Sunday, September 30, 2012

Insta #1 - TIMKEMPLE

In an ever growing, ever connected digital age, we seem incapable of letting go of our phones. Crackberries have evolved to iPhones...studies show that we are losing social skills, that social media might increase violence and apathy, but then I hear on NPR yesterday that social media is actually increasing empathy, while also increasing narcissism.

Makes sense. 

Anyways the whole point of this post was just for me to be able to write about my love/hate relationship with Instagram. I love seeing photographs from all over the world; perspectives from strangers or friends I normally wouldn't be privy to. The only real complaint I have are "myspace" photos. Basically half naked, or sometimes just plain naked photos people post to garner more followers. 

Not a fan.

But sometimes I see updates that awe...that inspires. 

Example? @TIMKEMPLE. 

You should check out his work! Nothing beats a notification on your phone that you think will be some boring update/message. But then...BAM...its a beautiful photo from Chamonix!



Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Track #1 - House of the Rising Sun

My closest friends know how much music means to me. I've always associated "my music" with the influences of my life.

BOYZ II MEN:
Olympia, Washington.
I was 9 years old.
My uncle who was just a few years older than me exposed me to American music. Until then, I never really listened to music, perhaps a little classical when my parents had it on.

The move to America was the first of many to come, and with each move came a greater appreciation for music. Each track would engrave a love for the people and places that I would rely on to become the person I am today.

We will see how long this lasts, but today I've decided its about time to write down some of these connections between music, people, and places.

It would make sense to choose a Boyz to Men song especially since it was the first album I bought and it was one of my earliest exposure to American music, but I've decided to go with something a little different.


HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN

We played this song in marching band...yeah yeah I know...MARCHING BAND? But it was a great arraignment. I can still hear Erik's trumpet belting the melody. The ability to make music was such an instrumental part of allowing me to fit in, and make friends every time I moved. It was music that introduced me to Jae, Erik, Chris, Shannon, Erica, Trisha, Erin, the list goes on and on. And Mr. C, who has since passed away, is still to this day one of the mentors who have influenced me the most. 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

#muslimrage


"They should drop him off in the middle of the Middle East, and let them handle it!" "They should really make him pay!" are the comments I've heard from friends regarding the man behind the YouTube video INNOCENCE OF MUSLIMS. Though hatred and intolerance is an everyday occurrence, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed in how people around the world have reacted this week to the ugliness that surrounds them. 


Though some might make hurtful, negative, offensive, or outright false claims, our reactions carry just as much weight and consequence. I tried telling a friend my experience viewing Sam Bacile's film. It's downright awful. But I've seen worse in anti-Semitic and anti-Mormon materials. I’ve heard worse Anti-“JAP” comments growing up as well. Do these negative and ugly comments warrant violence or rioting? And should any governing body or extensions thereof apologize or take any stance on this latest of offensive video posted on YouTube? I personally think NO to both of those questions. Sure, I don’t always agree with people that think every Japanese person is clueless about the war crimes Japan committed against the Chinese…I could try to explain what I have learned, and what I know, but in the end all I can do is try to reason, and if that doesn’t work, just smile and move on.

I came across this article today in the WSJ article. It pointed out that, "After the debut of "The Book of Mormon" musical, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints responded with this statement: 'The production may attempt to entertain audiences for an evening but the Book of Mormon as a volume of scripture will change people's lives forever by bringing them closer to Christ.'"

Whether in Japan, China, Libya, or America there will be hatred, intolerance, etc. All I can do is hope people will take sec before posting things online, but I also hope people will also reflect before countering. And yes, this includes myself…since sometimes I too shoot before I aim.”      

Monday, September 17, 2012

Riotous Living

On Sunday night I was invited to a potluck and found myself in a house full of Chinese people, followed by an appearance at surprise birthday party for another Chinese friend. While wonderful food, desserts, and drinks were shared over the latest gossip, a few of us couldn't help but reflect on the stark contrast in the current situation half way around the world.