November 2009
1 post
Punk. Style or lifestyle?
The bands included in the 1979 documentary “The Decline of Western Civilization” certainly epitomized (and pioneered) the punk movement of the late 70’s and early 80’s on America’s west coast. And although their lyrics were generally raw and disturbing, they were often poetically laced with political and cultural agendas reflecting their distaste for the social...
October 2009
3 posts
A little something from my world. →
An example of a technique described in my essay below that I use on occasion. It’s not the 110th floor of the WTC, but it gives us an idea of how our store “flows” on one of our busiest days of the year.
Enjoy!
Details, details...
Having worked in the retail industry for the majority of my life, I have learned many techniques over the years about how to display merchandise in a way that just makes you want to buy it. Obviously, it doesn’t always work, but that is the goal. Retail stores draw attention to their wares in different ways: window displays, signage, mannequins, floor stacks, vignettes, and many other...
September 2009
7 posts
Seeing is believing. Or is it?
As out protagonist leaves the site of where the body was supposed to be, he comes across the group of mimes he interacted with the morning before. He witnesses the mimes transform from a rowdy group into exactly what we (and he) expect them to be. He is drawn into their world as he watches them mime a game of tennis. He even becomes part of their reality when he is asked to throw the lost ball...
It's all about me.
Thomas’s attempt to verify the reality he created is demonstrated in his return visit to the park. He sees with his own eyes the body he observed in the photo he took earlier in the day. Why he does not bring his camera at this point, we can only guess. A lack of flash, perhaps? With a lack of photo evidence of what he witnessed, he seeks the validation of his editor, wanting him to see...
Perception of the abstract.
Blowup is a beautifully constructed film that challenges the dividing line between reality and imagination, ultimately defined by perception. The main character is a self-absorbed, egotistical photographer who hates what he does to pay the bills, namely fashion photography. He believes that his skills should be used to document the images of real life, as he is currently putting together a book...
People of Walmart →
Feeling a little down about yourself or just need a good laugh? Check this out. I made it to page 20 before my jaw hurt too much to continue.
Moral Marge
The character of Marge Simpson is driven by her morals and her desire to do what is in the best interest of her family. She is the polar opposite to her husband Homer and provides a moral balance to an otherwise dysfunctional relationship and family. The balance also extends to her children, and even follows the parallel of gender, with Lisa, almost without fail, choosing the moral high road in...
Please pack your knives and go.
Who can’t love a show that ends with that line?
In their quest to capture our viewing attention, the producers of reality game shows bank on the use of these taglines to differentiate themselves from the rest of the shows on TV, especially other shows in their genre. This practice was arguably seeded by The Donald on his show The Apprentice when he eliminated potential business apprentices...
August 2009
10 posts
I'm not easily shocked but...
My friend Brett and I have known each other for nearly 20 years. He is one of the few people that I have shared the best and worst times of my life with. He went through my marriage, the birth of my son (of whom he is a godparent), and my divorce. We owned a business together. Our kids play together. We regularly brag about and share our new toys, be it a boat, model airplane or helicopter,...
Ever wondered what your ecological footprint is? →
“The problem with land is that they stopped making it some time ago.”
– Mark Twain
“A physician can bury his mistakes, but the architect can only advise his clients...”
– Frank Lloyd Wright