Earth Day Every Day

INCIDENT:
In honor of Earth Day I thought I would share this great compilation of two films addressing industry's effect on the earth. It speaks of the negative influence of industry on people and the planet. The video is excerpts from the short film "Birth of Industry" featuring independent film star Diane Gaidry (check out the film "Egg" - part I and part II) interspersed with footage from the movie "Beaches" where Bette Midler does a stage performance of her song "Oh, Industry." In "Birth of Industry" Diane Gaidry plays the metaphorical role Mother Nature as she watches her son grow rapidly before her eyes and be drawn to industry and its evils. But in the end, Mother Nature has her revenge.


Video compilation by mlvc816 includes clips from "Birth of Industry" (Directed by Gabriela Tollman; Starring Diane Gaidry, Karen Black and Ed Flanagan) and "Beaches" (Directed by Garry Marshall; Starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey)

MORAL:
I really love how these films were combined almost seamlessly. This video compilation conveys an important message. As we sit and reflect on how industry has affected our societies and the earth, you begin to wonder if the benefits of technology and industry have been worth it. Do we really know what we have sacrificed?

Stuff White People Like

INCIDENT:
Sometimes stereotypes can be funny when framed in a certain context. I have been really enjoying this blog called Stuff White People Like. And I have found that there are other blogs that have copied a similar framework like Stuff Asian People Like.

Now I can identify with the stereotypes of two races/ethnic groups. Awesome.

MORAL:
We have to laugh at ourselves once in awhile if we are going to make it through this life. I don't think that these blogs are mean spirited but rather take ownership of the little quirks that help define who we are... As I mentioned above, even though I am not white I identify with many of the things on the list. What does this mean? Who knows. I don't really read too much into that other than I have been blessed with many different types of friends who have influenced my life. But it also goes to show you that so many things transcend race or ethnicity. And if we see past it all, we really are very similar.

We Are The Ones

INCIDENT:
will.i.am made yet another video in support of Obama. Be inspired. Have a voice. What do you care about?



MORAL:
People say that Obama is just words and nothing more. He is more and words do matter. All the time in political arenas, people use words to inspire, to strike fear, to call to organize, and to place blame. The difference between someone you trust and someone you distrust is the amount of variance between what they say and what they do. We have seen the outcome of politicians who have conflicting actions and statements. There is little tolerance for these individuals. So words do matter.

However without charismatic leaders we are also at a loss. Little emphasis this election has been put the ability of a president to bring the nation together, or to inspire hope in a time when there is little hope left. Obama has this ability to unite the nation. We need a leader and not many people can inspire hope like he has during his candidacy. Imagine what he could do as president.