mahailia
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This Is LOVE
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Post by mahailia on Oct 24, 2012 10:19:12 GMT -5
Today I ran across the work of Patrick Martinez, an L.A. visual artist who incorporates a lot of hip-hop ideas into his work. Some of his works are neon signs with social commentary. I don't know what interpretations others might put on Patrick's work but to me it asks about the futility of black and white, either/or thinking, and suggests that we build what we can. I don't get that his art is trying to express the fultility, but more to express the actual opposite extremes of black/white choices, and to display them visually so that they are shown in stark contrast to one another. It does make you think................... Now that I have some time, I wanted to tell a story about Photoshop. I was in sales in the computer industry when Photoshop was announced. At the time, there were many incredible advances in computer technologies, such as color printers, increased memory and storage capacities, PC network capabilities, etc. Adobe had a huge roll out of Photoshop, and I attended their showcase in Houston at a large hotel. As sales reps, we were wined and dined quite a bit, and this was a huge cocktail party attended by at least 500 people in the industry. (They had to have food and drinks to lure us there after hours, in other words, make it fun to get us to attend). Anyway, I will never in my life forget when they demostrated the capabilities of Photoshop, to the amazement of everyone there. They had a large screen, where they showed a picture of a couple on a tandem bike. With a copy/paste and a few clicks, which took two seconds, they cloned the riders and made them twins. There were many oohs, ahhhs, and great applause. I went home and told my kids, don't ever believe anything you see on TV or in a photo.............................. Course, now I am really enjoying Photoshop's capabilities: Photoshopped by Augenpoesie: and thanks, Junie, for the lesson in Photoshop and showing your art!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2012 16:09:54 GMT -5
ha ha, mahailia! I totally agree about Photoshop. Just yesterday, I checked out a political image that had been posted on our site via Adam's instagram and it was a fake image; these things circulate around all the time. You gave your kids great advice! I don't think this is too OT ... I have to admit until Monday's foreign policy debate that I was unaware of the takeover of a portion of the country of Mali by Al Qaeda. This news story discusses how in addition to other crimes against human freedom, the extremists have banned music altogether. They are burning instruments and threatening to kill or maim musicians, including some that are world renowned Grammy winning artists: www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/23/mali-militants-declare-war-music*** "Music regulates the life of every Malian," adds Cheich Tidiane Seck, a prolific Malian musician and producer. "From the cradle to the grave. From ancient times right up to today. A Mali without music? No … I mean … give me another one!"
And yet that is the bland reality dawning on this once joy-filled land. *** Can you imagine? A country without music. It sure puts things in perspective. There are music links in the article, and I youtube'd some of the artists. I do not speak the language of rapper Amkoullel but there is no trouble understanding his music and message in this video: This singer, Rokia Traore, is so beautiful and charismatic: And this is literally some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard, anywhere: How could anyone want to silence these voices?
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Post by seoulmate on Oct 25, 2012 3:39:29 GMT -5
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sugaree
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Post by sugaree on Oct 25, 2012 7:57:17 GMT -5
I posted this in the members thread, but I'm putting it here to in case you guys don't visit there and I need all the positive vibes I can get. I just copied my post..........
Hi guys. I said the other day that I had to take a break from Atop, but I’m stopping in for a request. I know that your positive thoughts, vibes and prayers have made a difference for me during troubled times in the past.
My beautiful dog Shadow was diagnosed with terminal cancer yesterday – lymphoma and tumors in her lungs and liver. She’s 13, so I knew something was coming, but I so hoped that it wouldn’t be something so potentially painful.
So I’m asking that you guys do your magic again to help make her final journey less painful and as peaceful as possible. I know I’ll have to do the right thing when the time comes and I can’t fight the tears right now, but I WILL be there with her in the end and every day until then
Thanks guys.
xoxo
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Alison
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Post by Alison on Oct 25, 2012 10:28:21 GMT -5
Sugaree, I am SO sorry--I will be thinking of you and Shadow. Please keep us posted
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2012 11:22:49 GMT -5
Just wanted to share this because it's so amazing! This is a "Thousand Hand" dance performed by 21 hearing impaired young people. I can't imagine how they do it.
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mika
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Post by mika on Oct 25, 2012 11:44:37 GMT -5
Sugaree - Seems like Shadow came with you here to atop - I always pictured her by your side. We send our light and love to both of you. Who would not want a life in which they've been as loved and treasured as your Shadow during her time with you? You were blessed with each other. Come visit when you can - there will always be friends here waiting.
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sugaree
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Post by sugaree on Oct 25, 2012 12:05:47 GMT -5
mika, you made me cry from the love of your beautiful post. Shadow HAS been here with me at Atop. My computer is right by a window where I put a bird feeder outside in the winter. When she would give me the look of "oh no, Mommy's on the damn computer again", I'd pull up another chair for her next to me so she could look out the window and watch "squirrel and birdie tv". We were always both entertained.
Love you guys! I'll be around a little. Just have to keep my mouth shut around the people who don't get it.
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Post by wendyness on Oct 25, 2012 14:13:05 GMT -5
sugaree, I'm so sorry about Shadow. I've been though this (twice) and there are just no words. Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you and Shadow.
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annala
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Post by annala on Oct 25, 2012 16:01:31 GMT -5
Just wanted to share this because it's so amazing! This is a "Thousand Hand" dance performed by 21 hearing impaired young people. I can't imagine how they do it. Junie, thanks for posting this. I think I may have mentioned in a much earlier post when I first joined Atop that I am partially deaf - no hearing in left ear, and only partial hearing in my right ear and need to wear a hearing aid - this happened to me quite suddenly about 12 years ago due to a virus. I had to work hard to adjust physically, mentally and emotionally to these changes - but I've done it - l now lead a full life but always still working at it - glass is always half full for me - and so here I am now, enjoying and loving the best singer I've ever heard. While I love just about everything Adam does, his acoustic songs (like Soaked and Is It Love) resonate the best for me. I think the young people in this remarkable video rely on a sharpening of other senses, especially sight, in coordinating their choreography. I know I have to rely almost totally on sight when driving so I'm always aware of what's around me - so no car radio for me. It's OK - that's the way it is.
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