are fantastic and make science sexy. If you don't think that is possible you just need to watch a couple of these shorts. It is not really dirty, but Rossellini's Italian accent makes anything awesome.

Green Porno

MORAL:
Don't you wish that more educational films were made by the likes of Isabella Rossellini? The straightforward and matter-of-fact manner in which Rossellini presents reproduction in arthropods is refreshing... though admittedly disturbing. But perhaps it is only disturbing because of the societal climate that we are accustomed to in the United States. If we grew up on the truth and on nature being the true reality instead of the sugar-coated half-truth that is often presented as "science," perhaps the atmosphere in America for science would be different. We can only dream...

Let's compost people!

2008-06-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
My friend was recently on television demonstrating the ease of worm composting. It's easy and practical! After you watch her segment you will be sold too! What's great is that this segment was on Fox, reaching an audience that might not have been exposed to the benefits and ease of composting.

MORAL:
I am super excited to start composting. I have already been saving all of my food scraps for the worms that should be arriving any day now. My kitchen compost pail is already full of delicious decomposing food. It's like getting a new pet... except there are lots of them and they are very hungry hermaphrodites... oh, and you don't have to walk them. What more could you want?

What now?

2008-06-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
I haven't posted in awhile cause I have been a bit busy with a momentous occasion in my life and it seriously took all of my focus and energies for the past couple of weeks (or rather months depending on how you count...). But now, that it is over I am left wondering, what next?

MORAL:
Have you ever worked towards a major goal? Where you are almost blinded by everything else that is going on around you and particularly by the goal itself that you can't see past it (or perhaps you just haven't thought about what happens after you accomplish it...). It's a strange place to be... somewhere in goal purgatory. It's a bit of an uneasy feeling not knowing what to focus on next, but it can also be a really wonderful place to be.

How often to you get to say that anything is possible at this moment? - A moment when in an instant you all of a sudden have more free time (well, at least perceived free time, since all those other obligations that you had before are probably still there)... A moment when you can start working on something that you have wanted to do for a long time... A moment to re-evaluate what is most important in your life. So it's really the perfect time to tackle one of those personally important things on your to-do list that doesn't have a due date. You know all of those dreams and thoughts that you have in any given day - to take up a new sport, to learn something new, or to start volunteering for a worthy cause. Do you ever wonder, when do people have time for all of these things? Well, the answer to that question is right now.

Postcards from Yo Momma

2008-05-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
In honor of mother's day, I thought I would do a little tribute to moms. And when I came across this great website where people post hilarious emails from their moms, I thought it was pretty entertaining. It is also reassuring that we all have really awesome moms. And really awesome moms combined with all the high jinks related to learning how to use the internet machine equals a good time.

Postcards from Yo Momma

One of my favorite posts is this one:

April 30, 2008
the fun never ends

Just wanted to say hi. I know you’re probably busy getting caught up at work after last week. I hope you enjoyed the plays. Did you get the movie I sent you? Today is our 31st anniversary. We are eating leftovers for dinner, and I was bit by a dog this morning. I’m not foaming at the mouth, so far. The fun never ends. Love, Mom

MORAL:
Do you ever think that only you have crazy interactions with your mom? Well apparently you are not alone. I have to admit that while it is sometimes frustrating, it is also incredibly endearing. The little quirks about our relationships with our moms are what also make that relationship very special.

So on mother's day, I would like to thank my mom for everything she has given to my life. Despite some tense moments lately, you have filled my life with joy.

Get rid of the junk mail... please!

2008-05-07T11:25:00.001-07:00

INCIDENT:
I sure do get a lot of junk mail. Everyday I go through my mail and end up recycling the majority it. What a waste of paper! And you can't even use it for scrap paper. So between the credit card offers, mailers, and crap from present and previous affiliations who have sold my information (I secretly hate you!), I am swimming in old growth forest in the form of glossy postcards and pre-approved credit card applications. It appears that our society might have our priorities all in a muck.

MORAL:
What can we do to stop the craziness? Well, it will take some leg work (or money if you have it to spare), but we can all cut down on the junk mail.

First up to bat is the website Green Dimes, which will pay you to get rid of your junk mail. What? Yes. They will pay you a dollar, give you a magazine subscription, or plant a tree if you join at the basic level. They claim that they can get rid of 90% of your junk mail for at least 5 years. Not too bad. If you have a little more dough you can get their Premium or Bundle service where you get a lot of extras like monthly junk mail list monitoring and more trees planted... not bad for a $20 one-time fee (protection good for 5 years).

Another option is Catalog Choice. If you are already receiving paper catalogs, then this might be a good option for you. You can opt out of receiving the paper catalogs. But you need the actual catalogs so that you can get off the proper list. This might also be helpful for those who get tempted to buy things when that new catalog arrives... you know I am talking to you.

And finally the big one is opting out of the credit card offers. So the good ole government has come through with a website to opt out of these offers. You can call toll-free 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com for details. You have to provide your name, telephone number, address, date of birth, and social security number. You might be wondering about providing your social security number but I assume that since it is a government website that it is legit.

So with these tools in hand you should be well on your way to reducing your junk mail and saving some trees. Next task saving the world.

Mad Magazine

2008-05-05T22:44:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
Growing up did you ever read Mad Magazine? You know with Alfred E. Neumann ("Me worry?")... and Spy vs. Spy... and of course the fold-in on the back cover! That was usually the first thing that I did when I read Mad. Maybe because it was interactive... who knows. So how exciting is it that the New York Times online has made fold-ins from the 1960s to present available electronically?!

MORAL:
Seeing the fold-ins from the 1960s, I am realizing how the content of the fold-ins were really political and how that probably went over my head when I was reading it in junior high. So it is interesting to revisit the fold-ins through time to see how the political climate has also changed.

Enjoy the magic of electronic Mad Magazine and the embedded message that gives it a whole new level of meaning.

Earth Day Every Day

2008-04-22T00:03:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
In honor of Earth Day I thought I would share this great compilation of two films addressing industry's effect on the earth. It speaks of the negative influence of industry on people and the planet. The video is excerpts from the short film "Birth of Industry" featuring independent film star Diane Gaidry (check out the film "Egg" - part I and part II) interspersed with footage from the movie "Beaches" where Bette Midler does a stage performance of her song "Oh, Industry." In "Birth of Industry" Diane Gaidry plays the metaphorical role Mother Nature as she watches her son grow rapidly before her eyes and be drawn to industry and its evils. But in the end, Mother Nature has her revenge.

Video compilation by mlvc816 includes clips from "Birth of Industry" (Directed by Gabriela Tollman; Starring Diane Gaidry, Karen Black and Ed Flanagan) and "Beaches" (Directed by Garry Marshall; Starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey)

MORAL:
I really love how these films were combined almost seamlessly. This video compilation conveys an important message. As we sit and reflect on how industry has affected our societies and the earth, you begin to wonder if the benefits of technology and industry have been worth it. Do we really know what we have sacrificed?

Stuff White People Like

2008-04-21T00:37:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
Sometimes stereotypes can be funny when framed in a certain context. I have been really enjoying this blog called Stuff White People Like. And I have found that there are other blogs that have copied a similar framework like Stuff Asian People Like.

Now I can identify with the stereotypes of two races/ethnic groups. Awesome.

MORAL:
We have to laugh at ourselves once in awhile if we are going to make it through this life. I don't think that these blogs are mean spirited but rather take ownership of the little quirks that help define who we are... As I mentioned above, even though I am not white I identify with many of the things on the list. What does this mean? Who knows. I don't really read too much into that other than I have been blessed with many different types of friends who have influenced my life. But it also goes to show you that so many things transcend race or ethnicity. And if we see past it all, we really are very similar.

We Are The Ones

2008-04-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
will.i.am made yet another video in support of Obama. Be inspired. Have a voice. What do you care about?

MORAL:
People say that Obama is just words and nothing more. He is more and words do matter. All the time in political arenas, people use words to inspire, to strike fear, to call to organize, and to place blame. The difference between someone you trust and someone you distrust is the amount of variance between what they say and what they do. We have seen the outcome of politicians who have conflicting actions and statements. There is little tolerance for these individuals. So words do matter.

However without charismatic leaders we are also at a loss. Little emphasis this election has been put the ability of a president to bring the nation together, or to inspire hope in a time when there is little hope left. Obama has this ability to unite the nation. We need a leader and not many people can inspire hope like he has during his candidacy. Imagine what he could do as president.

Garfield minus Garfield

2008-03-17T14:13:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
Growing up I use to read the comics every Sunday at the kitchen table. I usually started out with Peanuts (my favorite!), then Calvin and Hobbes, a quick glance at Family Circus, and then of course finishing with Garfield. But who knew that Garfield (the comic) without Garfield (the character) holds an even more interesting commentary about modern life and mental illness.

MORAL:
I guess comics were meant to be funny and not somewhat tragic observations about life... well at least not the comics in the Sunday newspaper. It is really interesting to see how the exclusion of one element can completely change how we perceive a situation. By removing Garfield we go from an amusing comment on relationships to a sad portrayal of life for a lonely person. This one change... isn't this the real difference in our everyday situations? The difference between happiness and sadness is our perception of the situation. And this perception is based on how the situation is viewed... what elements we include and exclude in our evaluation... perhaps it could make all the difference. Have you wondered... What are we not seeing?

Hatred and Hope

2008-03-13T23:49:00.000-07:00

INCIDENT:
If you have not heard the hate-filled fact-free statements by Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern (sallykern@okhouse.gov) about homosexuals, then let me be the unfortunate one to expose you to the hatred that still exists in America.

MORAL:
If I could write something more eloquent about these statements that were not captured beautifully in the letter below, I certainly would share my thoughts here. But this letter written to Rep. Kern by a high school senior from Oklahoma City speaks for itself. God bless our future.

Rep Kern:

On April 19, 1995, in Oklahoma City a terrorist detonated a bomb that killed my mother and 167 others. 19 children died that day. Had I not had the chicken pox that day, the body count would've likely have included one more. Over 800 other Oklahomans were injured that day and many of those still suffer through their permanent wounds.

That terrorist was neither a homosexual or was he involved in Islam. He was an extremist Christian forcing his views through a body count. He held his beliefs and made those who didn't live up to them pay with their lives.

As you were not a resident of Oklahoma on that day, it could be explained why you so carelessly chose words saying that the homosexual agenda is worst than terrorism. I can most certainly tell you through my own experience that is not true. I am sure there are many people in your voting district that laid a loved one to death after the terrorist attack on Oklahoma City. I kind of doubt you'll find one of them that will agree with you.

I was five years old when my mother died. I remember what a beautiful, wise, and remarkable woman she was. I miss her. Your harsh words and misguided beliefs brought me to tears, because you told me that my mother's killer was a better person than a group of people that are seeking safety and tolerance for themselves.

As someone left motherless and victimized by terrorists, I say to you very clearly you are absolutely wrong.

You represent a district in Oklahoma City and you very coldly express a lack of love, sympathy or understanding for what they've been through. Can I ask if you might have chosen wiser words were you a real Oklahoman that was here to share the suffering with Oklahoma City? Might your heart be a bit less cold had you been around to see the small bodies of children being pulled out of rubble and carried away by weeping firemen?

I've spent 12 years in Oklahoma public schools and never once have I had anyone try to force a gay agenda on me. I have seen, however, many gay students beat up and there's never a day in school that has went by when I haven't heard the word **** slung at someone. I've been called gay slurs many times and they hurt and I am not even gay so I can just imagine how a real gay person feels. You were a school teacher and you have seen those things too. How could you care so little about the suffering of some of your students?

Let me tell you the result of your words in my school. Every openly gay and suspected gay in the school were having to walk together Monday for protection. They looked scared. They've already experienced enough hate and now your words gave other students even more motivation to sneer at them and call them names. Afterall, you are a teacher and a lawmaker, many young people have taken your words to heart. That happens when you assume a role of responsibility in your community. I seriously think before this week ends that some kids here will be going home bruised and bloody because of what you said.

I wish you could've met my mom. Maybe she could've guided you in how a real Christian should be acting and speaking.

I have not had a mother for nearly 13 years now and wonder if there were fewer people like you around, people with more love and tolerance in their hearts instead of strife, if my mom would be here to watch me graduate from high school this spring. Now she won't be there. So I'll be packing my things and leaving Oklahoma to go to college elsewhere and one day be a writer and I have no intentions to ever return here. I have no doubt that people like you will incite crazy people to build more bombs and kill more people again. I don't want to be here for that. I just can't go through that again.

You may just see me as a kid, but let me try to teach you something. The old saying is sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you. Well, your words hurt me. Your words disrespected the memory of my mom. Your words can cause others to pick up sticks and stones and hurt others.

Sincerely

Tucker