"Blurred Lines" Parody with Mod Carousel

I don’t know too much about #RobinThicke besides, mainly, the fact that he has made a major transformation since his first popular release some years back (he was more of a grungy/hippy/soul singer). However, I do know that his song “Blurred Lines” has been a hit since its release this summer. I suppose part of that success is due to the video for the track that features nude, or at least nearly naked, women marching across a screen in front of Thicke and his crew (Pharrell and T.I.). The video seemed to have sparked a slight controversy due to the blunt objectification of women, but I’m still at a loss as to why so many people were shocked or surprised by such displays; sexy women and music have been tied together since the beginning of MTV, and even before. This curious uproar aside, and I am not saying the exploitation of the female form and the messages therein are okay, I do find this parody video featuring genderbending burlesque from Mod Carousel to be a much fitter representation of the idea of “blurred lines” when it comes to matters of sex, gender, sexuality, and identity. Check it OUT!

Meeting Issei Sagawa with VICE

In this video, VICE meets with Japanese cannibal Issei Sagawa. Sagawa shot a young Dutch student in Paris, 1981, and then proceeded to eat her remains. He was caught, sent back to Japan, but never punished for his crime on grounds of insanity. While the act is heinous, the mini-doc focuses mostly on Sagawa’s life in the aftermath of his transgressions. He tells his story, and you can discern the conflict raging within this individual. My favorite moment, which comes in the second part of the doc, is when a young porn actress is told of Sagawa’s past after spending a day having sex with him. She states: “I understand he is full of insecurities,” and “I think it’s selfish to let his fantasies grow so wild.” This last statement is most interesting because it begs the question of how this man is supposed to prevent his desires from overtaking him, the implication being that others could be harmed otherwise. This young women actually begins a friendship with Sagawa, which leads to some progress in the fight against his illness(?). As she says, “He’s lacking something…” and I suppose she wanted to help him find that part of himself that could possibly remedy his most grotesque urges and painful existence. As Sagawa concludes, “I don’t even know who I am…nor the meaning of my life.” This is a standard human condition, I think, and examining this particular instance and situation, with its tragic and gruesome consequences, is revealing. See for yourself.

Stills

Is Smithfield Still an American Company if Chinese Purchase Moves Forward?

The CEO of Smithfield Foods--mostly known for their ham, of course, and for being the world's largest pork producer--insists that the purchase of the company by Chinese firm Shuanghui International Holdings will not alter the U.S. company's products or adherence to current production standards. However, CEO Larry Pope goes even further by saying that Smithfield, even after the Chinese takeover, will still be "an American company." How so? Yes, the takeover will mean that U.S. workers at Smithfield will keep their jobs--for now--but the company will be owned by a Chinese firm, and thus will no longer be an American company; workers at Smithfield will be working for Chinese owners. To elide this fact is misleading and delusive, and it blurs the larger issue of American firms being sold off to foreign entities. While this is not anything new, and while American workers are currently employed by many global firms--the largest sector probably being that of the auto industry--we do need to be mindful of the fact that many of the countries that are able to grab up American firms would gawk at an American request to do the same in their own countries. As several Congress members have noted, one of them being Sen. Mike Johanns (R- Neb.), "Chinese regulators would laugh at you if you said, ‘Well, I'll just buy Shuanghui,’” which happens to be China's largest pork producer. Point: companies owned and controlled by countries other than the U.S.A. should not be referred to as "American companies."

Pussy Riot, "Punk Prayer"

This is just another indication that the world is off-kilter. Yes, look to Russia and Mr. Putin for an example of why I can be rather pessimistic about the human condition--or that of our social structures. (I'm quite certain that in the next 5 years we will see drones flying above us, adroitly taking note and inventory of our lives.) I have personally felt and seen the continuing invasion of privacy and freedom of speech. And take note: sometimes such encroachments are clandestine. However, in the case of Pussy Riot, those tactics have been quite open and unapologetic. Members of the collective--mothers, sisters, daughters, partners, leaders, citizens--have been put on trial and face up to 7 years imprisonment for "hate crimes" against the church in Russia. Strange, at least it seems to me, since the true "hate crime" is the Russian governments forced squelching of the voices of citizens. We must hope that that attention their story is getting will help Pussy Riot escape from the clutches of a fiercely brutal and power-hungry political system. Furthermore, let their story be a warning to us all about the lengths the people-at-the-top will go to keep their privileged positions--including selling arms to a deadly regime in Syria or ebbing the human rights of its own citizens. See the video and words that started the fire below.

(Chorus)

St. Maria, Virgin, Drive away Putin
Drive away! Drive away Putin!
(end chorus)

Black robe, golden epaulettes
All parishioners are crawling and bowing
The ghost of freedom is in heaven
Gay pride sent to Siberia in chains

The head of the KGB is their chief saint
Leads protesters to prison under escort
In order not to offend the Holy
Women have to give birth and to love

Holy shit, shit, Lord's shit!
Holy shit, shit, Lord's shit!

(Chorus)
St. Maria, Virgin, become a feminist
Become a feminist, Become a feminist
(end chorus)

Church praises the rotten dictators
The cross-bearer procession of black limousines
In school you are going to meet with a teacher-preacher
Go to class - bring him money!

Patriarch Gundyaev believes in Putin
Bitch, you better believed in God
Belt of the Virgin is no substitute for mass-meetings
In protest of our Ever-Virgin Mary!

(Chorus)
St. Maria, Virgin, Drive away Putin
Drive away! Drive away Putin!
(end chorus)

Palladium: Tokyo Rising

Palladium (boots) wants to take us everywhere. In a recent collaboration--with Pharrell William serving as host--we are taken to post-Fukushima/tsunami/earthquake Tokyo, Japan. As the city that holds a special place in my heart and mind, as it does for so many, I was very excited to see this project happen. Pharrell doesn't have much to say, which is fine by me, as it allows for the city and it's people to do the talking--even a trippple nippples diva makes an appearance. One of the most interesting segments is in video 4 in which Japanese "REMIX" culture is discussed. Check it out HERE and learn some about what makes Tokyo such a phenomenal place. 
 

Yolanda Dominguez and "Livings"

Yolanda Dominguez is a Spanish artist who orchestrates "livings" wherein she insights social commentary and participation with acts of art that find their place within everyday, lived, experience. The video below showcases Dominguez's work to bring to life the poses struck by models in magazines into the three-dimensional lived spaces of society--the outcome provokes some humor and underlines the true strangeness of haute couture fueled poses. See more of Yolanda Dominguez HERE on her site.
Source: See Like Me

Protest in Greece: New Resistance Culture

With so much talk going on about the finances, here in the US, but also--and perhaps even more so--in Greece, I can't help but think that I wish I could be in Greece myself in order to protest the recent gov't austerity measures passed. The point has been met wherein THE PEOPLE are being subjected to the will of BANKS--contemptible dealers of mythical monies. What would truly happen if Greece, and so many other nations did, indeed, default on their loans from these "BANKS?" People would still be capable of work and life would go on. I know it isn't so simple, but the time has come for us to question these institutions and the elected officials who bend toward the whim of FINANCIAL engineers at the cost of THE PEOPLE. The film below, directed by Michael Oswald and produced by John-Paul Pryor, is presented by DazedDigital and sheds light on some of these issues. I wish peaceful protest to those in Greece, THE PEOPLE, standing up for their rights.

Welcome to Pine Point by The Goggles

This is a interactive film by a duo who call themselves The Goggles. It's formatted much like a documentary and is about a town in Canada that was dissolved--eliminated--erased. The work brings to life the place and people of Pine Point while raising the question of what it means to have your hometown--the place where you grew up and which helped shape the person you were to become--erased: houses demolished or moved, roads left to ruin, etc. Yet, this place that once was is documented and lives on in the memories of those who once lived within its borders. The "film" (?) is very engaging and most interesting in how it is laid out: a very creative way of documenting and presenting work. See it HERE.
Source: Birche

Ted Williams: The smooth voice of the formerly homeless

A video recently hit youtube and generated over 11 million views, finding its way onto several news programs including NBC Nightly and CNN Blitzer. If you haven't heard, the video features a homeless man, Ted Williams, with a very pleasant "radio" voice. The video was shot in Ohio and Ted Williams has found himself in the midst of notoriety and uplift since.Williams was given a chance to showcase his talent on-air and many job offers, even a mortgage offer, have been rolling in.

All the good will is very American and the nation does love a uplifting story of second chances--particularly one that includes a person's new-found recognition of special talents. Williams' story is also one of possible redemption as he found himself homeless (for about 10 years) after bouts with drugs and alcohol. While this is a great "second chance" for Williams, how optimistic should one be in regards to his ability to re-enter the world of the homeful?

Putting aside the very contentious issues that arise from the situation of giving a job to a homeless man over someone who has had more of a stable work history or in consideration of society's role in creating a scenario wherein Williams became homeless in the first place (this would seem to downplay his own role in self destructive behavior)--putting all that aside, what I am most interested in is Ted Williams' acclimation back into the working world and a homeful world. Being on the fringe of society for ten years must have some affect on a person resulting in possible behavioral or mental issues that might need to be worked through before a person can make a secure and healthy re-entry into mainstream society. On top of this work, for Williams, is the attention that his story has garnered--attention that may be as much of a curse as it is a blessing.

One only hopes that Williams has been offered assistance from a trained professional that can guide him through his journey back from the fringe. Getting to work, filing benefit and insurance paperwork, having to be somewhere everyday, paying a mortgage, obtaining a back account, budgeting for various bills: all these tasks must be daunting for people who have been homeless for a long period of time during which their main focus has been simple survival. Such a challenging journey, and one that Williams will now face, is of interest and goes far beyond the initial feel-good appeal that his story has generated thus far. And what about his background? What about a relationship? Whom does a formerly homeless and newly homeful person date (and one might argue that if Williams were gay, he may be compelled to stay closeted as not to disrupt the good will that has been bestowed upon him--but, perhaps this is a overly pessimistic view. Furthermore, I am not implying that Williams is gay, but am just thinking of a hypothetical)?

I wish Ted Williams well as he works to put together a new life, possibly featuring a career in broadcasting--only time will tell. I do hope that he is able to use his ten years out of work, living in tents and begging on the streets, to his advantage. I hope he is able to overcome the challenges that must accompany a return the the homeful world. This is a second chance for Ted and an opportunity for us--greater society--to learn about what being homeless and helping the homeless truly means.

Don't Be a "Dickhead"

Oh, the satire. Just be true to yourself and you will be fine no matter what others think--do it for yourself, not them...just don't be a dickhead about it, i.e. THINK. Very funny video and catchy song. Enjoy! Source: Zephyr-files HERE

Lost in the Supermarket

Shopping for groceries in Japan can evidently be a sexually tense experience--at least, these signs would indicate such a state. The first is a funny bit of "lost in translation-ism." What was meant to indicate that the check-out clerk would not bag groceries (self-bag, please) becomes a affirmation that one will refrain from relations with said clerk. The second sign adds to this message of self-control by having a cartoon cop declare that such bad behavior will "ruin your life." Very Stuff. Read more about this shopping experience HERE on Japan Visitor.

Helen Thomas in Vice Magazine

 Vice Magazine has posted an interview with Helen Thomas online--an interview that will also be published in the next issue of the magazine, but hurried to the web due to the fire-storm created recently in regards to Thomas' remarks on Israeli/Palestine relations.  This is a very insightful interview with a news veteran. It is an interview--coupled with Thomas' now famous remarks--that underscores just how afraid the public and the media are to share opinions that may be contrary to positions assumed to be held by the majority--even afraid to ASK questions (a reason Thomas gives as to how the nation was carried to war after 9-11). What is wrong with "rocking the boat?" Helen Thomas has recently done so--and no matter if you agree with her opinions or not--hopefully her openness will serve as inspiration to others to at least look at issues from all sides.
Read the interview HERE.  
Pic from Vice Magazine: by Richard Kern

Mitch Griffiths: "The Promised Land"

Mitch Griffiths has a new exhibit entitled "The Promised Land" at Halcyon Gallery in London. His work deals with the force of consumerism in today's society and, in broader sense, the construction of identity in a globalized world: including imperialistic ideology and the idea that anything is possible.
Read a great interview with Griffiths on Dazed digital. 

Excerpt from the Dazed interview: 
Mitch Griffiths: "Mass media tells us we can achieve anything we want. There is a flaw in this concept: if anyone can make it then the ones that do are less respected and more resented. The thinking isn't "I can" but "Why not me?" our belief isn't in our abilities but in the right to be given what we want." 

The image is by Griffiths from Dazed digital. The video is from Halcyon Gallery website.

Mitch Griffiths, The Promised Land. from Halcyon Gallery on Vimeo.

Taylor Swift: Artist?

Needless to say, I am not a Taylor Swift fan by any measure. I can tolerate what I do hear of her music when I have no ability to stop it: When shopping for groceries or cheap clothes, mostly. But, I do not knock anyone who is a fan. Everyone's tastes are different and I would not expect everyone to like all the music I do (though I do love suggesting). With that in mind, I was a bit surprised but also intrigued and slightly happy that folks took an opportunity to critique her recent performance on the Grammy Show this past Sunday. I was surprised because I did not think that, in the spectrum of Pop music these days (And Taylor Swift is a POP act, NOT a country act. C'mon people!), it was a prerequisite that you actually have the ability to sing well. I thought the Pop Music World had moved beyond that notion in recent years (Auto Tune anyone?). I am happy because while people point out the flaws in Swift's performance, which I too think was lacking in raw vocal talent, I see a glimmer of hope: Hope that we have not completely thrown out a want for musical acts to deliver a nice sounding vocal performance. If you are not going to "blow the audience away", at least sound "OK". During her performance, Swift was a few notches below OK. To put it one way: If she had been a performer in a talent show at my former High School, I don't think she would have won. Perhaps the performance was a fluke. A one off bad showing. Whatever the case, what is fascinating about the entire ordeal is that she is being crticized and what the criticism says about the level of talent that we might expect from a "musical artist."

Great singing talent does, indeed, exist in today's Pop music. Despite its tackyness, American Idol does showcase singers with good voices (for the most part). But not just from American Idol (I only use it as an example). Talented "artists" are making their way to the forefront and have made their way without the help of TV shows. There were a few good examples of such artists during the Grammy Show on Sunday. But, the idea that Taylor Swift is a really great singer, is not believable. However, many people argue that this fact is beside the point. The CEO of Taylor Swifts record company (Big Machine), Scott Borchetta, commented in Swifts defense (of course), "This is not `American Idol.' This is not a competition of getting up and seeing who can sing the highest note. This is about a true artist and writer and communicator. It's not about that technically perfect performance" (AP). I think that this quote points out key factors in the career of a successful artist. But isn't another key factor in the art of song and performance the ability to please the "ears" of listeners? The only time this may not hold true would be in cases when the point of the art is to cause displeasure and audible discomfort purposely (Maybe something avant garde, etc.). But Taylor Swift is in the business of "pleasing." While communicating a message and aesthetic to your audience is important, I do not feel that these aspects of performance should ever trump the most important "act" of all. That is, the act of delivering musically pleasing art. Remember, we are talking about a musical performance, not a speech, painting, novel et al. It should sound good. If you do not believe that it should sound good or that one should even go about the critiquing of a singer's vocal instrument, then maybe this says more about what you consider to be "art" and who you consider to be "artists." To a music company, Taylor Swift is a commodity, a product. What matters to the company's bottom line is how effectively their product is "communicated" to a targeted "audience." Music companies need to remember that while an "artist" may "speak" to their audience on several important levels, if you are going to call someone a "musical artist," you cannot neglect the level of musicality. Many have called Taylor Swift, "the voice of her generation." Whoa! Big words, right? What a message. But if this is truly the case (I know millions would beg to differ, but if it is) it means that the messenger seems to be communicating with an audience pretty well (biggest selling album of 2009). But the message and the story are louder and placed in greater importance than the music itself. With Taylor Swift's poor performance being called into question, maybe there is hope that in the Pop Music World an artists talent will need to match all the hype. Otherwise, in my opinion, we need to refrain from a labeling a Product as an Artist.

AP story HERE
Photo by Reina Ltd.

Herbivores: Can this new wave of manhood take root in the U.S.?

Each year, Japanese publishing company, Jiyukokumin-Sha, helps sponsor the New Word and Buzzword of The Year Grand Prix. The competition highlights Japanese words or phrases that have had significant cultural impact that year. The winners are voted for by readers. In 2009, a phrase that created a lot of buzz, making the Top 10 List, was Soshoku Danshi, or "Herbivore Boys." This is the newest label given to men in their 20's and early 30's who are collectively debunking the status quo of gender roles and behavior in modern Japan. Since the term was coined in 2006 by Japanese columnist and Editor Maki Fukasawa, a good deal of attention has been given to this group of men. 2009 saw the ranks of the Herbivores increase.

Who are the Herbivores? They aren't necessarily vegetarians. However, their habits are in stark contrast to those typically associated with men in Japan, particularly Nikushoku Danshi (Carnivore Boys) or "salary men" who are infamous for putting in long hours at the office and then eating, drinking, and chasing after women with their peers, before returning home late in the evening or in the early hours of the morning. Herbivores are more homebody than busybody, preferring the comforts of home over loud, flashy bars. Instead of all night benders with work buddies, the Herbivore might stay in, create a classic cocktail using only fresh ingredients, and listen to a rare jazz record on his antique player.

A Herbivore is less likely to procrastinate on or ignore a little housework. He may also enjoy cooking and trying out new dishes. He is a man who takes care of himself physically: eating healthy, staying well groomed, and dressing smartly. But, do not get him confused with the metrosexual of the early 2000's. The Herbivore's priorities are not based solely upon his looks, but are based on an overall sense of well-being and sense of self. He prefers regular or even flexible hours at work that allow him more time to focus on his passions with less concern on climbing the corporate ladder and staying late at the office. He is not afraid to show a more sensitive side and could be found reading "Shojo" comics (those with a humanistic and romantic emphasis) or joining a "dessert club." As a self-proclaimed Herbivore has stated, "We don't care at all what people think about how we live." And the Herbivore can live with or without women. The newest breed of Japanese men are making it harder for Japanese women to find dates due to their passive and sometimes resistant attitude towards dating. Many have decided to forgo any romantic relationships with women altogether. They see dating as too expensive or time consuming. Others want to avoid losing the simplicity and ease of their lifestyle by getting wrapped up in the often time complicated world of traditional relationships. Whatever the case, with "toys" and the internet, there are a number of alternative means of gratification Herbivores have at their disposal.

Japan's Herbivores are not interested in participating in acts of overt machismo like those associated with businessmen during the boom of the 80's. They are not spending money on big ticket items or status symbols like cars, expensive watches, or luxury condos. Herbivores take pride in keeping strict budgets and saving money by searching for the best deals and lowest prices. Thrifty habits like growing their own food or making their own clothing are not doing much to help stimulate Japan's sagging economy.   A recent New York Times article noted that Japan's unemployment rate reached a record high of 5.7 (10/09) and that the nation's economic decline could accelerate as China captures many of its export markets. The recent election of the Japanese House of Representatives resulted in the Democratic Party of Japan winning in a landslide against the long time ruling Liberal Democratic Party. In fact, this event spawned the number one Japanese buzzword of 2009, Seiken Kotai (Regime Change). The new party won, in part, by vowing to turn the Japanese economy around. Best efforts to do so will most likely have to include economic stimulation of Japanese domestic spending, but the Herbivore's prudent nature could create some obstacles for the new government to overcome.

Finding a way to change some of the financial habits of Herbivore's may become part of a new Japanese economic plan. However, concurrently, Japan's economic climate may itself be a contributing factor in the growth of this new segment of its society. Income inequality and poverty are on the rise and "lifetime" positions at Japanese companies are quickly becoming a thing of the past. A report provided by The Japan Institute For Labour Policy and Training shows that nearly 40 percent of the Japanese workforce are working in non-regular staff positions The development of the habits and lifestyle preferences of Herbivores are likely results of young men looking for ways to cope with this economic shift. With fading incentives for putting work first, Japan's Herbivores are finding it easier and more personally rewarding to explore and engage in aspects of life that have been ignored by previous generations of men. A 2009 survey by the Lifenet Seimei Life Insurance Company of 500 Japanese men in their 20's and 30's saw 75 percent respond that they identify more as "Herbivore" than "Carnivore." The number of men who identify as "Herbivore" may continue to grow as men look to find fulfillment and happiness in places other than work and careers.

If the economic climate in Japan has contributed to the emergence of Herbivores amongst its men, it is also possible that the condition of the economy in the U.S. could do the same. According to a recent survey conducted for The Conference Board by TNS, only 45 percent of Americans are satisfied with their jobs. This is the lowest level in two decades. And with U.S. unemployment rates reaching record highs, many out of work individuals are finding new ways to pass the time and are reining in their personal budgets. American optimism is slowly being replaced by a growing sense of realism as people are becoming more often exposed to the fragility of personal wealth and the overall national economy. Habits associated with Herbivores could very well become assets as we enter the next decade. Would be "American Herbivores" may be wise to take cues from their Japanese counterparts.

Is it possible that the U.S. will see its own version of the Herbivore? Will there be or is there already an American Herbivore? The U.S. and Japan have very different histories. While the U.S. has waged several, and is currently engaged in two, wars since 1945, Japan has remained a mostly peaceful nation. Some scholars, like Masahiro Morioka, professor of philosophy at Osaka Prefecture University who was featured in an article on Herbivores in the Japan Times, believe that Japan's non-confrontational past 6 decades may be contributing to the rise of Japanese men who find it less necessary to display "manly" traits. Aggression and toughness are slowly giving way to a quieter sensitivity. The U.S. has been more actively engaged in world conflict. It is home to a higher number of veterans who have taken part in arduous and tough warfare. Perhaps this fact makes it less likely that the U.S. will see large numbers of men who are willing to identify as "Herbivore" crop up in the short-term. But this may soon change.

Despite the differences in cultural and social histories, the U.S. and Japan have had one major theme in common for sometime: Both nations have been the leading economic powerhouses for decades. With the rise of China, Americans, like the Japanese, could soon see their nation's standing on the global market take significant shifts downward in the decades to come. The ripple effects could be staggering, giving rise to an environment in which American Herbivores and aspects of the Herbivore lifestyle grow to be more prevalent. Emphasis on prudent behavior, health, pursuit of passions, and creating a happier balance between work life and home life could very well be ideals that American men grow to accept more openly. The American Herbivore may not turn out to be exactly like its Japanese counterpart, but just as we have had our Beats and Hippies in the past, Herbivores may soon take root in American Culture.

*Image from SLATE

More on the "Herbivores" of Japan

 The story from the BBC World Service starts at the 9.30 mark on the player.

Link HERE

This story gives more coverage to Japan's Herbivore Culture. This growing trend with men is a big sensation in Japan. The reporter here talks with the guys themselves, but also with the women who would be mates (that is if the herbivores were more inclined to asking them out). As the reporter here puts it: The herbivore trend is a, "Laid back model of manhood." I find the trend facinating, particularly in light of the fact that Japan's economic standing is falling and this new wave of manhood could have a major impact. I hope to write some on herbivores in the future. I don't think this is a trend that is going away any time soon. There is more to be said about Soshoku Danshi (Herbivore boys) VS. Nikushoku Danshi (Carnivore boys). 

More on Herbivores:
http://therogueprince.blogspot.com/2009/11/japans-herbivores-make-npr.html 
http://therogueprince.blogspot.com/2009/09/grass-eaters-on-slate.html

Japan's Herbivores Make NPR

More on the "Herbivores" of Japan. I posted awhile ago about the new trend in Japan which finds the country's men rebelling against the long standing norms of gender, sex, machoism, and all around lifestyle decisions that have been apart of the Japanese culture for decades (original Post here). The new breed of younger, twenty and thirty somethings are breaking the mold and pursuing their passions without shame.



NPR has recently produced a story to investigate the trend further. My original post was made after reading an article on Slate.

Find out more about Japan's "Herbivores" HERE and HERE

Obamitas Cookies: Based on President Obama

A Branding and Design firm in Spain have created a cookie inspired by President Barak Obama. Maybe you have seen this before. The firm, Neos Brand, gained some coverage on this chocolate treat in various publications, but I am just coming across it. My first thought is: Is this racist in any way? In all fairness, I am sure that the firm did not intentionally make the cookie as a racist gesture and to be mean spirited. On the contrary, it is probably a nod and a compliment to America's first Black President. But, the group must have known that there would be questions about RACE raised by their design. And maybe that is part of the project. Unfortunately, I do not speak nor read Spanish. If you do, however, Neos Brand have provided a case study for the "OBAMITAS COOKIE" (link below). 

I suppose my main concern is that, unless you count the addition of slightly large ears on the "face" of the cookie, there is truly no likeness to President Obama. And giving nods to the ears is pushing it, I think. And a chocolate cookie nonetheless... The cookie does give an example of the power of the "Obama Brand" and the president's apparent mass appeal. But where do we draw the line? Black gummy Obamas anyone?

Learn more about the "cookie" project HERE

Nous Brand site HERE

Obamitas dot Com

This American Life takes on Health Care

I just finished listening to a fascinating edition of This American Life on NPR. There is a lot being said these days in regards to the Health Care debate, and as the show has done many times before with other topics, This American Life has given us a more clear, in depth, and pertinent view on the issues that impact the American Health Care System (Click the link below to listen).

There are so many parts to the Health Care puzzle that must be considered when developing the best plan of action to SAVE the entire system. Costs are spinning out of control and all major parties seem to understand this fact, including the Insurance Companies who would arguably stand to reap greater profits if NOTHING changed. But, these companies, just as doctors, hospital systems, and patients themselves understand, the system will collapse completely if nothing changes. In the past decade, costs associated with Health Care have risen 130%. If nothing changes, we could face a reality in which HALF of our income goes toward Health Care. That is only 9 years away if nothing changes.

But, what are the main problems and how can they be addressed and corrected? This American Life gives us a nice perspective of some of these In the show, we hear from doctors, patients, insurance reps, and journalists who have followed the issue for decades. The show today was the first of two parts, because there is so much to cover.

If you want a better picture of this very important debate, CHECK OUT THE SHOW HERE.

It is CODE RED for our Health Care System and it's an issue that can no longer be ignored.


THIS AMERICAN LIFE: 391: More of Less

Freaky Fortnight on SLATE

Slate editor, Michael Agger, and his wife, Susan Burton, are in the midst of an experiment of sorts. They have swapped jobs for 2 weeks. The switch has just started and you can follow their entries on the topic on Twitter and Facebook, OR read the articles HERE.

I have just started to read and am truly intrigued and curious about how the experiment will turn out. I am a bit surprised by my interest. You see, Mike and Susan are Thirty-somethings, married, with children. I am definitely not any of those things, yet I find the perspective and thoughts the two are sharing entertaining and enlightening. The Park Slope parents seem to be happy with their current life, but tell about the difficult decisions they both have had to    make in regards to finding the work/life balance.

Being a bit younger, unmarried, and without children, I am taking notes as to the circumstances and subsequent outcomes of the couples decisions and challenges. I think there is some definite value in the articles Mike and Susan are writing.

CHECK IT OUT ON SLATE, HERE