Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
The World According to Americans
Although hopefully an overstated generalization, this cartoon map sums up many of the flawed and uneducated perspectives of (at least some) Americans. Put together, they do not create a very attractive picture of our country or our people, do they? If you are American, please do your part, especially when dealing with those from other cultures, not to act like a jackass. It reflects poorly on the rest of us.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Don't Be Afraid To Stand Out From Your Crowd
I've had this picture on my hard drive for a while; I don't even remember where I got it. Every time I see the thumbnail, I can't help but smile, or even laugh. Best I can tell, it's a legit, non-photoshopped family picture, probably snapped begrudgingly in the portrait studio at a Wal*Mart somewhere in southern Indiana. I can imagine that there is some pretty interesting drama in that family.
But you have to respect the second son. He knows who he is, and he knows who he is not. Despite the conformal pressure in his family unit, he's his own man, and probably always will be. I'm sure he will be an effective leader one day, and I respect his individuality.
Be true to yourself, regardless of who the system tells you you should be. Excel based on your achievements, not based on your appearance. If the system tries to program you for sweater vest and clip on bow-tie but your inner Axl Rose promises organ rejection, you know which way to go . . .
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Falling Artist Suspended In Time
Kerry Skarbakka photographs himself falling from trees, jumping off bridges and in the midst of fires – all in the name of art. Inspired by the helplessness he felt after the 9/11 attacks, Kerry's work captures him frozen in a moment of peril. This collection of 13 shots is compelling in it's combination of performance art and "in the moment" photography. I seriously hope he didn't have multiple takes for some of these shots.
