Please Watch This Short Film: Alike!

As someone who values creativity, this speaks to me greatly. Especially how our society works hard to create drones, and is terrible at accommodating the creative mind.

So, I think this little gem is well worth your time. I hope you love it as much as I do.

Positive Energy: Xavier Rudd’s Honeymoon Bay

I discovered Xavier Rudd years ago, but during the quarantine, I’ve started binging his music. I find his music fills me with joy and with hope. Check out one of my current favorites.

Lyrics: 
Angels flying, wind at her heels
Serpents gliding, nothing revealed
Full back circles
I believe, I believe
It’s my beginning, woah, oh, oh

 

Gone are those winters
Gone are those days
Gone are those choices, to be recklessly brave
I’m guided by angels,
Decided by choice
It’s my beginning, woah, oh, oh

 

I believe, I believe, I believe
Woah, oh, oh, oh
We are young, we can fly, we are free
Woah, oh, oh, oh
Take a chance, take a chance
And see
Woah, oh, oh, oh
I believe, come believe with me
Woah, oh, oh, oh

 

Honeymoon waters, Honeymoon Bay
Safe to assume now,
That we’re on our way
Sweetwater turtle, mingly roads
It’s our beginning,
Woah, oh, oh

 

A dream of stories, etched in the stone
Time to dream now and create our own
Forgotten by angels

Ten…well, Eight Things The Oatmeal’s Matt Inman Learned About Creativity

I’ve long been a fan of Matt Inman’s “The Oatmeal“. I admire his work, and his creative vision. I recommend this little comic essay on creativity.

Check Out “Hey Tim – The Story Of My Life”

A friend of mine shared this video with me today. Just. Wow! First the artistry of the film shines brilliantly. The story, though, carries it to great heights.

So, clearly, I recommend it. Check it out, then let me know what you think. I hope you love it as much as I.

Laugh of the Day

Upon reading this, I snorted boldly. No one in my house woke, thankfully.

Streaming Music On YouTube

I’ve been exploring music on YouTube for years. I’ve found the YouTube Music feature pretty lackluster, but that’s probably mostly due to my eclectic musical tastes and interests.

Lately, I’ve been obsessing about a couple musical things. First, the Hang Drum. Imagine a steel drum that’s much more portable. I find them rather ethereal and lovely. I particularly like the video below. The music is delightful, and the imagery stunning. My favorite combo on the platform. Here’s a playlist I’ve started, and will add to as I go forward.

 

Another recent musical obsession: these long playing live streams. I’ve been bopping in and out of the one below for months…maybe years.

 

Design Matters Podcast Featuring Derren Brown

I love to listen to podcasts. As I try to go for a walk every evening, that’s one of my favorite times to listen. One of my favorites podcasts is Debbie Millman’s Design Matters. This week’s edition features mentalist, hypnotist, and what I’m going to label “anthropological psychologist” Derren Brown.

I was unfamiliar with his work until this evening. And when, during the introduction, they described his performance work, I disconnected some. Which really helped me actually listen. Most often, I’m feeling compelled to capture every detail. But mental magic/hypnosis? Yeah…and I was pulled in.

Listening to his description of what’s happening in the minds of the audience spoke to my old fascination with psychology. And then I was able to see the connection to all the things I love. Communications is psychology. The mind is the key component for this inter-human facilitation of information transfer. Even my haiku reflect that. I love the challenge of communicating an idea with a few words as possible. The stripping down to the essential.

Also, I appreciated the notions of suggestibility and how it plays out in multiple human contexts. And reminders of how malleable memory is.

So, with all that, I highly recommend you take an hour and listen. It was very enlightening.

 

Is This Gary Snyder or Obi Wan Kenobi?

Maybe I’m just silly, but I see similarities here. Maybe I like Snyder so much because he’s a Jedi Master?

Gary Snyder Nature Quote
Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.

Obi Wan - Alec Guiness
Obi Wan – Alec Guiness

Today’s Quote of the Day: Gary Snyder

Gary Snyder Nature Quote
Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.

I’ve long adored Snyder’s work and words. This one speaks to be strongly today. I hope it motivates you, gives you energy and helps you pursue your dreams.

 

New Music By A Friend Scalar Theorem

I’ve known Scalar Theorem for several years and do find his bass rich perfect for focus. Techno styled music (electronic, dub step, and the like) speaks to me. Plus, as he’s a friend, I delight to watch him succeed. He’s a regular at Burning Man!

Anyway, please go check out his new album, give it a like, and think about other ways to support his music. (If you’d rather listen on Bandcamp, here’s the link to him there).