Brainwashed

In Seth Godin's Brainwashed, he talks about how we have been brainwashed into thinking that being average, being the norm, is okay. This, however, is an improper assumption. Godin asserts that it is imperative to stimulate the creative and interpersonal aspects of being human in order to make as big of an impact as possible.

One of the ways to accomplish this is to connect. Social media in particular provide us with a unique opportunity to reach and interact with more people than ever before. This can be a powerful and influential tool for both change and success.

Another important aspect of being creative revolves around being generous. One person's individual talents mean nothing unless they are shared with other people, and the simple act of being generous fosters positive relationships and promotes further generosity.

A third creative impetus of Godin's is to make art. Devoting one's self to creative expression is often rewarding and can serve to break up the monotony of an otherwise mundane life. As Godin describes it, art is taking risks, and if you don't take risks, you aren't likely to be rewarded.

These three characteristics of a creative life tie in to this blog in a few ways. This blog allows me to connect with a theoretically limitless number of people. It provides me with not only an outlet of expression, but also with a means of communication. The blog format itself opens up a channel for generosity as well, in that those who read blogs can post constructive comments, compliments, or stimulating observations for other people to discuss. A blog is also a good way to make or share art, and also to take risks. In writing a blog, I am taking a risk because I am putting my own personal thoughts in the public domain. There is no telling what comments or repercussions one of my posts might elicit, and that is a risk for me. However, in order to get the reward of expanding my creative horizons and learning about different forms of self-expression, I have to take the risk of opening myself in the form of my written words up to millions of strangers.

Finding Your Howl

In Jonathon Flaum's Finding Your Howl, he describes a wolf that is one of fourteen that escapes from captivity. However, due to their captive pasts none of these wolves know how to howl. One wolf, Mumon, takes it upon himself to find his howl and consequently become the pack leader. In searching for his howl, he finds and kills a deer, thus beginning his process of assimilating with his wild side. He feels guilt for this kill, but a raven convinces him it was the right thing to do. With this renewed sense of validation, Mumon begins to run and feels himself becoming more and more connected to the earth.

Then a farmer shoots him.

After the wound has been inflicted, Mumon journeys to the center of the earth where he dances in fire and howls for the first time. The howl is so prodigious that the moon itself claims it as its own.

This brief tale goes to show that it is impossible to go against one's nature. Even though Mumon was raised in captivity, he was still able to overcome considerable odds and find his long-lost howl. This howl could mean any number of things, depending on the person in question. To one it might a life's aspiration, to another a subtle muse, and to another still a drive for redemption. In Mumon's case, his howl turned out to be all three of these and more still. Simply put, a howl is a reason to be. Without it, we are lost in a foreign and hostile world. In order to be successful and thrive, it is imperative to find your howl and never let it go.



"Somewhere something incredible is waiting to be known."
-Carl Sagan

This quote form Carl Sagan serves as my own personal "howl." The pursuit of knowledge is one of the most important things to me and I try to cater to it as much as possible in my day-to-day life. The human mind is a marvelous entity, capable of expanding without bounds and constantly thirsting for more knowledge. In this manner, it makes for the perfect howl, because it can never be satisfied or forgotten. Carl Cagan's quote serves as a poignant reminder that no matter how much I think I know, there is still so much more that I can discover. Keeping myself in a mindset of infantile wonder at the marvels of the world allows for my creativity and mind to grow, completely uninhibited.

A howl is much more than a quote, a mantra or even a life-changing event (in the case of Mumon). It is a muse, a driving force so powerful that it consumes ones life, for better or for worse. For me, my howl has been the imperative to hold myself to a higher standard of intelligence than I otherwise would have. Few things can be cultivated as easily and as uniquely as the human mind, and every incredible thing waiting to be known has the power to positively change a multitude of people's lives. Perhaps one or two or two-million of these particular incredible somethings will go on to serve as howls for those who discover them, further perpetuating the cycle of inspiration and intelligence.

Deconstructing Characters

Daddy Moarbucks

An Ominous Shadow

This shadow describes Moarbucks in a variety of ways. The shadow represents the side of the being where light is not present, hinting at the presence of evil. A shadow can also have a dramatic effect on whatever it is cast on. In much the same way, whatever comes near Daddy Moarbucks becomes lethargic and timid, cowering at his might. Unlike with most shadows though, the one that emanates from Moarbucks does not have a light at its source. Instead, his shadow exudes out from him on all sides simultaneously.

Shades of Gray

These shades of gray describe the enigmatic and mysterious side of Daddy Moarbucks. Black is a somewhat nondescript color, but there is more to Moarbucks than just evil. He has wiles. He's cunning, ruthless, and manipulative like a snake. He can be one of many variations of the same ideal whenever he wants. Even though he does have these varying shades, he is still evil when it comes down to it. Most of what is known about Moarbucks is shrouded in mystery, and his simple color scheme alludes to that. Even if one may quickly get a glimpse of him, he is just as soon obscured once again.

An Imposing Chimney

This image represents Daddy Moarbucks' imposing shape. Much like this chimney, he looms over his surroundings. He is a tall and slender figure, much like the skyscrapers in the cities he runs. However, unlike those skyscrapers (of which many have comparable heights), no person can come even close to matching his power, which is why this image is such a good visual descriptor. Like the chimney lording over the tiny sugar plantation, Moarbucks has full purview over his immediate surroundings, especially the plebeians under his iron fist.

Hank Hall

Light On All Sides

Framed by light on all sides, an object will not have a shadow. In much the same way, Hank Hall does not have a shadow at all. This is one of the few things that separates him from the common man. In most other respects, he is a completely normal character, but when it comes to radiance, he outshines the rest. having not a single evil bone in his body, Hank Hall is the embodiment of good. He is motivated to do what is right, come Hell or high water. It is unclear whether the light emanates from his figure or simply follows him around; all that is evident is that wherever Hank Hall is, light can also be found.

Orange and Blue

This complimentary color scheme is both appealing to the eye and rather commonplace. the orange of his hard hat and undershirt and the blue of his denim overalls are symbols of hard work and, to an extent, honesty. Synonymous with the protagonist, this heroic color scheme also appears in Hank's home and family. When juxtaposed with Daddy Moarbucks' monochromatic color scheme, Hank's orange and blue attire gives him a certain depth of character and emotion that would otherwise be absent. This, in turn, makes him a very likable character.

Brick Wall

Hank is the embodiment of the corn-fed, hardworking, Midwestern ideal. He has a boxy shape from working construction and while not seeming imposing or intimidating, he certainly commands a certain amount of respect. The amount of strength he possesses is often belied by his mild temperament and kind demeanor. A brick wall also takes time, precision, and hard work to build properly, and this speaks to Hank's work ethic. He knows how to work for his pay, and likewise will not stop until the evil Daddy Moarbucks is put in his place.

First Legitimate Post

Now I have to make a post about my favorite superhero, Iron Man (Tony Stark.) Shown above is a picture of Robert Downey, Jr. doing the character great justice. Also embedded is a television spot from the film Iron Man 2 highlighting the Audi R8 Spyder.

First Day of MDIA 203 Lab

Today is my first lab for MDIA 203. I made a blog. This is that blog. I also made a family tree in Powerpoint. Here's a video of an adorable cat: