When you see the Save Sudan shirts around campus, you think “oh, that’s a good cause.” It’s a mighty good thing we Punahou students are doing something to help those in Africa. Spread the word. Donate money. But then, I pick up this current issue of Time that I just got out of the mailbox. The pictures, for one of the first times, aren’t the part of the feature that hit me. It was the way the journalist framed the issue of genocide and overall fighting in Darfur, or anywhere is Africa for that matter, that really hit me. He didn’t nee to use the word “genocide” in his introduction. We all know. I think the issue claimed a feeling of danger instead of pity. In lame man’s terms, I got really scared reading it.
“How to Prevent the Next Darfur. Step one: Get serious about climate change”
Everyone disregards the fact that problems exists here, in Darfur, as a result of the lack of resources. No food, no arable land, and no water. No, allow me to rephrase that. Limited food, limited arable land, and very limited supply of water. How can you expect there to be any peace? Hunger breeds contempt. Farmers and non-farmers are unable to work in collaboration when there is not enough land to share and crop. Forget about the daunting numbers (200,000 people killed in the past 4 years and 2.5 million more refugees). Not to sound shallow, but we hear it all the time. We think, “whoa” but we need to take it one step further.
“Environmental skeptics, including the Bush Administration, dispute the more dire predictions about climate change.” Interesting. Now we’re arguing about whether the climate change will get worse. What about now?
Is it not enough to see that the environmental condition they are in now is already killing them? One farmer at a time, one family at a time. Those people couldn’t care less about global warming. We’re talking about their day to day meals and for god’s sake, water.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Nature
Below, people scattered. Cars roamed, palm trees swayed, and the sun glistened. I searched for a familiar face, or house, but everything was unfamiliar. From up here, everything shrunk. Either that, or I grew bigger. I was detached from the world below me, but I didn't feel lonely at all. For some reason, a change of perspective helped me to relax and put petty issues aside.
I stepped back for a moment. Then I reminded myself that, standing atop civilization's mountain, this wasn't the top. I slowly gazed up into the clouds, into the never-ending roof. I guess that's the way with things like this, you never really reach the extreme, top or bottom, of anything. You keep going.
(Maybe doing this in present tense woud sound better. Let's try.)
Below, people scatter. Cars roam, palm trees sway, and the sun glistens. I attempt to search for a familiar face, or house, but all I see is unfamiliar. From up here, everything shrinks. Either that, or I grow bigger. I am detached from the world below me, but I don't feel lonely at all. For some reason, a change of perspective helps me to relax and put petty issues aside.
I step back for a moment. Then I remind myself that, standing atop civilization's mountain, this isn't the top. I slowly gaze up into the clouds, into the never-ending roof. I guess that's the way with something like this; you never reach the extreme, top of bottom. You always keep going.
I stepped back for a moment. Then I reminded myself that, standing atop civilization's mountain, this wasn't the top. I slowly gazed up into the clouds, into the never-ending roof. I guess that's the way with things like this, you never really reach the extreme, top or bottom, of anything. You keep going.
(Maybe doing this in present tense woud sound better. Let's try.)
Below, people scatter. Cars roam, palm trees sway, and the sun glistens. I attempt to search for a familiar face, or house, but all I see is unfamiliar. From up here, everything shrinks. Either that, or I grow bigger. I am detached from the world below me, but I don't feel lonely at all. For some reason, a change of perspective helps me to relax and put petty issues aside.
I step back for a moment. Then I remind myself that, standing atop civilization's mountain, this isn't the top. I slowly gaze up into the clouds, into the never-ending roof. I guess that's the way with something like this; you never reach the extreme, top of bottom. You always keep going.
Thump
(from journal)
If a tree falls to the ground, and no one hears, it there a sound?
I really like the sound of this quote because not only does it sound a little strange, it paints a clear image in your head. It makes me ask questions. Does it even matter that the tree fell, if no one is there to see it? Do things only happen, do you only do things, if someone else will see it? On a more spiritual level (hehe), can you hear/sense something that happened if you weren't there?
This quote envisions expectations, actions, and adds a musical tone to the concept. When I imagine the quote, I hear a thump, and then a reverbrating echo into the forest. A cloud of dirt puffs up and then settles down, as if never even have lift off the ground. The tree is taken away, year by year, by nature. It's gone and no one even knew of its exsistence.
If a tree falls to the ground, and no one hears, it there a sound?
I really like the sound of this quote because not only does it sound a little strange, it paints a clear image in your head. It makes me ask questions. Does it even matter that the tree fell, if no one is there to see it? Do things only happen, do you only do things, if someone else will see it? On a more spiritual level (hehe), can you hear/sense something that happened if you weren't there?
This quote envisions expectations, actions, and adds a musical tone to the concept. When I imagine the quote, I hear a thump, and then a reverbrating echo into the forest. A cloud of dirt puffs up and then settles down, as if never even have lift off the ground. The tree is taken away, year by year, by nature. It's gone and no one even knew of its exsistence.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
What? International Dress Code?
I try not to talk about the dress code, but if it makes international news...Once the police said that they were working with the Iranian fashion designers at the fashion show to create the wardrobe within the dress code law, I had to bring it up here.
"Crackdown in Iran over dress code."
"Fashion Police: Tehran police try to encourage women to adopt more conservative dress."
It's not even about showing individuality anymore. It's not even about being fashionable. If we take the situation to the bare bones, true, a dress code doesn't hurt anymore, but at the same time it doesn't help. Forcing someone to wear something, or do anything for that matter, without a benefit for them is questionable. So, we'll turn the table around, and question why the Iranian government is cracking down so hard on women who show hair and men who wear short sleeves. They're forcing taxi drivers not to drive women who were not in dress code. They're even taking people who argue back to court. You could be in prison for showing too much of your forehead in a taxi.
What's really interesting is that the police is even cracking down on the clothes shops who sell non-conservative clothing. The owners have been told that even maniquines have to abide by the dress code law. Imagine having been told that you have to chop off the breasts of the maniquines because they were showing too much in the formal dresses. Well, that's what happened. If they want women to lose their feminity, then they should make them equal to men. And if they don't want women to be equal to men, they at least let them have their feminity.
They want to suppress women. And it's sort of worked. A lot more women in Iran are not leaving the home anymore, because they're afraid of being arrested. They're taking back alleyways to get around to places to avoid being seen. For what purpose again?
I think it's getting absolutely ridiculous. The only practical reason that they bring up is that they are using this topic to distract people from other concerns like the "rising cost of living in Iran and increasing tension with the international community over the nuclear issue." But even then, how pathetic is that they use dress code to do something like that.
"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6596933.stm"
"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6213854.stm"
"Crackdown in Iran over dress code."
"Fashion Police: Tehran police try to encourage women to adopt more conservative dress."
It's not even about showing individuality anymore. It's not even about being fashionable. If we take the situation to the bare bones, true, a dress code doesn't hurt anymore, but at the same time it doesn't help. Forcing someone to wear something, or do anything for that matter, without a benefit for them is questionable. So, we'll turn the table around, and question why the Iranian government is cracking down so hard on women who show hair and men who wear short sleeves. They're forcing taxi drivers not to drive women who were not in dress code. They're even taking people who argue back to court. You could be in prison for showing too much of your forehead in a taxi.
What's really interesting is that the police is even cracking down on the clothes shops who sell non-conservative clothing. The owners have been told that even maniquines have to abide by the dress code law. Imagine having been told that you have to chop off the breasts of the maniquines because they were showing too much in the formal dresses. Well, that's what happened. If they want women to lose their feminity, then they should make them equal to men. And if they don't want women to be equal to men, they at least let them have their feminity.
They want to suppress women. And it's sort of worked. A lot more women in Iran are not leaving the home anymore, because they're afraid of being arrested. They're taking back alleyways to get around to places to avoid being seen. For what purpose again?
I think it's getting absolutely ridiculous. The only practical reason that they bring up is that they are using this topic to distract people from other concerns like the "rising cost of living in Iran and increasing tension with the international community over the nuclear issue." But even then, how pathetic is that they use dress code to do something like that.
"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6596933.stm"
"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6213854.stm"
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Cool Nature Pics
__
Another idea is doing something with fire and water... These photos pose interesting questions.
(from journal)
http://www.isp.on.ca/genealogy/images/BentPyramidBerg.jpg
http://www.pc.gc.ca/canada/pn-tfn/images/jfm1.jpg
How can both of these scenes be seen on the same earth? Where do we stand when we see these images, figuratively and literally? I guess I could somehow shape it into an essay where I imagine being there, even though I've never reall been. It's tough writing about nature when I find myself always tucked away from it. It's interesting how going out in nature is more of a special trip, than of a normal day to day thing. I would imagine a long ago, it was the complete opposite.
Another idea is doing something with fire and water... These photos pose interesting questions.
(from journal)
http://www.isp.on.ca/genealogy/images/BentPyramidBerg.jpg
http://www.pc.gc.ca/canada/pn-tfn/images/jfm1.jpg
How can both of these scenes be seen on the same earth? Where do we stand when we see these images, figuratively and literally? I guess I could somehow shape it into an essay where I imagine being there, even though I've never reall been. It's tough writing about nature when I find myself always tucked away from it. It's interesting how going out in nature is more of a special trip, than of a normal day to day thing. I would imagine a long ago, it was the complete opposite.
Monday, April 9, 2007
When I Get Old
Continuing with the Sacs in the City blog I wrote previously, I also wanted to highlight one more thing.
At the end of the silent auction, when the benefactors were picking up the items they won, I met this one old lady. She had just won this black suitcase, among many other bags. She was ecstatic. I couldn't help but feel happy for her, even though I knew that she probably paid 5x the value of it. When talking to her, I learned that she came often to these types of events. "Now I can take this to the ball tonight," I remember her saying as she cooed one more time over the silver and gold clutch she also won. "Today's benefit night." I thought she was absolutely adorable.
I titled this blog "When I Get Old" because she made me think about what I would be doing when I was her age. I decided, then and there, that I would want to go to all these benefit dinners and fashion shows when I get old. I'd get to not only have fun, but I also get to give back to the community when it's much needed. How cool is that?
At the end of the silent auction, when the benefactors were picking up the items they won, I met this one old lady. She had just won this black suitcase, among many other bags. She was ecstatic. I couldn't help but feel happy for her, even though I knew that she probably paid 5x the value of it. When talking to her, I learned that she came often to these types of events. "Now I can take this to the ball tonight," I remember her saying as she cooed one more time over the silver and gold clutch she also won. "Today's benefit night." I thought she was absolutely adorable.
I titled this blog "When I Get Old" because she made me think about what I would be doing when I was her age. I decided, then and there, that I would want to go to all these benefit dinners and fashion shows when I get old. I'd get to not only have fun, but I also get to give back to the community when it's much needed. How cool is that?
A Smart Idea
On Saturday I attended the Junior League Third Annual Sacs in the City luncheon. Having never heard of it before, I didn't know what to expect. I knew that it was a fashion show and silent auction to benefit some non-profit organization. I was told to dress nicely, so I wore a really cute pink spring dress and matching Sugar flats.
As I waltzed up the escalator of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, I caught glimpse of the hanging fuschia lanterns and bright red catwalk. There was hardly anyone there yet. I was early. I was sent to a conference room, called Iolani V. After I cringed at the sight of the name, I slowly turned the intricately carved doorknob of the oak door. I could hear voices, slightly aggravated, slightly excited, for the event.
Gucci, Coach, and Louis Vuitton. Mac, Shu Uyemura, and Heaven on Earth gift certificates. This was such an amazing event. Trini Kaopuiki hosted, Anna Namba was featured at the fashion show, displaying her 2007 Kimonos and Asian Silks collection. All the auctioned items were donated by individuals and companies, so I guessed that 100% proceeds were to benefit the organization. I found out that the Junior League helps young women "find confidence in themselves" or something cool like that. It was no wonder that about, I would say 99% of the people there were women, older women who donated to organizations like these often. And women who simply loved shopping.
As I waltzed up the escalator of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, I caught glimpse of the hanging fuschia lanterns and bright red catwalk. There was hardly anyone there yet. I was early. I was sent to a conference room, called Iolani V. After I cringed at the sight of the name, I slowly turned the intricately carved doorknob of the oak door. I could hear voices, slightly aggravated, slightly excited, for the event.
Gucci, Coach, and Louis Vuitton. Mac, Shu Uyemura, and Heaven on Earth gift certificates. This was such an amazing event. Trini Kaopuiki hosted, Anna Namba was featured at the fashion show, displaying her 2007 Kimonos and Asian Silks collection. All the auctioned items were donated by individuals and companies, so I guessed that 100% proceeds were to benefit the organization. I found out that the Junior League helps young women "find confidence in themselves" or something cool like that. It was no wonder that about, I would say 99% of the people there were women, older women who donated to organizations like these often. And women who simply loved shopping.
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