Saturday, September 10, 2011

Generation Me by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D.


First, this seems to be a good read...her subtitle, "Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled- and More Miserable Than Ever Before."

Discussion question after Chapter 1...the discussion question was posed by http://stevebussey.blogspot.com
(those of you who know me, know that I'm not necessarilty fond of the remainder of his posts.)

1. This chapter presents a convincing thesis: that we are in the midst of a revolution of what
are considered acceptable social rules which define this generation as being radically
different to the cultural ethos of previous decades (p.20). The new rule: do things your way -
self-interest supercedes the expectations of those around you - or "I don't care what anyone
else thinks, I'm doing things my way." Does this mindset foster or pervert the quest for
authentic community?

My thoughts...No…if we are to believe that in order to give to anyone else, we must be giving FROM a place of comfort, joy and satisfaction…hence you do need to take care of yourself/personal needs first. A personal mantra, this has been followed as I’ve cared for children, family and friends. Community comes from a collection of individuals with needs of their own. How do we give back if we have nothing or little to give? And what is authentic community anyway? 

What are your thoughts?

Saturday, March 12, 2011

More lessons from Frida....

Most of you who know me know Frida (my dog and constant companion for the last 11 years) is very ill. She has cancer with numerous tumors through-out her body. We (her doc and I) made the decision that chemo or other extraordinary measures to extend her life would not enhance her quality of life and so we are in the period of waiting and decline.

When we can, Frida and I spend the day together (like today) just hanging out, working on home-based projects, watching TV or listening to music together. I thought today, as we were sharing a breakfast burrito that I'd like another picture of her (although I have hundreds.)

As you can see, Frida made her wishes understood! After the first picture, she very carefully stood up, turned around and put her back end to the lenses :)

Ok...so do we want painful moments of our life recorded as we're living them? Do we want a photo taken when we first get out of bed? Do we want a candid shot as we lay dying?

I'm sorry, Frida...what will I ever do without your wisdom and companionship.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Gallery Talk - Bauhaus Images

 

Muskegon Community College gallery show feature three photographers...myself, LeeAnn Frame and David Myers. Here is the accompanying movie...

Monday, January 3, 2011

Branding


What is branding? Why is it important? How do you do it?

For a new graphic designer entering the job market, branding can mean a difference between getting a job...or not. It can mean you get the work you like to do...or not. Creating a brand for you or your business can mean you have a good understanding of your own strengths, interests and goals...or not.

As we look at the process of creating a brand, we'll begin developing YOUR brand as well...and in the process develop a visual identity system for your use in promoting you and your portfolio :)

First the definition...click on the link
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/branding.html
Read it...be ready to discuss in our first class meeting.

Road trip 2021

 A picture review of 2021 Sister Trip. As baby of the family, I’ve committed to visiting my three older sisters as often as possible, before...