You know you're an Alaskan when...
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| First Grade "My Favorite" Booklet |
Canvas in the Cemetery
On May 7, 1974, a
stolen Johannes Vermeer painting, The
Guitar Player [1672], was recovered at a cemetery in London after a
dramatic disappearance.
The
Guitar Player constituted
one of the best achievements by Vermeer and had been stolen from Kenwood
House museum on February 23, 1974. The thief had smashed through the shutters
and steel-barred ground floor window of the museum with a sledgehammer, grabbed
the painting off the wall and, despite a ten-foot wall that had to be scaled,
escaped even before an alarm sounded at the police station. Telephone lines had
been cut to slow down any pursuit.
The painting was
too famous to be sold on the open market, so the Scotland Yard anticipated the
thief already had a buyer in mind or would soon follow-up with a ransom note.
The anonymous ransom messages began pouring in. One demanded two members of the
Irish Republican Army be moved from a British prison (where they were serving life sentences) to an Irish prison. Next, a
man called to demand $1.1 million worth of food be distributed on the
Caribbean island of Grenada or else the painting would be destroyed. Grenada
had received its independence from Britain only a month earlier.
Television
reporters soon began announcing the robbery; however, the image of the painting
was not actually shown, but rather only described to TV viewers, as the company
that held the rights to the color slide had demanded a £10 royalty for each use
of the image. Both the BBC and ITV decided to save their money.
Only the frame
was initially discovered – all thanks to clairvoyant assistance from a Romany
Gypsy, Nella Jones. Nella claimed her mind suddenly focused on the whereabouts
of the frame, a half mile from the Kenwood House, while she had been ironing
clothes. She sketched her vision and took it to the Scotland Yard. Having no
other leads, they followed her tip and found broken glass and a damaged frame,
but no painting. Nella spent the following 20 years working
for the Scotland Yard, helping them ensnare murderers and other serious
offenders. Her book
may be purchased on Amazon.
The London Times received
an envelope containing a strip of canvas cut from the back edge of the picture
about an inch long and a quarter of an inch wide with a note, typed on thin
blue paper that read: because the "capitalist society values its treasures
more than humanity…we carry out our lunacy to the utmost extent [-] the
painting will be burnt on St Patrick's night."
After another
anonymous tip, the police successfully raced to recover The Guitar Player in a cemetery in Saint Bartholomew's in
London's financial district. A spokesman of Scotland Yard said that "the
painting was propped up against a gravestone, wrapped in newspaper and tied
with a string." Although the painting showed signs of dampness, it was
otherwise undamaged.
No one was ever
charged.
Chiefdom
Considering Social Complexity
Evaluating a Recent Archeological Find:
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| Middle Neolithic clay figurine |
Even if these figurines represent purely aesthetic pursuits, the differences in design (male/ female/ human-bird hybrid) are proof that the Neolithic people had the craftsmanship, time, interest and thought-capacity necessary to interpret their bodies, gender, and social identity. To distinctively craft genders displays that the people possessed a heightened awareness of, and interest in, their physiological differences, and likely grasped the basic concepts of their reproduction and relationship with another. It is important to note the consequence of comparative consideration, as matching one’s qualities against others will develop preference, status, and ultimately power. The most important deduction from these figurines is social identity, as social identity and (consequentially) social status are the key components in establishing a social hierarchy. The question remains, to what extent and complexity was this hierarchy practiced?
Another important consideration in determining the complexity of this population is their labor specialization – the Koutroulou Magoula people used obsidian and flint tools, farmed the land, and maintained domestic animals. And, as deduced from construction remnants, it appears that this labor was performed communally.
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| Near the village of Vardali and Neo Monastiri in Fthiotida, Greece |
Though there is no tangible evidence of a complex social-hierarchy, the Koutroulou Magoula site has many of the ingredients necessary for a culture of chiefdom. So, it is beyond reasonable to state that the group functioned as a social tribe, at the minimum.
Taking on a broader lens, the Neolithic period (from which this site is dated) is characterized by the banding of small tribes of people, and the gradual transition of those tribes from hunter- gathering to farmers with domesticated animals. Socially complex cultures had just begun to emerge. In Europe and Southeast Asia, during the Middle Neolithic, we have our first appearance of ceremonial monuments and large group tombs. This is notable, as it indicates these cultures had developed communities and more complex social practices. Rituals at these ceremonial sites included significant (likely symbolic) items, well-crafted tools, ceramics and human remains. These factors are significant because they show that other cultures within the same period had noticeably developed more hierarchical cultures. So, it is likely the people of the Koutroulou Magoula site were organized with a similar structure.
Overall, there is too little known about the social cultures from this period to make a well-established claim. Even still, chiefdom seems most plausible.
Cave Paintings
There's nothing more beautiful and fascinating than the human body.
I enjoy painting people.
I enjoy painting people.
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| "Untitled" oil on canvas |
Childhood Creations
When you were little, what were you going to be when you grew up?
I'm not asking for the semi-logical answers formulated by your eight year- old, elementary school educated mind. Instead, think back further! What answer would you have given "mommy" or "daddy" or "insert guardian name here" while drawing delightfully creative pictures for the fridge, and asking for assistance with the doodles (that mean your name) to sign the completed masterpiece.What did your limitless imagination conjure up before pesky societal influences and further, rational brain development changed it? Please comment and share!
Santa Claus. Rock star. Turtle. Spy. Zoologist. Astronaut. Mommy. Ninja. Batman. NBA Player. Park Ranger. Garbage Man (to ride on those cool trucks without seat belts!). Triple Threat (Actor/Singer/Dancer). President. Motorcycle Racer. Candy Store Owner.
Like many little girls, I was going to be a princess. When left alone long enough to dress myself, I would dress accordingly. On numerous occasions, this required rifling through my mother's drawer of negligees, which I believed to be the perfect princess-esque dresses.
With the influence of my brothers and neighbor boys, I began to draw away from the dainty aspect of sovereign living. Despite what my brother said about girls drooling, I knew I didn't need to be saved by a stupid boy. So, while still maintaining my undeniable appreciation for sparkles and glam, my dream shifted away from negligees, undoubtably relieving my mother.
I was still going to be a princess, but a type of princess more fierce than Disney had ever known.
I WAS GOING TO BE A WARRIOR PRINCESS.
Note: This was before Mulan.
1. Contrary to my previous belief, there exists a photo of me in nipple pasties that I may post on the internet without jeopardizing my potential for a successful political career.
2. Dreams and aspirations change and grow just as readily as we do.
3. Imagination and creativity are both beautiful and under-valued.
4. What you think looks good today, you'll laugh at ten years from now.
5. Which has more influence on our "rationality" - society or brain development?
6. I obviously haven't changed much.
For those of you having troubles understanding a child's perspective. I would highly recommend checking this out: another blog. On tumblr (another blogging website), I follow Dear Scarlet. The parents frequently blog about their daughter:
"This is a project to our daughter, Scarlet. We, your parents, are documenting your life. Our hope is that when you grow older you'll be able to look back and see how happy you have always made us."
Chemo
You deserve someone who's dying to be with you.
A wise woman once put love in perspective for me:
“Would he be there to hold
back your hair when you’re vomiting from chemo? When you’re laying in the hospital bed, will you be worried
about where he has crept off to? Life is hard enough, don’t be with
someone whose mood you have to worry about when you both should be worried
about raising your kids and paying the bills.”
“Do what makes you happy,
but know that mysterious and dark boys don’t make for functional men or
relationships. Don’t waste your time on a sort of love that leaves you
in bed with that sick, lonely feeling in your stomach. You deserve someone
who’s dying to be with you. Love doesn’t second-guess.”
Character and Compassion
Each one of us has ventured through the jagged path of adolescence, facing a vast array of trials and tribulations, which have been instrumental in defining our fundamental character, and broadening our ever- evolving global perspective. We learn “hard” and “crucial” lessons, of which we would now deem miniscule dilemmas in our advancing age. I believe that each day we have the potential for individual, societal, and global catastrophic growth- Eleanor Roosevelt embodies this idea.
“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.”
Eleanor Roosevelt, the first lady to America’s 32nd President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, serves as a beaming example on how to live a life of quality and compassion. She is best known for her support of the United Nations and working efforts towards the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
President Roosevelt and Eleanor set a new standard of governmental accessibility and transparency during his term, establishing and readily inviting press to what we now know as The White House Correspondent’s Dinner. One can imagine the discourse this created with their fellow aristocrats, yet it gained them much favor with the American public. It is natural to gravitate towards those who are genuine about their pursuits, especially those who advocate for others. Eleanor Roosevelt was one of these individuals; she sought and educated the masses on the dyer need for global equality. So naturally, she established a large fan base, as well as a pool of critics. Her impact is evident, earning thirty-five honorary degrees in her lifetime, including a Doctor of Laws from Clark Atlanta University.
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't.”
Eleanor Roosevelt has taught me, and serves as an example for everyone, on what to, and not to take personally. She grew up in a broken home, an alcoholic father and deceased mother- yet she saw the struggles of others. Her character and global pursuits of equality helped put into perspective, yet find value in our simple, “first- world” troubles.
Your ride will forget you, for hours. You’ll watch your friends catch their rides, your teachers leave, the drama and sports kids clear out of your elementary school. The sky’s contrast will intensify and the weather will drop- and you’ll be sitting on your backpack, on top of the ice, leaning against the chilled brick wall behind the flagpole… You contemplate the value of your relationship with the driver and the virtue of timeliness. You’ll realize soon after, in a different circumstance, that you’re the forgetful one. This recognition will teach you not to take things so personally, as we’re all flawed. You weren’t forgotten because your ride doesn’t care about you- only because they’re human. By recognizing the scope of someone else’s responsibilities, you’ll realize that you are no one’s primary concern. You will learn to not take things so personally.
A close friend will tell all your secrets and fears, and everyone will hear about them and continue talking about them. You’re significant other will cheat on you, and you’ll hear of it through the grape vine. It’s not because you’re a joke or deserve to be treated cruelly- it’s because people are insecure with themselves. You’ll learn that people will disappoint you and hurt you and maliciously cut you down until they think you are broken beyond repair. You learn to not take it personally.
People aren’t mean or flaky because of you. People are mean because of their own ignorance. If someone tries to hurt you it’s because they’re weak, so don’t take it personally, find sympathy and work harder to educate others.
You learn to not take things so personally so that you may grow the tough skin necessary to fight for what is personal. So what is personal to you? Think about it? What abstract things do you value? Raise your hand if you value happiness. The obvious answers are:
Freedom. Learning, not just from school. Good health. Friends. Family.
These are the things that personally affect every single one of you and every single human being. These are human issues. There are not women’s issues, poor people issue, black people issues, or homosexuality issues. There are only human issues.You can trace every tribulation in your life back to infringement on one of these universal human rights. And because you are all presumably human, and therefore a part of human kind, these are all your issues. These are the issues you need to take personally. As if each action and words of ignorance and oppression were being carved into your own skin.
When someone hurts or limits another, it’s because they don’t understand human value. When someone attacks your human value, they are undermining their own value. By limiting anyone’s happiness or freedom, you are acting as an example to the rest of the world. When you bully, steal from, lie to or limit others- you are giving others the permission to act in the same manner, especially to you. Do you really believe that any individual has the right to deem someone else a lesser human, because you do not? I will take your actions personally. You should take other’s actions personally. Eleanor Roosevelt was fundamental in establishing a living document implementing the importance of these issues. She has left a legacy, in which we much pursue with the same amount of vigor and passion.
If you judge and limit based on the color of their skin, their sexual orientation or what they choose to believe or not believe in. You’re giving me and everyone else the right to do the same. Every single one of your actions serves, as an example as to how you believe the rest of the world should act.
When you call women degrading names- a word rhymes with witch, a gardening tool- you’re claiming it’s acceptable to commodify all women in this way. You know, she is someone’s daughter, sister, friend, and someday parent. You’re giving society the go-ahead to treat your children, friends and parents in the same manner. By calling someone a degrading name, you’re giving others permission to do the same to you and me. Eleanor worked to educate the globe on this common- sensicle principle!
When you call women degrading names- a word rhymes with witch, a gardening tool- you’re claiming it’s acceptable to commodify all women in this way. You know, she is someone’s daughter, sister, friend, and someday parent. You’re giving society the go-ahead to treat your children, friends and parents in the same manner. By calling someone a degrading name, you’re giving others permission to do the same to you and me. Eleanor worked to educate the globe on this common- sensicle principle!
You should be personally offended when politics gets in the way of people, because you’re a person. That law, rule, or social custom that prohibits his happiness or her love is personally attacking your right for happiness and love as well. No one should be seen as going above and beyond the expected when they simply respect human value.
“As for accomplishments, I just did what I had to do as things came along.”
Now, consider the amount of people you encounter each day. You’re all struggling against opposition to pursue some sort of issue. You, them, we, are all members of a global society. Together, we will work towards strengthening our personal and group foundation, framed by equality, stacked with opportunity, and filled with love and happiness.
Some of those you encounter will be too scared to “waste” their time on overwhelming issues. Fear has a funny little way convincing a person that development and change are bad. Take personally the force of fear- it oppresses individuals and society alike. The largest opponent of human equality is fear, often rooted in the ignorance and the laziness of the feeble-minded. You are no one of those people, as you value and respect your human freedoms.
Making a positive difference is still a positive, regardless of how small an act it may be. Change it scary, and maybe seem overwhelming and pointless, so I’ll leave you with a beautiful parable, one of my favorites in fact:
One morning an elderly man was walking on a nearly deserted beach. He came upon a boy surrounded by thousands and thousands of starfish. As eagerly as he could, the youngster was picking them up and throwing them back into the ocean.
Puzzled, the older man looked at the young boy and asked, "Little boy, what are you doing?"
The youth responded without looking up, "I'm trying to save these starfish, sir."
The old man chuckled aloud, and queried, "Son, there are thousands of starfish and only one of you. What difference can you make?"
Holding a starfish in his hand, the boy turned to the man and, gently tossing the starfish into the water, said, "It will make a difference to that one!"
“Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
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