Friday, September 24, 2010

meanings of our own

Sometimes images are created with a specific message in mind and all those who pass by it come away with the same understanding as intended by its creator.
At other times, however, images are vague, generic or multi-dimensional in significance.  Karen Miller came across this image of a  Red Cross worker painted as random graffiti on a brick wall along the streets of Mazatlan, Mexico and felt compelled to snap a shot.  

"I cannot be exactly sure what the artist was going for, but to me it meant something very important, very real.  It made me think that there is always violence and danger around us, but also people who want to help and heal."

Most of the time, images and their messages find us in every aspect of our lives and leave no room for interpretation as they state their case loud and clear.  Yet sometimes, perhaps when we most need it like young Karen journeying through the foreign streets of Mexico, we find images and attach meanings of our own--those meanings, which we, individually, desperately need to believe to be true.

  

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

proudly irish


Laura Izibor
Ireland's newest source of bragging rights

Sunday, September 19, 2010

so quiet and peaceful

Crowds eagerly gather at the ClovisFest on the Rodeo Grounds in Clovis, California.  The yearly tradition of hot air balloons gracing the skies of the central valley of California begins with onlookers such as these as they cheer Bon Voyage! to the navigation crews. 
And away they float into the great wide open.  Mike Kilcrease finds himself mesmerized by the brightly colored balloon canvases as they gently drift farther afield.  
 "They are so quiet and peaceful, just floating in the air. It reminds me of lying in a hammock."

Friday, September 17, 2010

life is beautiful

They say that bad luck and hard times are just a series of unfortunate circumstances.  They also say that those who have strong faith and conviction can choose to see happiness and light amidst times of turmoil and darkness.      In this context, some of us may be reminded of the Academy Award winning 1997 film "Life is Beautiful."

The film begins in pre-WWII Italy, where a young man, Guido, of little means falls in love with a beautiful, more well-to-do school teacher, Dora.  The couple have a son, and despite the disapproval of Dora's family, the family creates a beautiful life together.

And then WWII takes center stage and the family's world changes.  The family is taken to a concentration camp on the day of the young son's birthday.  Refusing to allow these horrible circumstances to bring unhappiness and despair to their otherwise beautiful life, Guido shields his son from the horror of the camps by making a game out of the circumstances.


(view enlarged format for enlarged subtitles)

More inspiring clips and commentary on this timeless film can be found at: http://www.miramax.com/lifeisbeautiful/

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

while they last

Cold and rainy days are beginning to set in around the northern hemisphere here on planet earth.


We should all follow the lead of Sarah Smith (shown here frolicking through sun-kissed hills in Tuscany, Italy) and take advantage of the final few moments of warmth and sunshine while they last.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

timeless works of art

Flipping through the pages of time, a handful of images have made an enormous impact while at the same time providing social narrative to the buzz of the day...

Remembering JFK
Admiring Muhammad Ali
Gossiping about John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Gawking at Cindy Crawford and k.d. Lang
Anticipating the next bold move by Lady Gaga

Some magazine covers have captivated us and left us speechless over the years.  Some photographers and editors have pushed past selling magazines and instead used some of the most iconic, memorable personalities  to create timeless works of art... 






Monday, September 13, 2010

is this antarctica?

Is this Antarctica?

Yes it is.

As a matter of fact, this man-made geothermal pool is where students at the University of Antarctica take a break to chill out...er, warm up in between classes.  Yes, that's right...the University of Antarctica.  As mind-boggling and trippy as it sounds, it's true.

The Main Campus Library
The Commons 
Scenery on Campus--Flash-Frozen Waterfall

Students undertake courses in everything from Antarctic science and cultural studies to Business and History. Accommodation in residence halls and participation in school sports programs (ranging from traditional sports like baseball, football and hockey to more unique activities like snowball fighting) keep students engaged and feeling at home while studying at the most remote place on earth.

Who wouldn't feel proud to list an MBA from the University of Antarctica on their resume?  Some academic programs can be studied from afar online, and many of the courses are free of charge in order to attract students to this exotic, unorthodox approach to university education.  I'm intrigued to learn more.  If you are too, check out the school at:  http://www.antarcticaedu.com/.

And for a local perspective, check out Scott Kessel's blog which tracks his year stay on the Great Iceblock down south:  http://www.scottafar.com/.  Scott's blog provides great photos and insight on a whole world and culture taking place at the southern tip of our planet.  Could this be the next "in" destination?