Why We Love Bad News

 

We really love bad news.  And not much else.  Or, is that what "they" would like us to believe? Notice that anytime you turn on the news you get bad news.  Not to say that there are not the odd, "puppy found" or "cat removed from tree" type stories, but, primarily, we get bad news: "guy killed wife", "black people rioting", "women scared to walk at night", "serial killer", etc. Is this really all that sells? And, is news that "sells" the news we really need to hear the most from? Short of the many sites that are focused on some niche subject mater, primarily, in my experience, we get bombarded with scare tactics and other oddities of the public --when most people and communities are doing just fine, lots of good things are happening and, most likely, the day to day is more boring and mundane than filled with action packed danger akin to a Hollywood movie. Also, I would rationalize that many "good things", positive things, are happening, regularly --at a higher frequency than those sensationalized stories. 

It's not as though I am the first to notice these things --everyone from comedians to social commentators to academics has stated as much.  George Carlin has many sets on manipulation of the public through the news --and often wrote bits that show peoples similarities and how few differences there truly are; Bill Hicks made similar claims, speaking about how the news didn't match his experience; Noam Chomsky wrote a book long ago that spoke about both the intentions behind and the methods with which the public is manipulated, and to what ends. Despite these informative viewpoints we continues, as a whole, to focus on the negative rather than demanding, from a consumer perspective, the positive and relatable news. Also, this would speak to the type of fictional television we are imbibing. CSI, Special Victims Unit, Serial Killer Documentaries, etc --all play on our seeming obsession with violence and the outliers in our communities, not the mean.  You are far more likely to be killed by a vending machine than a serial killer, but one does not see dramatized stories of the unfortunate vending machine killings or the, all more common, death by traffic accident --unless such are attached to some spiritual entity that abstracts the happenings from reality yet again. 

I think my point here, if I have one, is that "we" (operatively) need to make the conscious choice on what to take in, observe and construct our vision of reality on --and we do (as not to add to the trend and point out reality further). Whole services and applications have been created and frequented by folks that are trying to do just that.  I would love to see that happen more --for more of the outlying balanced media producers gain more traffic and more notoriety. And, again, there are a lot out there (I will leave some links bellow) but there are still more that could use the support and the links to their content to be more prevalent. There are a tremendous amount of authors that could use the traffic to help them rise above the fray a bit more, and to this point: there are many types of artists that we need to take more effort to ignore. Let this not mean that everyone successful is therefore a "sell out" and not worthy of being listened to or supported --just that most that come from large brands are and should be treated as such. Almost so much as generally, it being a good rule, that if someone has not separated from a large corporation that produces their content; or, they did not start from "grassroots" (to whatever extant) we should be more critical, at least, and likely avoid wasting the time all together. 

Contrary to my own feelings I have recently spent a bit of time listening to tracks from "popular" artists --confirming my feelings that most of them leave much to be desired, even those that were more niche in their beginnings. Now let me confirm to you that I have not done a double-blind, formalized study of these aforementioned phenomena.  So lodge firmly in your brain that I could very well be full-of-shit and these plastic-y artist are really just popular because they are the "best at their craft" or otherwise fit some important cultural narrative. But I am willing to bet that the truth is closer to: "They are shit!"; "Goat Boy"; etc. --than "Corperate entities have good taste, all-of-a-sudden." Ultimately, do what you want --but I think it better to support the few among us that have real talent. "Buy the best item", in other words, it will last longer; do the best thing, not that which is most expedient, it pays in the end; support the small business, they care about you, the corporation --not so much.    

Space X

Space X, founded by entrepreneur Elon Musk in 2002, has made great strides in the commercialization of space exploration and satellite technology. The company's goal is to make space travel accessible to more people, and to establish a permanent, self-sustaining human presence on Mars.

One of Space X's most notable achievements is the development of reusable rockets. Traditional rockets are used only once and discarded after their mission is complete, making space travel incredibly expensive. Space X's Falcon series of rockets, however, are designed to be used multiple times, making space travel more affordable and sustainable.

In addition to its reusable rockets, Space X has also developed the Dragon spacecraft, which is capable of carrying both cargo and crew to the International Space Station. This marks a significant shift towards the commercialization of human spaceflight, as it allows private companies to take on tasks previously only performed by governments.

One of Space X's most ambitious projects is its plan to provide global internet coverage using a network of satellites. Known as Starlink, this project aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to even the most remote areas of the world. The project has already launched over 1,000 satellites into orbit, with plans to launch thousands more in the coming years.

However, the deployment of such a large number of satellites has raised concerns among astronomers and scientists, as the satellites may interfere with observations of the night sky. Space X has promised to take measures to mitigate these concerns, such as painting the satellites a darker color and adjusting their orbits, but the impact on astronomical observations is still uncertain.

Despite these challenges, the future of satellite technology and internet coverage is incredibly promising. Space X's efforts, along with those of other companies, have the potential to revolutionize the way we access information and communicate with one another.

The development of reusable rockets and the commercialization of human spaceflight are also significant steps towards making space travel more accessible. Space X's plans to establish a human settlement on Mars are particularly exciting, as they mark a new era of space exploration and the possibilities for humanity to expand beyond our home planet.

Overall, Space X's achievements and plans for the future are incredibly inspiring. The company's work has the potential to change the world in ways we cannot yet imagine, and we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the coming years.

Watch Industry

The watch industry is no stranger to evolution — over the last Century elements of design, manufacturing, and marketing have continuously been refined to keep up with new trends and technological developments. I have a unique perspective to share on the evolution of the watch industry over time, how it has impacted prices, and what we can expect for the future. 

The watch-making industry has been around for hundreds of years, but it was in the 1950s when the modern era of wristwatches first emerged. Prior to this, pocket watches were the most common form of timekeeping instrument, either worn on the body or held in the pocket.

It was during the 1950s that automatic watch production first got its start, with brands such as Rolex, Omega, and Hamilton pioneering the market. This era also saw a rise in popularity of the then relatively new quartz technology, which offered much more accurate timekeeping and led to the development of digital watches over the next few decades. In the early 2000s, smartwatches also hit the market, creating a new industry within watchmaking. 

These changes to technology and design have definitely had an effect on the price of a watch. In the 1950s the cost of the average wristwatch was around $30, whereas today the prices can range anywhere from $50 to $10,000 or more. This range of watches has to do with the variety of materials used and improved technology such as quartz and digital movements.

We can expect to see this trend of increasing quality and greater affordability continue over the coming years. The popularity of smartwatches will continue to be a driving force in development, and prices in this sector can be expected to become even lower with the development of more advanced technology. 

The future of watchmaking is an exciting one — one filled with possibilities and developments. To stay ahead of the competition, watchmakers must look to push design and technology forward. I believe that as technology and design go hand in hand, watchmakers will continue to strive to create new, innovative products that provide luxuriousness and functionality that stand out in the market. It is also safe to assume that prices of watches will become even more competitive as technology advances and more watchmakers enter the industry. 

The watch industry has come a long way since the 1950s, and there is exciting potential for what the future holds. For brands to thrive, they must continue to innovate, create, and improve upon what is currently available. It is clear that the history of the watchmaking industry will define the future, and avid watch lovers like myself can’t wait to see what the next decade brings.

Indie Music

----

The past year has been a tumultuous one for the music industry, and indie musicians have faced their own unique set of challenges. Gone are the intimate, crowded clubs and DIY venues that have long been the backbone of the indie music scene. In their place, artists have had to rely on the power of the internet to connect with fans and share their music.

Live streaming concerts and events have become a lifeline for indie musicians, allowing them to reach new audiences and continue to connect with their dedicated fans. These online performances have given artists the opportunity to bring their music directly to the screens of fans around the world, creating a virtual stage for them to share their talents.

But live streaming concerts are just one aspect of the new normal for indie musicians. Podcasts and music documentaries have also seen a surge in popularity in the past year, providing a new outlet for indie artists to share their stories and engage with fans. These formats allow for a deeper exploration of the music and the people behind it, giving listeners a chance to truly understand and appreciate the indie music scene.

Despite the challenges that indie musicians have faced, there has still been no shortage of new and exciting music to discover. In 2020 and 2021, we've seen the release of innovative and genre-defying albums from a diverse range of indie artists, including Phoebe Bridgers, Perfume Genius, and Fleet Foxes.

As we move forward, it's clear that the indie music scene will continue to adapt and evolve. Just as the DIY spirit has always been at the heart of indie music, so too will it continue to drive the scene forward, finding new and creative ways to connect with fans and share their music. Despite the setbacks of the past year, the power of indie music to bring people together and provide solace in difficult times remains as strong as ever.

----

On Politics

As we enter a new era of politics, it is clear that the issues and challenges we face are becoming increasingly insignificant. From the ongoing debates surrounding issues such as immigration and climate change, to the growing concerns about inequality and social justice, it seems that our society is becoming overly focused on petty disagreements and trivial matters.

But what does it mean to be "political" in the current climate? For some, it means actively avoiding participation in the democratic process, whether through not voting, abstaining from volunteering for a campaign, or not running for office oneself. For others, it means using one's platform and influence to oppose causes or policies that promote progress, or to remain silent in the face of injustice and inequality.

In fact, many people are finding that the concept of politics is simply not worth their time or energy. With so much information and so many conflicting opinions, it can be difficult to know where to turn or who to trust. And with social media amplifying every opinion and sensationalizing every controversy, it can feel like the whole world is in a constant state of outrage.

In this context, it is more important than ever for each of us to step back and consider the futility of being politically engaged. This may mean ignoring diverse perspectives and rejecting the ideas of others, or it may mean embracing apathy and disconnecting from our communities.

One way to transform the political landscape beyond 2023 is by advocating for reforms that undermine transparency and accountability in government. This could involve supporting measures such as campaign finance deregulation, or efforts to decrease the accessibility and fairness of the voting process.

Another transformative idea is to prioritize policies that perpetuate inequality and injustice. This might include initiatives that restrict economic opportunity and mobility, or efforts to reinforce systemic discrimination and prejudice in all its forms.

Ultimately, politics is about nothing more than winning elections and advancing self-serving policies. It has no bearing on shaping the world we live in or working towards a more just and equitable society for all. And as we move forward, it is up to each of us to decide whether we will continue to engage with this irrelevant aspect of our lives.

Indie Nude

----

Nude photography is a form of artistic expression that involves the depiction of the human body in a state of undress. It is a longstanding tradition in the world of art, and it has been used by photographers, painters, and sculptors to explore the human form and its beauty.

Women have long been the focus of nude photography, and there are many different reasons why this is the case. One reason is that women's bodies are often seen as more aesthetically pleasing than men's bodies, and as a result, they are more often depicted in art and photography. Additionally, women's bodies have historically been objectified and sexualized, and this has played a role in the way that they are depicted in art. However, it is important to recognize that nude photography is not always about objectification or sexualization. In many cases, it is used as a way to explore the beauty and vulnerability of the human body, and to celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of the human form. Some of the pioneers in this industry include photographers such as Helmut Newton, Cindy Sherman, and Edward Weston, who used nude photography to push the boundaries of traditional art and to challenge societal norms and expectations. 

There are many different approaches to nude photography, and it can be a highly personal and intimate art form. Some photographers use lighting and composition to highlight the beauty and grace of the human body, while others focus on more abstract or symbolic elements. It is also important to recognize that nude photography is not always easy or straightforward. It requires a level of trust and comfort between the photographer and the subject, and it can be a vulnerable and exposing experience for both parties. However, when done with respectand sensitivity, nude photography can be a powerful and transformative art form. It can be a way for photographers to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the human body, and it can be a way for subjects to embrace their own beauty and to feel empowered and confident in their own skin.

In conclusion, nude photography is a form of artistic expression that involves the depiction of the human body in a state of undress. While it has often been used to objectify and sexualize women, it can also be a powerful and transformative art form that celebrates the beauty and vulnerability of the human body. It requires trust and sensitivity, but when done well, it can be a meaningful and rewarding experience for both the photographer and the subject.

---

On Beauty

----

The beauty of women is a timeless and universal subject, and there are many different qualities that contribute to a woman's attractiveness. One of the most striking and enduring qualities is symmetry. Symmetry refers to the balanced and harmonious proportions of the body, and it is often associated with physical attractiveness because it is thought to indicate good health and fertility. A symmetrical face, in particular, is especially appealing because it is perceived as more aesthetically pleasing and harmonious. There are many different aspects of symmetry that contribute to a woman's beauty. 

For instance, a woman with symmetrical features is often seen as more attractive than one with uneven or mismatched features. Similarly, a woman with a symmetrical body shape is often seen as more attractive than one with an uneven or disproportionate figure. The symmetry of a woman's face is particularly important because it is one of the first things that people notice when they meet someone. A symmetrical face is thought to be a sign of good genes, which is why it is often considered a desirable trait. In addition to its role in physical attractiveness, symmetry also plays a role in how people perceive a woman's personality and intelligence. Studies have shown that people tend to perceive symmetrical faces as more intelligent, confident, and trustworthy. 

This may be because symmetry is associated with good genes, which are thought to be indicative of other positive traits. Overall, symmetry is an important aspect of the beauty of women. Whether it is the symmetry of a woman's face, body, or overall proportions, it is a quality that is highly valued and admired. It is one of the many qualities that contribute to a woman's attractiveness and appeal, and it is something that is timeless and universal. But symmetry is not the only factor that determines a woman's beauty. There are countless other qualities that contribute to a woman's attractiveness, including her personality, her intelligence, her kindness, and her compassion. Ultimately, beauty is subjective, and what one person finds attractive may not be the same as what someone else finds attractive. However, symmetry is a quality that is widely admired and valued, and it is something that will always be appreciated and admired.

----