Hi.
As I survey the damage that is the state of our basement, I wonder - how they hell did we have that much stuff? I mean, we've barely cleaned out half of the closet and thrown out the trash we wish to dispose of, and it already covers a third of our basement. [Ok, so I'm not eager to share square footage here, so you'll know what I mean if you've seen my basement.]
And the reason? Well, this storage contains items that have been kept since we moved into the house. And this is after an initial reduction when our basement was re-done. So why do we have so much stuff? Well, I'm guessing it's cuz we're a little crazy with the saving for just in case business :P.
2.20.2013
Artfully Programmed
Hi.
Ok. So this last video from Science Friday didn't really pique any real interest or thoughts, but I just thought it was a little quirky and well, I guess I'm really posting it as a sharing method for my friend Codeduck.
Like I mentioned, I'm not really intrigued by this, I just thought it was cool that this artistic display was integrated with programming. It's kinda neat that the animated doll is moved using a sensor that monitors movement in 4 quadrants. And the histogram of the amount of movement controls how much a certain body part of the doll will move (of course the actual movements are not being controlled, but I guess they weren't going that far).
But aside from that, I mean, how do you get into this field of art? I didn't even know it was considered a separate category... Anyways just a look at me sorta video :P
Ok. So this last video from Science Friday didn't really pique any real interest or thoughts, but I just thought it was a little quirky and well, I guess I'm really posting it as a sharing method for my friend Codeduck.
Like I mentioned, I'm not really intrigued by this, I just thought it was cool that this artistic display was integrated with programming. It's kinda neat that the animated doll is moved using a sensor that monitors movement in 4 quadrants. And the histogram of the amount of movement controls how much a certain body part of the doll will move (of course the actual movements are not being controlled, but I guess they weren't going that far).
But aside from that, I mean, how do you get into this field of art? I didn't even know it was considered a separate category... Anyways just a look at me sorta video :P
Animated Love
Hi.
So I guess in a way of a late V-day sorta thing, I found this digital short from Disney. It's romantic. Hence the kinda V-day part. And you should watch it. It's absolutely cute and sweet.
Ok. So now that you have watched it - well, I will proceed on the assumption you have... - I have to say aside from the plot line, music, artwork, etc, this digital short reminds me, that I will probably never, ever stop watching animation.
I mean, animation has the ability to capture the hearts of people all ages. And it's not just the movies, whether new or old. There are also the cartoons we watched growing up (ok, remember I am not talking about the current ones, I am fondly remembering things like the original Looney Tunes - the classics). You could even throw in comics like Calvin and Hobbes.
And the reason is, there is a way that they stimulate the correlating level of mental and emotional maturities of the viewers. Maybe it's the memories of childhood, or maybe it's just because I'm a little bit of a kid inside. But whatever the reason, I know I'll still be watching animation till I'm a little old crone ^_^.
Oh and P.S.: Codeduck, at least I'm posting, even if it's about posting, unlike someone... :P
So I guess in a way of a late V-day sorta thing, I found this digital short from Disney. It's romantic. Hence the kinda V-day part. And you should watch it. It's absolutely cute and sweet.
Ok. So now that you have watched it - well, I will proceed on the assumption you have... - I have to say aside from the plot line, music, artwork, etc, this digital short reminds me, that I will probably never, ever stop watching animation.
I mean, animation has the ability to capture the hearts of people all ages. And it's not just the movies, whether new or old. There are also the cartoons we watched growing up (ok, remember I am not talking about the current ones, I am fondly remembering things like the original Looney Tunes - the classics). You could even throw in comics like Calvin and Hobbes.
And the reason is, there is a way that they stimulate the correlating level of mental and emotional maturities of the viewers. Maybe it's the memories of childhood, or maybe it's just because I'm a little bit of a kid inside. But whatever the reason, I know I'll still be watching animation till I'm a little old crone ^_^.
Oh and P.S.: Codeduck, at least I'm posting, even if it's about posting, unlike someone... :P
2.18.2013
Hooked
Hi.
Ok, so part of the introduction I wrote here had its thunder stolen by my last post, and well, I hate to be redundant, so I'll just dive right in since you know all the background... Aite, so on the very first day of step 1 of this entire process, I uncovered an interesting bundle of goods.
Now, I'm not sure if I explained how I got into crocheting in the first place, but in case I have not, a quick recap:
Ok, so part of the introduction I wrote here had its thunder stolen by my last post, and well, I hate to be redundant, so I'll just dive right in since you know all the background... Aite, so on the very first day of step 1 of this entire process, I uncovered an interesting bundle of goods.
Now, I'm not sure if I explained how I got into crocheting in the first place, but in case I have not, a quick recap:
As a young girl I had interest in the needle arts, but was soon disheartened after the tribulations of a first attempt to learn the craft of knitting (the number of stitches kept increasing, the yarn I was using got knotted in the skein and I couldn't work further, plus a whole load of other things). But that desire to learn had not quite died in my soul.
Running late to a homework session, I came upon my partner packing away a skein of yarn and a work in progress. In that instant, I could see my desire being fulfilled, and dove head into the world of crocheting. And lo and behold, to aid me in that journey, the woman who gave me life, gave me the tools of this practical and artistic trade: a how to crochet beginners kit, complete with needles and accessories, and a skein of worsted weighted yarn.Ok, flashback complete. Anyway, back to the present.
Spring Cleaning
Hi.
So recently (like 4 days ago) my mother announced her plan to clear out the basement storage. Now, that doesn't sound too bad, it'll probably be just a bit of sorting through items and reorganizing the remaining items - simple.
But no. This closet is a walk-in space, roughly the size of a large dorm room, with shelves built along the walls, big enough to hold suitcases. And they go so high that even our step stool might not be enough to reach the back of the top rows.
So, this, is not a little bit of spring cleaning. It is a gargantuan endeavor. Maybe that's why we're starting so early... We can only hope to be done by spring. :P
And as I sorted through the things that were out of sight, and therefore, out of mind, I found myself discovering and rediscovering myself, my parents, and a few other things here and there. [Ok, that was a really deep/profound kind of statement, but I don't intend it to be... it raises expectations :P]
And of course, as I start to think, there is of course that urge to write. At first it started with one little episode I wanted to share. And then as I sat down, I realized there is more than one story - more than one group of little tangents that occur to me that can't be defined under one title, one heading. Well ok, technically it can be under one title. I could keep this title of "Spring Cleaning" and have several mini posts with individual titles within this post (like a certain post that I've been working on). But here's the thing. I'm too impatient to wait long enough to get all the stories out and post them all at once, or to post them in little chunks. Ok, wait, that actually might be a good idea...
Right. So, in light of the fact that I get impatient and want to post what I've written the minute I'm done writing it, for now, I'll just be posting things individually (basically I could have the first little post almost ready to put in along with this one, but I don't have the patience to wait to finish writing it and postpone posting this one). But in the future I may chose to group a few together and put them up. [Let's just leave room for any potential option shall we?]
Anyway, now that I've succeeded in making this several sentences too long, thanks to my side commentary... I finally conclude my introduction to the new series of posts born from the efforts of a little spring cleaning.
So recently (like 4 days ago) my mother announced her plan to clear out the basement storage. Now, that doesn't sound too bad, it'll probably be just a bit of sorting through items and reorganizing the remaining items - simple.
But no. This closet is a walk-in space, roughly the size of a large dorm room, with shelves built along the walls, big enough to hold suitcases. And they go so high that even our step stool might not be enough to reach the back of the top rows.
So, this, is not a little bit of spring cleaning. It is a gargantuan endeavor. Maybe that's why we're starting so early... We can only hope to be done by spring. :P
And as I sorted through the things that were out of sight, and therefore, out of mind, I found myself discovering and rediscovering myself, my parents, and a few other things here and there. [Ok, that was a really deep/profound kind of statement, but I don't intend it to be... it raises expectations :P]
And of course, as I start to think, there is of course that urge to write. At first it started with one little episode I wanted to share. And then as I sat down, I realized there is more than one story - more than one group of little tangents that occur to me that can't be defined under one title, one heading. Well ok, technically it can be under one title. I could keep this title of "Spring Cleaning" and have several mini posts with individual titles within this post (like a certain post that I've been working on). But here's the thing. I'm too impatient to wait long enough to get all the stories out and post them all at once, or to post them in little chunks. Ok, wait, that actually might be a good idea...
Right. So, in light of the fact that I get impatient and want to post what I've written the minute I'm done writing it, for now, I'll just be posting things individually (basically I could have the first little post almost ready to put in along with this one, but I don't have the patience to wait to finish writing it and postpone posting this one). But in the future I may chose to group a few together and put them up. [Let's just leave room for any potential option shall we?]
Anyway, now that I've succeeded in making this several sentences too long, thanks to my side commentary... I finally conclude my introduction to the new series of posts born from the efforts of a little spring cleaning.
2.11.2013
Individual
Hi.
I just wrote a post about standing out from the crowd, and it got me to thinking, what do I do to portray individuality?
I just wrote a post about standing out from the crowd, and it got me to thinking, what do I do to portray individuality?
2.10.2013
Crowded
Hi.
So odd thing this week - there is no new video post on Science Friday - so I thought I'd post on an older one. But after checking out the site, I found a short video, a "snack", from Thursday:
It seems that for once following the crowd is a good thing. Of course following the majority isn't always right, but there is a sense of safety that does come from following everyone else. There are tons of historic examples where people do the wrong thing because it means that they won't stand out (like the fish do when in lighted areas) - which means they will live for another day in peace.
Just like these fish, there is a higher chance of survival when sticking with the majority, because in many ways going out on your own means you have no guidance and makes you a target for all kinds of predators. But those people are kind of amazing. [Big picture: underground railroad, those who helped hide Jews during the Holocaust; Smaller picture: geniuses whose ingenuity leads to amazing progress and fun things to play with, rock stars]
But it's not easy.
If you think about it, we are told all of our lives to stand out, make an impression, be unique - all in pursuit of snagging an interview, acceptances to higher education institutions, promotions, honors - even finding the person you'll spend the rest of your life with. It's because that first bang of individuality makes a lasting impression.
But being unique or different isn't accepted easily. For example, I know a lot of Indian families that came to the US during the Cold War, when different was bad - different meant the enemy. And many of these people changed their names, let go of traditions and culture to be more American. Even for me, bringing packed lunches filled with Indian food was a chore. I'd never be able to eat without at least one person asking me what I was eating, followed by the comment, "Ew." It was only until later in high school that a select few people were actually interested enough to even want to try and enjoy the food (personally, I say that's because of education and maturity - but that doesn't necessarily help).
The thing is, being different takes guts. You need to have the confidence to look and act in a manner that is novel. It takes confidence to put a unique personality out there. You can't be afraid of the judgments of others.
I think the basic part of being unique is just being able to wear your character on the outside. If you think about it, we all are different even though some people try to be the same - we are different (I refuse to go into the whole different experiences lead to different people thing... Ok, I did a little but that's it.). And part of wearing your character on the outside is being confident in yourself. The easiest way to do so is through your appearance (mind you, flashy doesn't mean unique - unless you are a flashy character ^_^).
Unfortunately, we are constrained by society. We are not all afforded the luxury of isolation - we have to cater to interviewers, the law, and our relations. We are held to standards of the acceptable and appropriate. Our ability to be different sometimes is only allowed to shine if it is within those boundaries. Of course I'm not saying that it can't - but you seem to ultimately face the consequences, be what they may.
It's as if most of society accepts different as long as it stays within bounds. It is a paradox that society lives in: you can be unique as long as you are basically the same.
And the irony of everyone being a unique character is that well, if everyone is "unique", then in the end, no one is. It's like being unique is following the crowd. Who'da thunk? Maybe we all are really just fish stuck in schools.
So odd thing this week - there is no new video post on Science Friday - so I thought I'd post on an older one. But after checking out the site, I found a short video, a "snack", from Thursday:
It seems that for once following the crowd is a good thing. Of course following the majority isn't always right, but there is a sense of safety that does come from following everyone else. There are tons of historic examples where people do the wrong thing because it means that they won't stand out (like the fish do when in lighted areas) - which means they will live for another day in peace.
Just like these fish, there is a higher chance of survival when sticking with the majority, because in many ways going out on your own means you have no guidance and makes you a target for all kinds of predators. But those people are kind of amazing. [Big picture: underground railroad, those who helped hide Jews during the Holocaust; Smaller picture: geniuses whose ingenuity leads to amazing progress and fun things to play with, rock stars]
But it's not easy.
If you think about it, we are told all of our lives to stand out, make an impression, be unique - all in pursuit of snagging an interview, acceptances to higher education institutions, promotions, honors - even finding the person you'll spend the rest of your life with. It's because that first bang of individuality makes a lasting impression.
But being unique or different isn't accepted easily. For example, I know a lot of Indian families that came to the US during the Cold War, when different was bad - different meant the enemy. And many of these people changed their names, let go of traditions and culture to be more American. Even for me, bringing packed lunches filled with Indian food was a chore. I'd never be able to eat without at least one person asking me what I was eating, followed by the comment, "Ew." It was only until later in high school that a select few people were actually interested enough to even want to try and enjoy the food (personally, I say that's because of education and maturity - but that doesn't necessarily help).
The thing is, being different takes guts. You need to have the confidence to look and act in a manner that is novel. It takes confidence to put a unique personality out there. You can't be afraid of the judgments of others.
I think the basic part of being unique is just being able to wear your character on the outside. If you think about it, we all are different even though some people try to be the same - we are different (I refuse to go into the whole different experiences lead to different people thing... Ok, I did a little but that's it.). And part of wearing your character on the outside is being confident in yourself. The easiest way to do so is through your appearance (mind you, flashy doesn't mean unique - unless you are a flashy character ^_^).
Unfortunately, we are constrained by society. We are not all afforded the luxury of isolation - we have to cater to interviewers, the law, and our relations. We are held to standards of the acceptable and appropriate. Our ability to be different sometimes is only allowed to shine if it is within those boundaries. Of course I'm not saying that it can't - but you seem to ultimately face the consequences, be what they may.
It's as if most of society accepts different as long as it stays within bounds. It is a paradox that society lives in: you can be unique as long as you are basically the same.
And the irony of everyone being a unique character is that well, if everyone is "unique", then in the end, no one is. It's like being unique is following the crowd. Who'da thunk? Maybe we all are really just fish stuck in schools.
2.02.2013
More shoe?
Hi.
Due to the interesting coincidence that all my friends have gone on lovely ski/snowboarding trips, and are pretty much incommunicado, I was bored, at home, and stuck with nothing to do.
I tried my hand at gaming, crocheting, reading, eating - but nothing really stuck. So well, I finished updating another section of Shoes!!! [I didn't finish all the retired ones... I was getting impatient, and I had just finished the retired for the Flats before starting on the Heels.]
So, there! Take that people who were stuck on a mountain with nothing to do in all that snow... Ok, I'm still incredibly jealous... I wanna go snowboarding..... T.T
Ok, well updated the shoe inventory, but didn't actually write a new post - meh - just look at it already...
Due to the interesting coincidence that all my friends have gone on lovely ski/snowboarding trips, and are pretty much incommunicado, I was bored, at home, and stuck with nothing to do.
I tried my hand at gaming, crocheting, reading, eating - but nothing really stuck. So well, I finished updating another section of Shoes!!! [I didn't finish all the retired ones... I was getting impatient, and I had just finished the retired for the Flats before starting on the Heels.]
So, there! Take that people who were stuck on a mountain with nothing to do in all that snow... Ok, I'm still incredibly jealous... I wanna go snowboarding..... T.T
Ok, well updated the shoe inventory, but didn't actually write a new post - meh - just look at it already...
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