The Art of Communication, with Louis CK

I've only recently stumbled across the works of Louis CK and, like him or not, he is brilliant. Especially when talking about some of the most controversial topics because, like any great comedian, he brings the topics to the table and makes us think about them. Even to the point of great discomfort. Like when he talks about race, or abortion. 

Because he's a master of communication.

Instead of constantly talking, or yelling, we should be focusing on the most universal forms of communicating.

Laughing.

On a deeper level, Louis is actually trying to make a comment here on the actual ruthlessness of the economy we live . . .

I think I'm obsessed with articulation. With the magic of putting things, just the right way. There are 207 words in this joke, and, not a single one is wasted. They're used either in meaning or in rhythm to contribute to the overall affect. An affect that lets us see the world from a different angle, and, more importantly, makes us laugh. 

And laughter is the manifestation of hope. 

You can also listen to this TED Radio Hour entitled, Painfully Funny, where Guy Raz talks with various comedians about how they use "humor as a weapon and a shield, to ward off doubt, discrimination, and even depression."

It's great - especially Maysoon Zayid: Should Humor Make Us Uncomfortable? and Kevin Breel: What Can Depression Teach Us About Comedy? But also, Negin Farsad: Can Humor Fight Prejudice?

For more on . . .

-N- Stuff  :  Power of Discussion  :  Monopoly is only fun if you win

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Chase

“Chase” is a mesmerizing stop motion animated short, shot in Ireland and Poland, that was directed by Sligo, Ireland artist Páraic Mc Gloughlin. The captivating film, compiled of Páraic’s own personal photos and sounds, explores time and the similar decisions that we all make and the paths we take in life.

Shot in Ireland and Poland – a journey that explores ideas of decision, choice, consequence, circumstance and time among other things, a personal perception on how we try to find whatever it is we are searching for. The film looks at objects, people, and places which share common properties, our connection with one another and our environments in the very similar yet very different paths we share (via).

For more on . . .

-N- Stuff  :  Humanity  :  Art  :  Short Films

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Why the solar eclipse will blow our minds

This kind of event puts you in contact with the cosmos; you can feel the motions of the heavenly bodies. We can feel how vast our solar system really is.

 

In 2016, Alaskan Airlines even adjusted flight #870, from Anchorage to Honolulu, so their passengers could watch the eclipse above the clouds. 

At 35,000 feet, it's hard not to get excited.  

For more on . . .

-N- Stuff  :  The scale of our solar system  :  Cool stuff we've sent into space

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11 GIFs that explain (seemingly) simple things

These may or may not help in the advancement of life, but I bet you can't stop watching them. 

 

How popcorn is made:

Huh. 

How a cheetah runs and uses its tail for stability:

Now that is cool. Kinda makes me wish I had a tail. 

How locks work: 

Or, just pound screw driver in. 

How a dandelion spreads its seeds:

Question. Does this happen in a single day? Because the sky never changes. 

How a sowing machine works:

I've sincerely always wondered about this. 

How a dog drinks water:

And this.

How vines find support:

For some reason, this is super cool to me.

How a trumpet works:

So simple. Yet, Miles Davis makes it seem so incredibly complicated. 

How the Pythagorean Theorem works:

Oh . . . I still don't get it.

How to visualize and explain the value of pi

Finally. Math makes a little bit of sense.

How the gladiator spider hunts:

This is quite simply the most terrifying thing I've ever seen. Ever. Thank the Lord spiders don't fly, or hunt in packs, or scream wildly whenever they catch their prey. 

For more on . . .

-N- Stuff  :  The Magic of Making Sound  : Japanese Fish Makes Ocean Art  :  They Shyness of Trees

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Advice from Lord Birthday

Lord Birthday was created in the summer of 2015, on a train from Vancouver to Portland, but Chad, the man behind Lord Birthday, didn't want anyone to know it was him. Nobody. Not his colleagues at Oregon State University, not his parents, not his friends. 

Only his wife could know that Chad - super clean, extremely shy, sink-in-the-corner Chad - had another side to his otherwise boring personality.

It wasn't until this episode, True You, produced by Invisibilia, that Chad told the world who he truly was. 

And he was terrified. Because for him, Chad getting "too involved" with Lord Birthday would, sorta, kill Lord Birthday. Because, suddenly, Lord Birthday would be censored - there would be a double take. "What will my parents think?"

Chad/Lord Birthday has a book deal in the makings and can be followed on instagram and GoComics (if you just keep pressing the "random" button under each picture, you'll be entertained for hours). 

So far, Lord Birthday isn't dead.

For more on . . .

-N- Stuff  :   Chalk Art  :  Art

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To scale : the solar system

When I Heard the Learned Astronomer

by Walt Whitman

When I heard the learn’d astronomer,

When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,

When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them,

When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,

How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,

Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself,

In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,

Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.

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10 Free hours of Mountain Sounds

For their wonderful Real Happiness Project, the filmmakers of BBC Earth and creators of the incredible nature documentary Planet Earth II have repurposed ten hours of footage from their travels to create a soothing visual soundscape of relaxing mountain from around the world.

. . . we want to take you on a journey through some of the most stunning mountainscapes on earth. Fly above the peaks and immerse yourself in this elevated, sky-kissing habitat. All footage used was filmed by the Planet Earth II camera teams whilst out on location.

I'm kinda digging the mountains lately, so this project just might find a home in our home. I'm thinking of playing this on the TV, with the surround sound turned up, and letting it play for the day. 

But then again, I don't have a TV or surround sound, or a home, so the Mac will have to do. For now.

For more on . . .

-N- Stuff  :  The Mountains have a Way  :  Planet Earth II Full Soundtrack

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Infographics say more than what they say.

Sometimes, I get lost in the world of infographics because they tend to take huge ideas or concepts or large chunks of time, and allow them to fit in my pocket - so I can carry them around much easier than a textbook or World Atlas.

These one's are pretty interesting, and a little disturbing. At least, the "History's Most Significant Journeys" one is because, apparently, outside of the 1965 Civil Rights walk, no non-white male made any sort of significant journey, anywhere in the world. 

Interesting. 

This one, too, seems to be a celebration of the white man's accomplishments. No doubt these men were responsible for the innovation of the world, but on whose backs did they stand upon? Whose labor completed their dreams? 

The title reads, "The People Behind the way we live." Was there no woman contributing to the way we live, behind the inventions? Or were they only consumers? Sitting quietly, distracted by the "internet society," just waiting for someone better, more educated, and more capable to invent something bigger and better?

Why are these books banned? Because they challenge authority - because they ask people, regular people, to think and consider something other than what they know or believe to be true. And, for the most part, beause they challenge the leadership and ideals of white men.

Huh.

Sometimes, I get lost in the world of infographics because they tend to take huge ideas or concepts or large chunks of time, and allow them to fit in my pocket - so I can carry them around much easier than a textbook or World Atlas.

Right now, my pockets are full of white men. 

And that's a problem. For several reasons.

For more on . . .

-N- Stuff  :  Maps that will change the way you see the world :  World Languages in simple infographics

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How to win your wife's weight in beer!

Actually, she doesn't have to be your wife, or anyone's wife really, but she does need to be older than 18. And you do need to carry her - through an obstacle course - and you need to win.

Wife carrying is a contest in which male competitors race while each carrying a female teammate. The objective is for the male to carry the female through a special obstacle track in the fastest time. The sport was first introduced at Sonkajärvi, Finland.

Several types of carry may be practised: piggyback, fireman's carry (over the shoulder), or Estonian-style (the wife hangs upside-down with her legs around the husband's shoulders, holding onto his waist).

Wife Carrying World Championships are held annually in Sonkajärvi since 1992.

The prize is one's wife's weight in beer (via).

Rules:

The original course was a rough, rocky terrain with fences and brooks, but it has been altered to suit modern conditions. There is now sand instead of full rocks, fences, and some kind of area filled with water (a pool). These are the following rules set by the International Wife Carrying Competition Rules Committee:

• The length of the official track is 253.5 meters.
• The track has two dry obstacles and a water obstacle about one meter deep.
• The wife to be carried may be your own, or the neighbor's, or you may have found her further afield; she must, however, be over 17 years of age.
• The minimum weight of the wife to be carried is 49 kilograms. If she weighs less than 49 kg, she will be burdened with a rucksack containing additional weight to bring the total load to be carried up to 49 kg.
• All participants must enjoy themselves.
• The only equipment allowed is a belt worn by the carrier and a helmet worn by the carried.
• The contestants run the race two at a time, so each heat is a contest in itself.
• Each contestant takes care of his/her safety and, if deemed necessary, insurance.
• The contestants have to pay attention to the instructions given by the organizers of the competition.
• There is only one category in the World Championships, and the winner is the couple who completes the course in the shortest time.
• Also, the most entertaining couple, the best costume, and the strongest carrier will be awarded a special prize.

World Champions (and the Finns have it!!! Mostly.):

• 2017 – Taisto Miettinen (Finland) and Kristiina Haapanen (Finland), 68 seconds.
• 2016 – Dimitriy Sagal (Russia) and Anastasia Loginova (Russia).
• 2015 – Ville Parviainen (Finland) and Sari Viljanen (Finland).
• 2014 – Ville Parviainen (Finland) and Janette Oksman (Finland).
• 2013 – Taisto Miettinen (Finland) and Kristiina Haapanen (Finland).[5]
• 2012 – Taisto Miettinen (Finland) and Kristiina Haapanen (Finland).
• 2011 – Taisto Miettinen (Finland) and Kristiina Haapanen (Finland).[6]
• 2010 – Taisto Miettinen (Finland) and Kristiina Haapanen (Finland).[7]
• 2009 – Taisto Miettinen (Finland) and Kristiina Haapanen (Finland).[7]
• 2008 – Alar Voogla (Estonia) and Kirsti Viltrop (Estonia).[8]
• 2007 – Madis Uusorg (Estonia) and Inga Klauso (Estonia), 61.7 seconds.[9]
• 2006 – Margo Uusorg (Estonia) and Sandra Kullas (Estonia), 56.9 seconds.[10]
• 2005 – Margo Uusorg (Estonia) and Egle Soll (Estonia), 59 seconds.[11]
• 2004 – Madis Uusorg (Estonia) and Inga Klauso (Estonia), 65.3 seconds.[12]
• 2003 – Margo Uusorg (Estonia) and Egle Soll (Estonia), 60.7 seconds.[13]
• 2002 – Meelis Tammre (Estonia) and Anne Zillberberg (Estonia), 63.8 seconds.
• 2001 – Margo Uusorg (Estonia) and Birgit Ullrich (Estonia), 55.6 seconds.[14]
• 2000 – Margo Uusorg (Estonia) and Birgit Ullrich (Estonia),[15] 55.5 seconds (world record).
• 1999 – Imre Ambos (Estonia) and Annela Ojaste (Estonia), 64.5 seconds.
• 1998 – Imre Ambos (Estonia) and Annela Ojaste (Estonia), 69.2 seconds.[16]
• 1997 – Mikkel Christensen (Finland) and Tiina Jussila (Finland), 65 seconds.[17]

 

Where to Participate:

-Australia-

Australian Wife Carrying Championships are held annually since 2005.

• 2016 - Australian Champions: Adrian and Amanda Betts
• 2013 - South Bank, Brisbane[18]
• 2008 - in Singleton, NSW[19]
• 2007 - Australian Champions: Anthony Partridge and Angela Moore[19]

-North American-

The North American Wife Carrying Championships take place every year on Columbus Day Weekend in October at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine.

-United States-

The US final takes place the second weekend of July in Menahga Minnesota (MN-St. Urho Wife Carry for Charity Challenge). Major wife-carrying competitions are also held in Monona, Wisconsin, Minocqua, Wisconsin and Marquette, Michigan.

-Asia-

Ecorun India, a society for creating environmental awareness organized Wife Carrying Race in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, Asia on January 1, 2011. The event is called "BHAARYAASAMETHAM" roughly translated as 'with your wife' in Malayalam, the local language. The society plans on conducting more such events every year in India. Wife carrying in Asia is also called matukinina.

A Bollywood movie named Dum Laga Ke Haisha had "wife carrying race" in its backdrop (via).

For more on . . .

-N- Stuff  :  Air Guitar World Championships 

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What serving 40,000 people each day looks like

Now that is crazy.

For more on . . .

-N- Stuff  :  Great Big Stories  :  People Eating Together

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Are we alone?

Maybe we're alone, or maybe there are billions upon billions of other planets and galaxies and life forms, just waiting to be discovered. 

Maybe not.

Either way, "Stay curious."

For more on . . .

-N- Stuff  :  Life Questions  :  TED Talks

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The History of tea

Whatever you're drink, tea, coffee, or mate, it doesn't matter to me. Just as long is a book is somewhere close. A real book. Non of that ereader crap (I'm lookin at you, Jeff Birdsong!)

For more on . . .

-N- Stuff  :  The world's smallest cup of coffee  :   A peek at the history of coffee

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Cultural Intelligence

There is growing research and discussion about a new(er) intelligence: CQ

"Cultural intelligence (CQ) is the capability to relate and work effectively in culturally diverse situations. It goes beyond existing notions of cultural sensitivity and awareness to highlight a theoretically-based set of capabilities needed to successfully and respectfully accomplish your objectives in culturally diverse settings" (via). 

"Awareness is the first step, but it’s not enough. A culturally intelligent individual is not only aware but can also effectively work and relate with people and projects across different cultural contexts" (via).

Awareness is a first step, but being aware and doing nothing about it is almost worse. Because then it's blatant disrespect. What I like about these little blurbs though is that they doesn't say we have to agree on anything to be culturally aware. But we do need to be respectful and work hard at finding ways to relate - by embracing the cognitive friction. Which also means we need to be consciously looking beyond the single story. 

Stereotypes aren't untrue, they're simply incomplete. For all of us. Being culturally sensitive allows for stories that go beyond the superficial and offensive - that build walls. Rather, it allows for stories that builds bridges and opens doors.

You can take a CQ test here. It's okay. It's one of those tests where you know what you should say, so you say it, because nobody wants a bad score, but the questions are worth thinking about. Especially the last question.

I think this guy would score very, very . . . very low.

For more on . . .

-N- Stuff  :  Diversity  :  Stereotypes

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The Language of Love : When English words just aren't enough

Sometimes ‘I Love You’ just doesn’t cut it. Here’s a collection of untranslatable words, gathered from around the world, that may help voice your heart’s desire when the English language can’t.

Often, when trying to express some deep emotion, words aren't enough. When we find ourselves in these situations, when our incomprehensible longing or deep despair become too much to bottle up, we sigh, scream, and often cry. Because any word used is insufficient.

For the English language, "love" is one of those words.

“The Language of Love is a collection of clever illustrations that define specific romantic words and idiomatic expressions from around the world, each of which are expressed in such a unique way that they have no direct English translation" (via).

Disney called this "Twitter-pated" which I actually like  better.

I think we call this "petting," which is FULLY incomplete . . . and a bit wrong sounding.

For an expat, this is perfect.

(sigh). Or as my students would say I say, "Hm."

For more on . . .

-N- Stuff  

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Artist creates the world’s smallest cup of coffee, with a single bean

Paulig asked Luca Zannoto to make the smallest cup of coffee, out of one bean.

Music and Sound Design: Ulrich Troyer

Lucas Zanotto was born in the Alps of Northern Italy but is currently based in Helsinki. He speaks four languages, creates faces out of nature, and started YATATOY - a website that makes high quality simple apps for kids. 

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-N- Stuff  :  History of Coffee

An Oxford Comma worth millions . . . or lack there of

The New York Times recently published an article, entitled, Lack of Oxford Comma Could Cost Maine Company Millions in Overtime Dispute, By DANIEL VICTOR, March 16, 2017.

It states that, "A class-action lawsuit about overtime pay for truck drivers hinged entirely on a debate that has bitterly divided friends, families and foes: The dreaded — or totally necessary — Oxford comma, perhaps the most polarizing of punctuation marks." 

. . .

In 2014, three truck drivers sued Oakhurst Dairy, seeking more than four years’ worth of overtime pay that they had been denied. Maine law requires workers to be paid 1.5 times their normal rate for each hour worked after 40 hours, but it carves out some exemptions.

A quick punctuation lesson before we proceed: In a list of three or more items — like “beans, potatoes and rice” — some people would put a comma after potatoes, and some would leave it out. A lot of people feel very, very strongly about it.

The debate over commas is often a pretty inconsequential one, but it was anything but for the truck drivers. Note the lack of Oxford comma — also known as the serial comma — in the following state law, which says overtime rules do not apply to:

The canning, processing, preserving, freezing, drying, marketing, storing, packing for shipment or distribution of:

(1) Agricultural produce;

(2) Meat and fish products; and

(3) Perishable foods.

Does the law intend to exempt the distribution of the three categories that follow, or does it mean to exempt packing for the shipping or distribution of them?

Delivery drivers distribute perishable foods, but they don’t pack the boxes themselves. Whether the drivers were subject to a law that had denied them thousands of dollars a year depended entirely on how the sentence was read.

If there were a comma after “shipment,” it might have been clear that the law exempted the distribution of perishable foods. But the appeals court on Monday sided with the drivers, saying the absence of a comma produced enough uncertainty to rule in their favor. It reversed a lower court decision.

. . .

The language in the law followed guidelines in the Maine Legislative Drafting Manual, which specifically instructs lawmakers to not use the Oxford comma. Don’t write “trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers,” it says — instead, write “trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers.”

The manual does clarify that caution should be taken if an item in the series is modified. Commas, it notes, “are the most misused and misunderstood punctuation marks in legal drafting and, perhaps, the English language.”

“Use them thoughtfully and sparingly,” it cautions.

. . .

Varying interpretations of a comma in the Second Amendment have figured in court decisions on gun laws, including a Federal District Court overturning a Washington gun ordinance in 2007. (The Supreme Court later overturned the law in the case known as District of Columbia v. Heller.)

Most American news organizations tend to leave the Oxford comma out while allowing for exceptions to avoid confusion, like in the sentence: “I’d like to thank my parents, Mother Teresa and the pope.”

Reporters, editors and producers at The New York Times usually omit the comma, but Phil Corbett, who oversees language issues for the newsroom, wrote in a 2015 blog post that exceptions are sometimes made:

“We do use the additional comma in cases where a sentence would be awkward or confusing without it: Choices for breakfast included oatmeal, muffins, and bacon and eggs.”

The Associated Press, considered the authority for most American newsrooms, also generally comes out against the Oxford comma.

But the comma is common in book and academic publishing. The Chicago Manual of Style uses it, as does Oxford University Press style. “The last comma can serve to resolve ambiguity,” it says.

A 2014 survey of 1,129 Americans by FiveThirtyEight and SurveyMonkey Audience found 57 percent in favor of the comma and 43 percent opposed.

Mr. Webbert, who said working on the case recalled his boyhood grammar and Latin lessons, scoffed at the idea that he was representing all those in favor of the Oxford comma. He was only representing the truck drivers, he said.

The drivers, who earned between $46,800 and $52,000 per year without overtime, worked an average of 12 extra hours a week, Mr. Webbert said. Though three drivers filed the class-action lawsuit in 2014, about 75 will share the money.

Oakhurst, a longtime family business that was acquired by Dairy Farmers of America in 2014, employs about 200 people and has annual sales of $110 million, selling dairy products throughout New England, according to its website.

Its president, John H. Bennett, said in an interview on Thursday that “our management team values our employees and we take employee compensation seriously.”

“We believe we’re in compliance with state and federal wage laws, and we’ll continue to defend ourselves in this matter,” he said.

Mr. Webbert declined to take a personal position on the broader debate of using the Oxford comma. But he sounded like a lot of English teachers and writing coaches who offered an alternative suggestion: If there’s any doubt, tear up what you wrote and start over.

“In this situation, it did create an ambiguity, which means you have to either add a comma or rewrite the sentence,” he said.

I'm an oxford man myself, and a avid supporter of the middle class worker being paid for his work. 

This, for me, is a win-win-win. It was entertaining, supportive of my views, and helpful to the working class (see what I did there?). 

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The Last Jedi, and a tribute to Carrie Fisher

I've never been a huge Star Wars fan, but I have always enjoyed them - especially the oldest and the most recent - and I'm pretty pumped about this one.

As it's opening day creeps closer, it seems only fitting to pay tribute to one of the great originals.

In November of 2016, I listened to this podcast, from NPR's "Fresh Air" and connected with her thoughts on oversharing. "I think I do overshare," Fisher says. "It's my way of trying to understand myself. ... It creates community when you talk about private things."

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-N- Stuff  :  History  :  Movie Clips

Found Sounds: Making Instruments From Trash

Ken Butler is a Brooklyn-based artist and musician who has built over 400 musical instruments from discarded objects. It's pretty nifty. pic.twitter.com/xvAcOLmglG

— Great Big Story (@greatbigstory) April 10, 2017

Ken Butler is a Brooklyn-based artist and musician who has built over 400 musical instruments from discarded objects. It's pretty nifty (via).

I love this concept - of taking something discarded, something "unworthy" and making it beautiful once more. 

Such is art.

Such is life.

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-N- Stuff  :  Music  

We-adababyit'saboy

Today, we were blessed with our fourth child!  And yes, it's a boy. 

So this seems appropriate. 

I remember collect calls and I have always remembered this commercial. Brilliant.

People are photoshopping Mr. Bean, and it will make your day

I've seen some of these images posted in a few places today, and they just kill me each time, and distract me from the things I should be doing. Alas.

This is from boredpanda:

"Mr. Bean is probably one of the funniest faces of all time. I mean, the character barely talks yet still manages to make us laugh all the time. There are rumors that he may return, but we don't know for sure. Until then, let's enjoy some hilarious pics of him to brighten this dull {any day} at work."

Here are a few of my favorites:

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