Seems like Prince Harry is off to the frontlines again.
That sounds wonderful and all, but why must this be reported?
I believe that it's all just a publicity act. I mean, would the Royal family really put one of their heirs in danger?
I think that if he were really to fight in the front lines, he would do it in secrecy. There would be no paparazzi, no news source tailing him around. He would just be there and we would know nothing about it, and maybe those folk in England would think that he was simply missing.
We all like to praise celebrities and whatnot for the seemingly selfless acts they do, like donating a million to x charity, or adopting a child from a developing nation. Do we really think that they're doing it out of the goodness of their hearts, or are we once again just placing these people on a pedestal, wanting to believe that they are in fact this good.
2011/05/27
2011/05/25
There is no doubt that this vibrant display of colours in the sky reflected onto the lake is a wonderful sight to see.
But it had me thinking about something completely different.
The projection of the sky on the lake looks so realistic that if you were to flip it upside down, it would look to same. One could perhaps say that it could pass off as reality.
So who's to say that the world we're living in now is or is not real? Maybe all the senses we perceive, like my fingers punching against the keys of this keyboard, or my eyes scanning the textbox of the page as I type this entry... is this really reality?
Humans like to blow things out of proportions, overthinking things, and all for what? For this material world in which the reality isn't really confirmed? We shouldn't make such a big deal out of things because in the end, they really don't matter. We'll all die, our existence will cease, and we'll just be another lost life in this "reality".
2011/05/23
Nature's Complementary Gift
The vivid colours of this photograph really serve to draw the viewer in.
An the amazing thing is that the colours are not artificial, they're not painted on or thrown together through a rigorous colour matching process which some of us humans painstakingly do everyday.
No, it comes naturally. Nature is not shallow or judgemental, it does not criticize you for terrible fashion coordination skills. Everything in nature just seems to flow together in a very innocent way, just as every living being should be.
2011/05/20
Too Old for Botox?
An aesthetician from San Francisco has apparently injected her 8-year old daughter with Botox.
Hoax or not, the story somewhat bears the same premise as the TLC show Toddlers and Tiaras
I believe that in the past few decades, children have been growing up with unrealistic expectations to fulfill.
They are no longer considered as children, but mere dolls that parents can dress up and decorate to their liking. That, and they seem to be growing up too fast, already concerned over their fine lines and wrinkles.
Just let children be children.
Hoax or not, the story somewhat bears the same premise as the TLC show Toddlers and Tiaras
I believe that in the past few decades, children have been growing up with unrealistic expectations to fulfill.
They are no longer considered as children, but mere dolls that parents can dress up and decorate to their liking. That, and they seem to be growing up too fast, already concerned over their fine lines and wrinkles.
Just let children be children.
2011/05/11
Extreme Couponing
I stumbled across this video today.
According to TLC, Extreme Couponing is a show which:
... profiles four shopaholics who use coupons to save thousands of dollars and amass huge stockpiles of goods. These shoppers go to the extremes, dumpster diving for coupons and spending hours a day searching the internet for great deals.
The lady in the video, Joyce, is seen purchasing over $200 worth of groceries. Hundreds of coupons later, the amount is reduced to under $80. Coupled alongside her store rewards card, she only has to pay around $7.
I wasn't sure whether to be infuriated or awestruck while watching the video.
For one, we've got this lady paying next to nothing for for over $200 worth of groceries while everyone else has to be full price. On the other, I realized that she is setting quite a good (if not slightly outrageous) example.
Joyce shows viewers what it means to be a smart shopper. With the economy doing so poorly and with more people losing their jobs, it would really help to save all the money you possibly can. The majority of people probably throw away any coupons they receive in the mail or use them improperly. If we followed Joyce's example, people could save hundreds per month off the cost required to feed their families.
It just takes a lot of hard work, rationalizing, and patience to save a lot of money.
According to TLC, Extreme Couponing is a show which:
... profiles four shopaholics who use coupons to save thousands of dollars and amass huge stockpiles of goods. These shoppers go to the extremes, dumpster diving for coupons and spending hours a day searching the internet for great deals.
The lady in the video, Joyce, is seen purchasing over $200 worth of groceries. Hundreds of coupons later, the amount is reduced to under $80. Coupled alongside her store rewards card, she only has to pay around $7.
I wasn't sure whether to be infuriated or awestruck while watching the video.
For one, we've got this lady paying next to nothing for for over $200 worth of groceries while everyone else has to be full price. On the other, I realized that she is setting quite a good (if not slightly outrageous) example.
Joyce shows viewers what it means to be a smart shopper. With the economy doing so poorly and with more people losing their jobs, it would really help to save all the money you possibly can. The majority of people probably throw away any coupons they receive in the mail or use them improperly. If we followed Joyce's example, people could save hundreds per month off the cost required to feed their families.
It just takes a lot of hard work, rationalizing, and patience to save a lot of money.
2011/05/09
Kate Middleton Goes Grocery Shopping
Kate Middle-- I mean the Duchess of Cambridge was seen grocery shopping at a supermarket.
Eyewitness reports say that she seemed to choose her groceries wisely, making healthy food options.
But why is this relevant?
Deep down, she's just a normal person at heart. She needs to buy food, but what she doesn't need is paparazzi following her around and people scrutinizing her every calorie-wise move.
Is it so strange that people "above" us need to buy food for themselves? Do they not eat normal food?
We need to stop viewing society at a hierarchial level and realize that these individuals are just like us. Perhaps economically wise we may be of a lower status than Kate and the rest of the royal family, but we really are equal.
I believe that us here in the masses have masochistic tendencies to place themselves on an inferior level compared to others, so that we can marvel at what a good life the superior people are living.
Maybe we're addicted to the sense of amazement we receive from seeing people live their lives in splendor, and it's better to dream than actually live out that sort of life if the opportunity strikes us.
Eyewitness reports say that she seemed to choose her groceries wisely, making healthy food options.
But why is this relevant?
Deep down, she's just a normal person at heart. She needs to buy food, but what she doesn't need is paparazzi following her around and people scrutinizing her every calorie-wise move.
Is it so strange that people "above" us need to buy food for themselves? Do they not eat normal food?
We need to stop viewing society at a hierarchial level and realize that these individuals are just like us. Perhaps economically wise we may be of a lower status than Kate and the rest of the royal family, but we really are equal.
I believe that us here in the masses have masochistic tendencies to place themselves on an inferior level compared to others, so that we can marvel at what a good life the superior people are living.
Maybe we're addicted to the sense of amazement we receive from seeing people live their lives in splendor, and it's better to dream than actually live out that sort of life if the opportunity strikes us.
Food
"You are what you eat" is a common phrase used to link an individual from the types of food they like to consume.
Fast food? Lazy and unskilled.
Gourmet cuisine? Rich and well-educated.
But such elegant designs on otherwise simple cupcakes is a feat that can be achieved by almost everyone. Decorating the interior of the cupcake can say a lot about your personality.
Is it the icing slathered on carelessly? Then you're the type that needs to calm done. Is the icing well spread on the top of the cupcake with little sprinkles and gems meticulously placed around the cupcake? Then you are a careful person with fine attention to detail.
I believe that if we all took the latter approach to preparing the food we eat, with such love for the craft of cooking and the appearance of the dish, then we could combat obesity.
Call it a far-fetched idea, but careful planning of what you put into the food during the process of preparing a meal can make you more health concious and more aware of what you eat.
2011/05/06
World's "Weirdest" Foods
Sympatico columnist Theresa Albert has compiled a list of various "weird" foods from around the world.
But what exactly constitutes as weird? What right do we have to call cultural food weird when we're eating steroid filled chicken, with it's bits and bones mashed up into pink goop, bleached with ammonia and artificially dyed and flavoured? This, ladies and gentleman, are your chicken nuggets from that fast food joint you love so much.
Perhaps we're too Eurocentric in our views regarding other cultures. There seems to be some sort of superiority complex taking effect when we look at the feats of other cultures, and we somehow end up thinking that ours is ultimately better than there's.
No, this food isn't weird (save for the human breast milk cheese which was only made to create a point), it's just unique to us. Us in this very globalised society.
Maybe it'd be better if the title were Food from Around the World instead.
But what exactly constitutes as weird? What right do we have to call cultural food weird when we're eating steroid filled chicken, with it's bits and bones mashed up into pink goop, bleached with ammonia and artificially dyed and flavoured? This, ladies and gentleman, are your chicken nuggets from that fast food joint you love so much.
Perhaps we're too Eurocentric in our views regarding other cultures. There seems to be some sort of superiority complex taking effect when we look at the feats of other cultures, and we somehow end up thinking that ours is ultimately better than there's.
No, this food isn't weird (save for the human breast milk cheese which was only made to create a point), it's just unique to us. Us in this very globalised society.
Maybe it'd be better if the title were Food from Around the World instead.
2011/05/05
Grenade
Bruno Mars' song Grenade was release some months ago, and is about a man wronged by his lover. Although he is well aware that she doesn't care for him, he is still willing to:
Catch a grenade for [her]
Throw [his] hand on a blade for [her]
[He'd] jump in front of a train for [her]
[He'd] do anything for [her]
[He] would go through all this pain,
Take a bullet straight through [his] brain
Yes, he would die for [her]
When mainstream radio isn't babbling on about sex, drugs, or booze, they're singing about killing themselves off because as a wise man named Kingsley once said, "that's just so romantic."
Really?
People thrive off this stuff, and I admit that as long as the song melody sounds nice, I am willing to drown out the lyrics and listen. But this song was just too crazy pass up. Songs like this will landmark my generation's taste in music for years to come.
I believe that somewhere, someplace, this song set up false expecations for some girl. She'll expect a man to blow himself up for her, but not being slicing off his hand and mutilating himself through a train crash.
Catch a grenade for [her]
Throw [his] hand on a blade for [her]
[He'd] jump in front of a train for [her]
[He'd] do anything for [her]
[He] would go through all this pain,
Take a bullet straight through [his] brain
Yes, he would die for [her]
When mainstream radio isn't babbling on about sex, drugs, or booze, they're singing about killing themselves off because as a wise man named Kingsley once said, "that's just so romantic."
Really?
People thrive off this stuff, and I admit that as long as the song melody sounds nice, I am willing to drown out the lyrics and listen. But this song was just too crazy pass up. Songs like this will landmark my generation's taste in music for years to come.
I believe that somewhere, someplace, this song set up false expecations for some girl. She'll expect a man to blow himself up for her, but not being slicing off his hand and mutilating himself through a train crash.
2011/05/03
People.
This video was incredible to say the least.
The narrator felt very alone. His journey each day on the NYC subway didn't ease his depression at all because he only witnessed countless strangers pass each other by without even a glance.
He decided to take up the task of asking complete strangers on the subway certain questions, regarding their existence, political perspectives, whether hate or love motivates them, and most imporantly, the meaning of life.
Many of these people had the same views, but each differed in their own aspect.
The video demonstrates how little we really know about the people around us, and the personal point I drew from it was that we shouldn't really judge people before we get to know them.
If we got to know total strangers, then we'd be exposed to a plethora of ideas and perspectives. These views are what makes everyone so unique. Also, as I have noticed in class sometimes, there may be students that look, dare I say, like deliquents. But when you really get them riled up and passionate about a topic, they can say some of the most enlightening and fascinating things. You may even agree with some of their points.
We've all got our own views, and although it may break social etiquette, from time to time, we should just share it with the person sitting next to us. Maybe you'll learn something, because we are all individuals living in this world and can use the knowledge and relations to improve ourselves and life around us.
2011/04/23
Baby Viral Videos
You've got the two cute kids in Charlie Bit My Finger -- Again!, the Blood boy, and the Hey Jude child.
Another child has joined the ranks amongst these Internal Viral Videos of children, taken by there parents:
This video shows a child looking utterly terrified as their mother proceeds to blow her knows, and then laughs it off until she does it again.
But why do these videos of little children generate millions and millions of views?
Is it their innocence, naivety even? Or maybe it's the fact that whatever they're doing is so downright ridiculous that it's funny?
I believe it's both The behaviour depicted in these videos is not how someone over the age of 5 would normally act. By then, we've "matured" and certaintly do not simulate the actions done in the videos.
Plus the sheer amazement that are shown on the faces of these children is quite admirable. Here we are in the technological age, living in a fast-paced society where we never really take the time to think and enjoy the little things in life. But in these videos we get children who are so amused by every little thing. The world is brand new to them, they are not yet weary of life and it's all going good. We want to be like them, we want to be filled with awe when we see our own reflection, or when a little dog runs across the street. Maybe we're a bit too apathetic about around surroundings, and nowadays only large feats like flying cars can amaze us.
The infant capacity for wonder is what we should all have.
Another child has joined the ranks amongst these Internal Viral Videos of children, taken by there parents:
This video shows a child looking utterly terrified as their mother proceeds to blow her knows, and then laughs it off until she does it again.
But why do these videos of little children generate millions and millions of views?
Is it their innocence, naivety even? Or maybe it's the fact that whatever they're doing is so downright ridiculous that it's funny?
I believe it's both The behaviour depicted in these videos is not how someone over the age of 5 would normally act. By then, we've "matured" and certaintly do not simulate the actions done in the videos.
Plus the sheer amazement that are shown on the faces of these children is quite admirable. Here we are in the technological age, living in a fast-paced society where we never really take the time to think and enjoy the little things in life. But in these videos we get children who are so amused by every little thing. The world is brand new to them, they are not yet weary of life and it's all going good. We want to be like them, we want to be filled with awe when we see our own reflection, or when a little dog runs across the street. Maybe we're a bit too apathetic about around surroundings, and nowadays only large feats like flying cars can amaze us.
The infant capacity for wonder is what we should all have.
2011/04/21
A Look into the Works of Makoto Shinkai
Often called the "New Miyazaki," Makoto Shinkai has wowed many fans in the past decade with his films such as Voices of a Distant Star, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, and my favourite, 5 Centimeters Per Second.
His newest film, with the title Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below, or the shorter and more literal title, Children Who Chase Stars, is to be released next month.
According to Wikipedia, the film is basically about a girl who "... embarks on a journey of adventure to meet a boy again, and thus comes to know the cruelty and beauty of the world, as well as loss."
This sounds very similar to he basis of a Makoto Shinkai film.
Shinkai's films take place in multiple universes and genres from sci-fi to slice-of-life films, yet they all focus on two aspects. One, the fragility of human relationships and two, the fact that we are only human, and will be subject to the conditions that make our relationships so fragile. Even his commercials depict this.
Even if we're in space fighting an intergalactic war (Voices of a Distant Star), rescuing our friend from a world that doesn't even exist (The Place Promised in Our Early Days), or just thinking about that one person from our past as we grow older (5cm Per Second), our memories will always wear through time, our feelings will always waver, and there are external factors in our life that are beyond our control.
All of these contribute to the ever fluxuating existence of human relationships.
I think the beautiful thing about Shinkai's films is that no matter where they take place, the characters feel very real as they are all very relatable. Even if we are disappointed in the events that unravel to the characters and their relations to others, we understand why they would happen because it can very well happen in our own lives.
I look forward to seeing his new film and hope it will be just as lovely as his previous works.
His newest film, with the title Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below, or the shorter and more literal title, Children Who Chase Stars, is to be released next month.
According to Wikipedia, the film is basically about a girl who "... embarks on a journey of adventure to meet a boy again, and thus comes to know the cruelty and beauty of the world, as well as loss."
This sounds very similar to he basis of a Makoto Shinkai film.
Shinkai's films take place in multiple universes and genres from sci-fi to slice-of-life films, yet they all focus on two aspects. One, the fragility of human relationships and two, the fact that we are only human, and will be subject to the conditions that make our relationships so fragile. Even his commercials depict this.
Even if we're in space fighting an intergalactic war (Voices of a Distant Star), rescuing our friend from a world that doesn't even exist (The Place Promised in Our Early Days), or just thinking about that one person from our past as we grow older (5cm Per Second), our memories will always wear through time, our feelings will always waver, and there are external factors in our life that are beyond our control.
All of these contribute to the ever fluxuating existence of human relationships.
I think the beautiful thing about Shinkai's films is that no matter where they take place, the characters feel very real as they are all very relatable. Even if we are disappointed in the events that unravel to the characters and their relations to others, we understand why they would happen because it can very well happen in our own lives.
I look forward to seeing his new film and hope it will be just as lovely as his previous works.
2011/04/15
The Upsides of Social Networking
In a a previous post, I blogged about how technology strains the physical connections between people.
But I think this video here shows what positive factors can come out of the use of social networking:
A Youtube celebrity named Michael Aranda was visiting England in order to help the band Chameleon Circuit record an album. They visited Paris and on the way back to England, Aranda was denied entrance because of some mishaps on his passport. He told the customs officer that he was to stay in England for six weeks, but the officer wrote six months instead. In pen. So of course, he was, and still is, stranded in Paris. He is also considered a "significant" risk to the UK because of a mark they made on his passport.
He then wrote a message on the social networking site Twitter:
The UK denied me reentry. I'm stuck, alone, in Paris, with nowhere to go or stay. This is good.
A scary situation, I know. But luckily a Parisian fan saw the message and responded to it by telling him that he could stay with her and her family. He is currently residing with the fan and given shelter and food.
I think it's cool how fast information can be spread over the internet, and how easy it is to seek help. Let's say if he were stranded in Paris in the 1950s, where would he get help? Maybe he would have to make a long distance call which I'm sure was pricey back then. Regardless, the world just seems smaller and smaller nowadays as people are connected more than ever through a series of electrical networks.
I also remember reading an article last year about a man who had been taken hostage by terrorists. They had a cellphone and asked him how they were supposed to access the internet, and in turn he introduced them to Twitter. The hostage was able to post a message on Twitter, saying that he was still alive and well. It didn't really help his situation, but it did give some reassurance to his loved ones.
Social networking can become such a nifty tool at times like these, so it shouldn't receive that much criticism.
Also regarding Aranda's situation, Chameleon Circuit members Charlie McDonnell and Alex Day have set up an online petition to get him back into England. So far, it has 29278 signatures and counting. Once they've got enough, Day will present it his local MP. I don't know if it will work, but it really goes to show you how easy it is to connect and reach out to others in this day and age.
But I think this video here shows what positive factors can come out of the use of social networking:
A Youtube celebrity named Michael Aranda was visiting England in order to help the band Chameleon Circuit record an album. They visited Paris and on the way back to England, Aranda was denied entrance because of some mishaps on his passport. He told the customs officer that he was to stay in England for six weeks, but the officer wrote six months instead. In pen. So of course, he was, and still is, stranded in Paris. He is also considered a "significant" risk to the UK because of a mark they made on his passport.
He then wrote a message on the social networking site Twitter:
The UK denied me reentry. I'm stuck, alone, in Paris, with nowhere to go or stay. This is good.
A scary situation, I know. But luckily a Parisian fan saw the message and responded to it by telling him that he could stay with her and her family. He is currently residing with the fan and given shelter and food.
I think it's cool how fast information can be spread over the internet, and how easy it is to seek help. Let's say if he were stranded in Paris in the 1950s, where would he get help? Maybe he would have to make a long distance call which I'm sure was pricey back then. Regardless, the world just seems smaller and smaller nowadays as people are connected more than ever through a series of electrical networks.
I also remember reading an article last year about a man who had been taken hostage by terrorists. They had a cellphone and asked him how they were supposed to access the internet, and in turn he introduced them to Twitter. The hostage was able to post a message on Twitter, saying that he was still alive and well. It didn't really help his situation, but it did give some reassurance to his loved ones.
Social networking can become such a nifty tool at times like these, so it shouldn't receive that much criticism.
Also regarding Aranda's situation, Chameleon Circuit members Charlie McDonnell and Alex Day have set up an online petition to get him back into England. So far, it has 29278 signatures and counting. Once they've got enough, Day will present it his local MP. I don't know if it will work, but it really goes to show you how easy it is to connect and reach out to others in this day and age.
2011/04/12
Man in Space 50th Anniversary
Google is marking the 50th anniversary Yuri Gagarin's journey as the first man in space with a new header:
Of course, today the concept of Man in Space isn't really surprising. But I'm sure we're all well aware of how much of an impact it made back in the day. Before, our reality only existed within this planet, but to explore the cosmos was inconceivable.
However, even nowadays the thought of space is intriguing. Earth is really just a miniscule figure in the universe, and now the possiblity of something even larger than the universe becomes much more real.
Is there life on Mars or in other planets? If so, what exactly are they? Are they just like creatures scurrying about, or are they like humans with the ability rationalize and conceptualize ideas?
Life as we know it would definitely change if life outside of earth was discovered and proven. Maybe a network of intergalatic trade would be developed, linking non-Earthlings with us humans.
If they do come to Earth, then I hope, as cliche as it may sound, that they come in peace. Who knows who long we'll have to live peacefully and unperturbed by beings that do not exactly fall within our Kingdoms, Phylums, Classes, Orders, Families, Genuses, and Species?
Of course, today the concept of Man in Space isn't really surprising. But I'm sure we're all well aware of how much of an impact it made back in the day. Before, our reality only existed within this planet, but to explore the cosmos was inconceivable.
However, even nowadays the thought of space is intriguing. Earth is really just a miniscule figure in the universe, and now the possiblity of something even larger than the universe becomes much more real.
Is there life on Mars or in other planets? If so, what exactly are they? Are they just like creatures scurrying about, or are they like humans with the ability rationalize and conceptualize ideas?
Life as we know it would definitely change if life outside of earth was discovered and proven. Maybe a network of intergalatic trade would be developed, linking non-Earthlings with us humans.
If they do come to Earth, then I hope, as cliche as it may sound, that they come in peace. Who knows who long we'll have to live peacefully and unperturbed by beings that do not exactly fall within our Kingdoms, Phylums, Classes, Orders, Families, Genuses, and Species?
2011/04/10
World Record Breaking
Search up "World Record" on Google News and you'll get an influx of news articles pertaining to persons and their endeavours to get their names in the Guiness Book of World Records. e.g. here.
My question is, why is everyone so dead set on breaking these records? Nowadays, breaking world records is quite a common occurence. I don't know if it's because I wasn't that informed back then, but I remember finding it really neat when someone broke a new record. They were the top in the world in that particular category.
Today, you can break a record for just about anything. What's the fun in that? They're no longer an awe-inspiring accomplishment, just people who seem desperate in their means to attain fame and recognition.
As the saying goes, no publicity is bad publicity. And the majority of us do desire and crave attention, so why not do it in the most extravagant (and non-boisterous) way?
My question is, why is everyone so dead set on breaking these records? Nowadays, breaking world records is quite a common occurence. I don't know if it's because I wasn't that informed back then, but I remember finding it really neat when someone broke a new record. They were the top in the world in that particular category.
Today, you can break a record for just about anything. What's the fun in that? They're no longer an awe-inspiring accomplishment, just people who seem desperate in their means to attain fame and recognition.
As the saying goes, no publicity is bad publicity. And the majority of us do desire and crave attention, so why not do it in the most extravagant (and non-boisterous) way?
2011/04/07
Youtube personality Alex Day (also known as nerimon) and various other famous Youtubers were invited over to the Pixar Studio in San Francisco, California.
Of course, being a Youtuber, he filmed his visit to the studios and made commentary on it. One thing that caught my attention was when he said:
It's so clear that everyone here is working here because it's their passion, not because it's their job. Which is so nice because there's just so much love going into what everyone's doing.
How many individuals of the working class are actually happy with their career? How many people are in it just because of the pay, or because of the stability they receive?
Now, of course you would be paid a lot to work for such a famous company such as Pixar, but I think it would be amazing if everyone could do what they want to do. Ten times the effort would go into such jobs as well, and no one would complain about how hard they're working or why they're not receiving any incentives for their hard work because the work itself is the reward.
The world might be more innovative and much more interesting if we could all make a profession out of our own hobbies (within boundaries of good taste, of course). We'd all be happy, that's for sure.
2011/04/01
The Illuminati
Kanye West released his Power MV last summer.
As is popular nowadays, people immediately associated the occult "symbolism" present in the video with the Illuminati.
Conspiracy theorists are having a hoot over this fad, even relating it to the most unsuspecting figures (e.g. Justin Bieber).
But why are people so fascinated with the Illuminati and the New World Order? Why are seemingly innocent subjects being associated with such fearful feats of the unknown? I think it may be because life is mundane as it is. The world around the average human works at an orderly pace. The subsequent chain of cause and effect is so routine for us that we never stop to question things that may really be out of the ordinary.
That's where conspiracy theories come in. We know why The Occult is so beyond our reality that we like to delve deeper than necessary into things in order to find a meaning that isn't really there. We want to immerse ourselves in a new reality where we really have no free will, and things can happen that are out of our control.
Now, I personally know nothing about such things nor do I do any research on it. But even if I imagine such conspiracies to be a nice break from my day to day life.
To believe that things aren't really as they seem.
2011/03/31
House Inspired by 'UP'
The folks over at National Geographic have successfully created a house propelled by helium balloons, an act inspired by Pixar's Up. Sadly, unlike the movie, it couldn't fly around the world as it only stayed afloat for about an hour or so.
I think this is interesting because one of the messages that Up brings up is that you're never really too old for adventure. There are always more things for you to discover, and maybe you'll have even more time to take on daunting tasks after retirement.
Then these group of scientists, engineers, and even volunteers came together to produce this real life replica of the floating house. And what is exactly is the age range of the group? Probably middle aged individuals, and up is aimed at individuals of all ages. I believe that this demonstrates exactly what the above message of Up entails, and it really is such fun idea as these folks brought a seemingly childish idea to life. You're never too old to have fun or take risks.
Imagine all the possibilities if it managed to stay afloat for days on end!
2011/03/24
Toonami Aftermath
Toonami Aftermath is a site that is "dedicated to the golden years of tv programming". The "golden years" refers to generation born in the mid 80s early 90s.
Most of the shows available on Toonami Aftermath are no longer broadcasted on North American television. The online streaming technology of today allows for these 80-90s generation to re-live their childhood. It is also an excellent display of the adolescent culture from the "golden years", in case older or younger generations wish to see what was available at that time.
Perhaps Canadians cannot relate, as Toonami was not available on cable in Canada. But I'm sure that if YTV were to make their old programming available, then it would have the same effect and response.
Most of the shows available on Toonami Aftermath are no longer broadcasted on North American television. The online streaming technology of today allows for these 80-90s generation to re-live their childhood. It is also an excellent display of the adolescent culture from the "golden years", in case older or younger generations wish to see what was available at that time.
Perhaps Canadians cannot relate, as Toonami was not available on cable in Canada. But I'm sure that if YTV were to make their old programming available, then it would have the same effect and response.
2011/03/21
British artist Jessica Harrison is known for her odd and surreal works of art.
Yet that doesn't stop it from being oddly fascinating.
Below are some examples of her works:
images taken from JESSICAHARRISON.CO.UK
On one hand, you have the classic antiquity of a porcelain doll. On the other, there's this sublime yet sickening display of gore.
There's still something very beautiful about these dolls, regardless of how grotesque they may seem.
Maybe it's because we're drawn to the underlying message that these dolls may hold. We're all seemingly normal people, but what really lies beneath our exterior? Maybe the person sitting next to you, as innocent and naive as they seem, as ulterior motives. They may very well have the desire to maim and murder a certain individual, and there's a chance that that person can be you.
Yet that doesn't stop it from being oddly fascinating.
Below are some examples of her works:
images taken from JESSICAHARRISON.CO.UK
On one hand, you have the classic antiquity of a porcelain doll. On the other, there's this sublime yet sickening display of gore.
There's still something very beautiful about these dolls, regardless of how grotesque they may seem.
Maybe it's because we're drawn to the underlying message that these dolls may hold. We're all seemingly normal people, but what really lies beneath our exterior? Maybe the person sitting next to you, as innocent and naive as they seem, as ulterior motives. They may very well have the desire to maim and murder a certain individual, and there's a chance that that person can be you.
2011/03/12
What's in a name?
Two months ago, as written in this article, the Pope supposedly spoke out against parents who did not consult Christian scriptures when naming their children.
Subsequently, Yahoo!UK compiled a list of Illegal Baby Names around the world, some ranging from plausible to downright ridiculous. But the question is, should the law really have any say in what people name their children?
I say no. Let the parent's name their children because they are the ones who created them. And if the child does not like their name, they can always change it in the future. Plus nowadays you've got people naming their children stuff like "Facebook" and "Apple".
It'd be interesting to know someone named "Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116", and with the population eventually increasing, we would eventually need to create new names.
I think it would be absolutely fascinating if everyone in the world had their own unique name. You wouldn't need to turn around anymore upon hearing your name, only to find out that said person wasn't referring to you. Last names may be eliminated (whether that is positive or not will be debated), and maybe the concept of ID cards will be completely changed.
There also are some people who believe that one's name reveals a lot about his/her personality, so if someone were named Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116, it would be amusing to see what type of meaning can be derived from it - if any.
Subsequently, Yahoo!UK compiled a list of Illegal Baby Names around the world, some ranging from plausible to downright ridiculous. But the question is, should the law really have any say in what people name their children?
I say no. Let the parent's name their children because they are the ones who created them. And if the child does not like their name, they can always change it in the future. Plus nowadays you've got people naming their children stuff like "Facebook" and "Apple".
It'd be interesting to know someone named "Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116", and with the population eventually increasing, we would eventually need to create new names.
I think it would be absolutely fascinating if everyone in the world had their own unique name. You wouldn't need to turn around anymore upon hearing your name, only to find out that said person wasn't referring to you. Last names may be eliminated (whether that is positive or not will be debated), and maybe the concept of ID cards will be completely changed.
There also are some people who believe that one's name reveals a lot about his/her personality, so if someone were named Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116, it would be amusing to see what type of meaning can be derived from it - if any.
2011/03/09
Justin Bieber's Nails.
Justin Bieber's nail polish line was announced a few months ago, and like many, my first response was to sneer at how ridiculous that concept was. I mean, people are already bashing the Beebs for his androgynous looks, but this new nail polish line would only add fuel to the fire.
But in reality, this an ingenious marketing idea.
In this case, these marketers know exactly which audience to target: The pre-teen female audience. Quite cleverly, they took one aspect that would appeal to these girls (nail polish) and mixed it in with an ever larger factor (Justin Bieber) to develop one sure fire way to make large amounts of money.
And sure enough, as evident in the article linked above, Bieber's nail polish line has sold over a million bottles since its release.
This just goes to show how today's society likes to place celebrities up upon a pedestal and how much of an influence media as on it. As soon as a celebrity endorses something, you're sure to get hoards of fans wanting to purchase that item, all for the sole fact that that celebrity is associated with it. It would be interesting to see what possiblities will churn out in the future. Will the influence of media spread so much that we'll all become mindless drones who, without much thought, purchase endorsed items without hesitation? This may be stretching it a bit, but what if a well loved celebrity were to endorse a product that would be hazardous to our health? Would we just accept the fact and purchase the item or will the absurdity be pointed out at some point? It's a interesting thing to ponder.
2011/03/04
fast food wedding
I stumbled across this article recently, and I found it to be particularly interesting. A couple in Hong Kong held their engagement party at McDonalds, which had launched a "McWedding" menu earlier this year.This article goes into more depth about McWeddings.
Weddings have traditionally been a sacred event. Whether the ceremony be held at a church, synagogue, or other places of worship, it is an exchange of vows which legally and (hopefully) spiritually bounds you to another for life. I think this is quite funny but it makes a whole lot of sense. Weddings are to be taken seriously, and it's rather humourous to see such sacred events taking place at a location where people can dine for a buck or two. This just goes to show us how embedded fast food has become in our society and culture.
The groom-to-be in the first article stated that, "It is hard to find a place where the grown-ups and the kids can all feel at ease. If we held the party at a hotel or a regular restaurant, it wouldn't have the same effect."
It's an interesting take on the situation. Weddings are a thing to be celebrated by those of all ages, and maybe McDonalds really is a legitamate location for such an occasion.
Perhaps in within the next few decades, given that the influence of McDonalds and other fast food joints spread even more, the McWedding menu will spread to North America.
Weddings have traditionally been a sacred event. Whether the ceremony be held at a church, synagogue, or other places of worship, it is an exchange of vows which legally and (hopefully) spiritually bounds you to another for life. I think this is quite funny but it makes a whole lot of sense. Weddings are to be taken seriously, and it's rather humourous to see such sacred events taking place at a location where people can dine for a buck or two. This just goes to show us how embedded fast food has become in our society and culture.
The groom-to-be in the first article stated that, "It is hard to find a place where the grown-ups and the kids can all feel at ease. If we held the party at a hotel or a regular restaurant, it wouldn't have the same effect."
It's an interesting take on the situation. Weddings are a thing to be celebrated by those of all ages, and maybe McDonalds really is a legitamate location for such an occasion.
Perhaps in within the next few decades, given that the influence of McDonalds and other fast food joints spread even more, the McWedding menu will spread to North America.
2011/03/02
sidewalk art
I'm not too sure on the origins of this photograph, but I find it to be really neat. It's a form of interactive artwork, and one which the viewer can actually physically participate in.
We may stumble across sidewalk art once in a while, but how many times have we given it a second glance? Sure, it may look nice, but that's all there is to it and it's just your average 2D painting. But this form of sidewalk art actually has depth to it, a 3D effect that let's me take part in the whole experience. It's sure to catch the attention of the majority of onlookers, even if they are not often interested in art.
Perhaps this form of art can inspire others to do the same, and it will expand the interactive experience even more. Wouldn't that be a sight to see, people wandering the sidewalks and roads, not sure if they're really going to fall to their demise or if it's really just a painting?
2011/02/24
"Society was built on the back of the masses."
This was something my history teacher relayed to us the other day during his lecture on the Renaissance, and it reminded me of the recent developments in the Middle East. The masses - or in this case, the people of Egypt - voiced their concerns and got what they wanted.
These civil protests are only a part of what is a chain of demonstrations occuring in the Middle East as of present. One of the most recent examples is the crisis in Libya. Yes, it is a violent protest, but the masses are speaking up.
But such public demonstrations are not only limited to countries with social unrest. The citizens in this nation, city, or even this school community can also bring their concerns to the surface if need be. The people should open up their eyes that they have the most power, and use of this power can very well overthrow any unjust forces of authority and change society as a whole.
This was something my history teacher relayed to us the other day during his lecture on the Renaissance, and it reminded me of the recent developments in the Middle East. The masses - or in this case, the people of Egypt - voiced their concerns and got what they wanted.
These civil protests are only a part of what is a chain of demonstrations occuring in the Middle East as of present. One of the most recent examples is the crisis in Libya. Yes, it is a violent protest, but the masses are speaking up.
But such public demonstrations are not only limited to countries with social unrest. The citizens in this nation, city, or even this school community can also bring their concerns to the surface if need be. The people should open up their eyes that they have the most power, and use of this power can very well overthrow any unjust forces of authority and change society as a whole.
2011/02/22
"Technology Ruins Romance," but it doesn't just stop there.
From one of their earlier videos...
... to one of their more recent ones:
WongFuProductions has yet again embodied the tragedy of modern day interaction into a series of short films titled, "Technology Ruins Romance."
From both of these examples, we see contrasting points based on the relevance of telecommunication in today's society.
In "Letters", a man thinks that it is more romantic and meaningful to actually write a love letter by hand. Instead, he is berated by his ex-girlfriend: Why didn't he just send her e-mails?
In the "The Airport," a man is once again subjected to the fury of the woman he loves as he fails to track her down at the airport. He instead opts to call her after running several blocks. After all, it was easier for him to just tell her over the phone not to take the job offer in Paris. But then she asks him, wouldn't it mean so much more if he made the effort to run all the way to the airport to profess his undying love for her? Given that this example may be a tad extreme, but the message is still there.
Both these videos bring up an interesting point. Is today's society too reliant on technology to communicate and convey our feelings? There is much more meaning in the actions of writing a letter, erasing, tearing a page to pieces and starting over, than to simply type a few lines and erase it all with the press of a button. What about the waiting process? Sending in a letter and hoping it reaches the person, and then not knowing whether or not you'll get one in return - the anticipation of this wait is simply removed through the use of email, texting, or social networking sites.When it comes to face to face conversations, even if the person lives just across the street, it is no doubt easier to just text them, or even instant message them if we want to tell them something.
Let us look at the phenomenon that is Facebook. A relationship for example, with so much emotion, meaning, and effort placed into it, can be ended by simply changing one's relationship status to Single. Also, what is the point of broadcasting to the world that It's Complicated? Do you have a birthday coming up, or perhaps an important dinner? Instead of handing out invitations, putting our heart and effort into decorations, one can simply set up an "event" and send invitations out en masse.
That is not to say that all this technology is a bad thing. Take for example, a soldier serving in Iraq and the ability to use webcam to talk to his family overseas. But what about those living within a very close vicinity?
With the increasingly fast paced creation of technology today, there is no doubt that communication will be even more digitized in the future. The question is, what will be left of actual physical human interaction and social skills of the future generation? If we are already ceasing our human interaction, will we all eventually have to present ourselves through holograms in our work, school, or even home environment? Or will someone put there foot down and yell "STOP!?"
Only time will tell.
... to one of their more recent ones:
WongFuProductions has yet again embodied the tragedy of modern day interaction into a series of short films titled, "Technology Ruins Romance."
From both of these examples, we see contrasting points based on the relevance of telecommunication in today's society.
In "Letters", a man thinks that it is more romantic and meaningful to actually write a love letter by hand. Instead, he is berated by his ex-girlfriend: Why didn't he just send her e-mails?
In the "The Airport," a man is once again subjected to the fury of the woman he loves as he fails to track her down at the airport. He instead opts to call her after running several blocks. After all, it was easier for him to just tell her over the phone not to take the job offer in Paris. But then she asks him, wouldn't it mean so much more if he made the effort to run all the way to the airport to profess his undying love for her? Given that this example may be a tad extreme, but the message is still there.
Both these videos bring up an interesting point. Is today's society too reliant on technology to communicate and convey our feelings? There is much more meaning in the actions of writing a letter, erasing, tearing a page to pieces and starting over, than to simply type a few lines and erase it all with the press of a button. What about the waiting process? Sending in a letter and hoping it reaches the person, and then not knowing whether or not you'll get one in return - the anticipation of this wait is simply removed through the use of email, texting, or social networking sites.When it comes to face to face conversations, even if the person lives just across the street, it is no doubt easier to just text them, or even instant message them if we want to tell them something.
Let us look at the phenomenon that is Facebook. A relationship for example, with so much emotion, meaning, and effort placed into it, can be ended by simply changing one's relationship status to Single. Also, what is the point of broadcasting to the world that It's Complicated? Do you have a birthday coming up, or perhaps an important dinner? Instead of handing out invitations, putting our heart and effort into decorations, one can simply set up an "event" and send invitations out en masse.
That is not to say that all this technology is a bad thing. Take for example, a soldier serving in Iraq and the ability to use webcam to talk to his family overseas. But what about those living within a very close vicinity?
With the increasingly fast paced creation of technology today, there is no doubt that communication will be even more digitized in the future. The question is, what will be left of actual physical human interaction and social skills of the future generation? If we are already ceasing our human interaction, will we all eventually have to present ourselves through holograms in our work, school, or even home environment? Or will someone put there foot down and yell "STOP!?"
Only time will tell.
2011/02/16
Taking aesthetic experiences to a whole new level.
This article describes the works of Chinese artist Liu Bolin as he becomes -- quite literally -- "one" with his art.
Though Liu isn't the first artist to implement such a technique, it is still worth mentioning and is definitely timeless.
What is interesting about this type of art is that it makes you look at different aspects of the artwork (or photograph, in this case) and analyze it throughly until you have reached your goal. Perhaps in your journey towards finding that certain object, you have discovered things you wouldn't have noticed at first glance and if you didn't take the time to delve deeper into the work of art. It is very much like finding a little red light in the middle of a pitch black room - it's there, but only visible when you are not looking for it.
Though Liu isn't the first artist to implement such a technique, it is still worth mentioning and is definitely timeless.
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| Can you spot Liu in this photo? (photo taken from article @ Yahoo!News) |
What is interesting about this type of art is that it makes you look at different aspects of the artwork (or photograph, in this case) and analyze it throughly until you have reached your goal. Perhaps in your journey towards finding that certain object, you have discovered things you wouldn't have noticed at first glance and if you didn't take the time to delve deeper into the work of art. It is very much like finding a little red light in the middle of a pitch black room - it's there, but only visible when you are not looking for it.
"Retail Fashion Meets Art Meets QR Codes"
The 21st century has seen an obsession with Smartphones and PDAs. In addition to this craze, the introduction of the QR Code as in application in these devices, and within the past decade, has led to a revolution in advertising and information technology.
This is a fascinating example of what happens when the traditional display of consumer goods meets the advertisting technology of the modern era. Not only does it look very modern and sleek whilst showing these products off in all their glory, but the addition of the QR code gives more meaning to the display. It is no longer just a product stand, but a portal to 21st century technology and a source of information to the world around us.
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| (photo credit to http://2d-code.co.uk/selfridges-qr-code-fashion-display/) |
This is a fascinating example of what happens when the traditional display of consumer goods meets the advertisting technology of the modern era. Not only does it look very modern and sleek whilst showing these products off in all their glory, but the addition of the QR code gives more meaning to the display. It is no longer just a product stand, but a portal to 21st century technology and a source of information to the world around us.
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