10.31.2010

No Matter Where This World Takes Us...

I'm not quite sure why....but I fell in love with this quote the minute I read it:
"Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends."
Maybe...because it so accurately illustrates what we as people look for in our friendships, what is there in the strongest of friendships...or maybe because it is so beautifully phrased? I really don't know. But anyhow, I love it for what it is...Just thought that I'd share that :)
Oh and happy Halloween! Hope that you had your share of too much candy :)

10.25.2010

What Once Was There

The picture frame,
hangs on a lone hook,
on the beige wall-
in the corner.

The emptiness speaks out more
than a picture
ever would.

The lone initials inscribed in pencil
on the back.

The peeling paint
the chipped wood-
they fade away.
they fade away.

10.17.2010

Perspective

A long time ago someone told me, "The great thing about Oreo's is that no two people eat them the same way."
Think about it. The next time you eat an Oreo...Just observe. The purely interesting part of this is that it completely represents who we are as people. Unique individuals. No two people are the same. They have their own thoughts, ways, and methods of doing things, but I guess that that's just what makes us a diverse and wonderful group of people, right? Right :)

10.16.2010

"___has one! I want it!"

What appeals to the general public? Think for a minute. Okay, now narrow it down to what appeals to the youth. Thought of a couple of things? Okay. Now, (and for the the final time, I promise) narrow it down to things that appeal to kids age 5-12. And voila. You have a whole list in and of itself. Although you may not realize, kids are the heart of the products that we buy. I'm sure that you've heard the familar phrases:

"Mommy...can we buy this...pleasee? Everyone at school has it!"

or "Hey Mom, this is so much cooler that the version we have at home...you soo have to get it."
If you think about it; the people that come up with products that are targeted towards kids aren't really that "innovative"...just a bit smart. They realize that kids can't possibly not want their product if they see that Miley Cyrus is advertising it on T.V...or what about if one of their favorite cartoons sponsors it? And they would have to get it if all their friends have it of course. So then all they need is for the kids to convince their parents (the easy part of course :))...and voila! A prospering business is under way. You might be wondering what spurred me to right this article...No, it was not simply that I decided to because...I decided to, but I was at my computer when I noticed what was on my hand. A Silly Band. How is it that colorfully shaped rubber bands can be so popular, you ask? Simple, the formula stated above. Recently, someone I know showed me a Silly Necklace. And then a Silly Ring. I have no clue where this is going, but there surely is pattern.
Appealing Products (prefferably involving well-known stars or cartoons) + Youth (who like to keep up with the trends) = consumers who drive the toy business
Businesses realize that something is popular and so they make more versions and types, variations, and soon it becomes a craze. You have to have all of them! Look back on how many times you've heard the words collect them all with a catchy tune and happy people on t.v. commerials. Exactly my point. I guess that's just the way our world works.
Webkinz (something you may not have heard of, but being around many second and third graders, I certainly have...) are a type of stuffed animal which come with an online code that you type into their website so that you essentially have a virtual pet. Sure, this may be cool or such but I (who knows someone who has 49 Webkinz...no kidding) have a feeling that it is these trends that go much more beyond a "cute" stuffed animal.
Here is another list:
-Neopets (oh...you remember them)
-Tamagotchis
-Yu-Gi-Oh cards (Pokemon too!)
Well this is a rather unexhastive list, but these are just a few examples of products, or toys that have pushed the boundaries of popularity and become the new trends among youth, either now, or a few years ago.
All of this just struck me as...interesting. The economy, businesses, and product world is just so strange yet predictable. You get to know what's going to be a hit among people and you know what targets your consumers and voila. What's in store next? I have no clue. But I have no doubt that shaped rubber bands are just the beginning of it.

10.13.2010

Somewhere Out There

The shadows-
they dance across the windows.
But they don't
speak a word.

The footsteps-
leave marks,
but no sound.

The telephone,
rings.
Once, twice, three times-
One whisper.
Are you there?

10.12.2010

An Interview with Sage96

Before I begin, I would like to send a shout out to Alka Pai! Hi Alka! Haha I did as I promised :)

Anyways, I recently decided to interview a dear friend; who is known as Sage96 (or Albuss Potter). She is a serious gymnast and athelete, who balances academics, piano, and being a great friend all at the same time. How does she do this? Simple; read along to hear her tips, thoughts, and pieces of advice. In addition, stop by her blog at http://sage96.blogspot.com/ and take a look! And so without further ado...

1. I understand that academics is a big part of your life, yet, at the same time, gymnastics is as well. How do you balance these two activities?
I love gymnastics a lot, but I know that if I don't perform at my absolute best at school, then I'll have to quit. Keeping that in mind, I work hard at gym, but if there's a conflict between the two, then school is definitely where I need to be.

2. What are your aspirations/dreams/ideas/visions for the future?
To be honest, I really don't know what I want to be when I'm older. I'm interested in art, maybe graphic design or something, but I don't think that I'm the type that can sit in an office or cubicle all day.

3.Do you have advice for a student just starting middle school/junior high? If so, what? What are the three most importnat lifeskills that will help you in junior high?
Going into junior high/middle school, don't be afraid or self-conscious. After all, you can't pretend to be who you aren't forever; it's the truth. Also, always be on top of your homework. No matter what, finish it on time, even if it isn't the best quality (but if you do have time, do it well), because a small amount of point is always better than none. Make sure you try to get involved with the school. Join clubs to get to know other people in your grade and the grades above you. This way, you'll be more comfortable in the school and you'll know many more people.

4. Do you have a favorite writer which you would reccommend? A favorite book?
I seriously recommend reading the Harry Potter series. Not only are they captivating, but they grab you and stuff you in the wizarding world and you'll love it.

5. As an athlete and a hard worker, what do you think has motivated and pushed you towards your highest potential?
I've always wanted people respect, and I'll pretty much go to the end of the earth to earn it, as long as it's worth it. Also, as an athlete I've learned that this really helps. Think positive, especially when something is going wrong or hurts. There's something called mental healing, and if you don't think you're injured, you body will heal faster, and vise versa. Just a little tip.

6. If you were to leave a final message to the blog readers, what would it be?
Final message, eh? Well, I'd say you should read, read, and read other people's blogs, and soon enough you can write your own and it's really very enjoyable.

10.04.2010

Simplicity

"I've learned that you can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk." Albert Einstein, Age 6
You might ask why I decided to post such a particularly...absurd quote. But the beauty of this quote is that, the simplicity of it is perhaps enlightening. It lets us know that one of our greatest known mathematicians/scientists (who was always expected to say great, genius-like things) still remembers the simple little memories and things in his childhood that you never really forget. Oh and by the way, in case you were wondering, it is indeed impossible to hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. Just saying :)

10.03.2010

Stop to Smell the Flowers

Here is an excerpt from an article I read...oh, say, about a year ago:

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.
Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.
A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.
A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.
The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist.
Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.
In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the top musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written,with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.
Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100.
This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station
was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty?


For some reason I have never forgotten about this article ever since I first read it a while ago. You might think that I am trying to prove my "point" as an avid violin player, but that's not quite it, this just spoke out to me on the human nature as a whole. What is it that inspires us to be who were are as people? Our unique, style and ways are who creates us, right? Then why it is that we must forget (well, most of us...) the little things that make our world the indulgent place that we love? Perhaps our busy work schedules, you know, the fact that we have to reach our son to soccer practice, our daughter to ballet. Sure, our world is increasing the work load and we do have excuses, even I admit that. But maybe, just maybe, we should stop to smell the flowers. You know, while your in that car to reach your daughter to ballet, you can look our the window and...marvel at the beauty there is in the world.