Showing posts with label Just for fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Just for fun. Show all posts

Monday, July 16, 2012

Weather your creativity is deductive or contemplative, never let it down!

I remember the first time I tried to define for myself what I truly felt a creative idea represented. After years of toying with the concept of true creativity, I came to my own conclusion that there were basically two types of creative inspirations. Those which were "contemplative" and those which were "deductive".

I view those which are represented in the works of a Michelangelo as highly contemplative; when they are an example of such painstaking sculpting; such as, a work like the Pietà.   http://goo.gl/8HZn
http://goo.gl/XMwex
A work which was rendered from a huge monolithic piece of indescribably strong stone. A medium with the relentless expectation that every move made by the artist is flawless. One chisel to deep, or a single inaccurate strike, will permanently maim the desired work beyond repair. (At least towards the final stages of such work.) And yet from this medium of cold, hard, stone, a Michelangelo imagined, and had the skill to deliver, a static image; which represents a seemingly living, emotional, gut wrenching story or broken flesh, broken hearts, and broken hopes.

So with "contemplative creativity" in my own mind, comes the birth of an idea from a void of limited inspiration. An idea, which manifest itself from a space where there was nothing discernible to guide or inspire it. And oddly enough, even my example of the Pietà is far from a perfect example of such contemplation. Given the fact, both scriptural accounts and religious exuberance, each played a sizable part in inspiring the hands of such artist, final results. But the transformation of cold marble to that of soft flesh is more to the point of the type of contrast and pure manifestation this final piece provides as my own definitive example.

As for "deductive creativity"; it is perhaps best defined as a "trial and error" method of arriving at your final result. The notion of placing a desire, wall, shape, color or artifact in one corner of your landscape, then spinning it, overlapping it, cropping it, contrasting it, only to finally arrive on the layout you feel is either the most aesthetically pleasing or functional, or a balance of both.

While such deduction are not quite as rare or perhaps even earth shattering as the examples I would typically define as "contemplative", such astute measures of discernment and application are not to be thought less of.  It is a rare individual which can regularly and reliably deliver a balance of form and function when needed.  Or create examples of abundant expression, while not overwhelming any desired story.  What ever the balancing act, expression or endeavor is, when a person is gifted in their own right, they are a "creative" that some audience will find great value in.

Recently a friend posted a quote from the modern mil maker, Jim Jarmusch, (http://goo.gl/9eFnJ) which broke down his own encouragements concerning the personal bouts of inspiration one might face of inspiration.  He terms these "authentic" methods of inspiration.

"Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is nonexistent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery – celebrate it if you feel like it." — JIM JARMUSCH

And since we also all tend to live in the "real world"; and for most of my viewers are based in a free-enterprise markets, such as the United States; I'm going to add a cautious sentiment and encouragements for those making their way through this capitalistic, make all spend all society.

My first word of caution towards a fellow "creative" is concerning those who would rather flippantly, choose to pillage one's inspirations and authentic zeal. Life is simply too short to entertain their company or allow their destructive antics to have a lasting impact on our soul for creativity.

There are also those who choose rather happily to ride the tail coat of other's creativity and inspiration for many years. Those who possess enough sense of self-preservation to not completely squash the drive of the ones they desperately depend on.
Eventually, even such formidable, clever, leaches will drain the life out of those driving them toward their agendas. Some come in the form of people others are large corporate entities. And unfortunately, often; only hindsight or a fortunate gift of wise mentoring, has the slightest chance of revealing the potential damage.

None the less. It does no good to ever stay down when one has been tripped. So enjoy the ride and always get back up as soon as possible when even you've fallen or fallen prey. - Oh, and find a trusted mentor. :-)

Sincerely,
Michael Hulme

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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

We Already Survived The End Of The World! :-)

This year sort of served as good, ironic reminder as to just how ridiculous any Mayan centered doomsday prediction are for December 2012, since 2012 is also a leap year!  :-)

The Mayans did not have leap years, since it is a solar calendar, and is 365 days long.  The Mayan calendar we often hear so much about actually would have ended well before the December 21st 2012 date most people associate with "the end". Additionally, the Mayans never believed the world would come to an end at that time. It was simply a very notable point in their calendar system, not a prediction for the end of the world.
The Mayans used a long-count calendar for extremely long periods of time. The concept of leap-years is irrelevant to this calendar system, because it's not based on solar years, simply on math.

You know how we use a base-10 counting system? (10, 100, 1000, 10,000 etc.) The Mayans used a modified base-20 counting system for keeping track of days - the second cycle went up to 18 rather than 20. So they tracked days in cycles of 20, 360, 7200, 144000, 2880000, etc.

We're coming to the end of one of the 144,000 day cycles. Today (March 6, 2012) can be expressed at 12.19.19.3.10 on the Mayan long-count calendar. This calendar will reach 12.19.19.17.19, on December 20, and then turn to 13.0.0.0.0 on December 21. This happens roughly every 400 years. No big deal.

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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Timeline Helps Illustrate The Facebook Time Bomb


I was a bit surprised over the last two month or so that more folks hadn't already converted their personal Facebook walls to the new "Timeline" version.  Since the old profile wall didn't really have anything going for it.

This only difference you'll experiences on FB, is when or if you click your own name, which few people ever personally have cause to do. (Meaning, normal logging in and using facebook.com, still subsequently looks and acts the same.)

At least now if you choose to, you can actually sort of take a more effective stroll down the memory lane of your social, FB entries and any reams of resources you might have recorded, shared, "liked" or chosen to upload.
I had been using Memo Lane for a while (http://memolane.com/MichaelHulme/) and thought it was pretty cool.  So I was glad to see Facebook finally stooped to stealing other 3rd party ideas like this.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE...  ;-)
The problem which remains a NIGHTMARE for most of those heavily depending on Facebook is it makes a HORRIBLE digital "silo". ( http://goo.gl/H3pRJ ) But millions of folks are treating it as if they can count on it for just that!  A personal repository of information.  But there is a HUGE problem. They have no ownership of any aspect of the infrastructure nor its contents. :-S

Meaning you are not only unable to assure how long your data will be visible or available; (since you neither own, nor pay a subscribed access to a server;) you have NO functional way of instantly searching or usefully indexing any past entries of data, text, links or media; nor can you effectively download previously uploaded content in a fast convenient way. (Such as Google's "Data Liberation" site and tools: https://www.google.com/settings/exportdata )

The new "timeline" representation, sort of helps folks better appreciate (or shed light on) all that they may have put into their participation on Facebook and the resulting, wall / digital profile / account content / timeline; and therefore remind us all, how little of this vast record can be easily sorted, backed-up or easily retrieved.  (The closest you can come thus far on FB to any data retrieval, is downloading each photo, ONE at a time, and that of downloading your current "friends" list. As far as the latter is concerned, Big deal... This list should already be synced with your smart phone via the installed FB App.)

Such hindrances will become an utter nightmare and vivid realization for folks as they choose to be more and more dependent on Facebook year after year.  A potential catastrophe for many, as more and more celebrations, evenings out, family events and vacations have been uploaded or recorded through one's Facebook account and submitted as 100's of videos and photos; and the smart phones they did all this record keeping with has been long since retired, upgraded, lost and/or replaced, etc... (Since honestly, how many folks are good at backing up their mobile computing device?)

Can you imagine all the photos albums you've ever placed a picture in, or all your families old 8mm & VHS home movies being owned or controlled by someone else; and fostered for their own use, monetization, organization methodologies or even deletion.

There needs to be much better information taught to folks about this "information age"! Resources and training for folk about digital resources in order for trusting users to understand the liabilities, pitfalls and/or advantages of sharing and even creating memories with such services.

(If you are a heavy Google G-mail, Docs or Apps user and you haven't visited your own "Google Dashboard", take a gander at it sometime just to see how explosive all of these online resources and data archives have gotten. https://www.google.com/dashboard/ )

User beware:
Remember the old adage, you get what you pay for!  And if it is too good to be true it probably is.  How much of your own personal money have you sent to Facebook?  Probably none!!  So how much protection of your own personal thoughts, picture and memories are you expecting them to respect and protect?  Possibly a great deal!  ...something doesn't add up...

(And unfortunately, playing & paying for Zynga games, such as Farmville, Castleville, Words W/ Friends, etc., or clicking 3rd party adds, unfortunately doesn't count.)  :-(
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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

My old Facebook Bio - pre 2008

Been a long LONG time since I've updated my FB Biographical information! For instance, I married my beautiful wife this last October (10.1.11); therefore my old FB description is no longer the most befitting statement about my life to have posted for the world (family and friends) to read.

So I am replacing my old sentiments with a new "manifesto" as it were; one which I drafted for my blog site just a few months ago. The new FB Bio is a literal cut and past of this previous blog entry: http://themichaelhulmeproject.blogspot.com/2011/09/when-will-wisdom-win.html

The previous, dated, Bio it now replaces I'm throwing up here on my blog, just for my own future reference, it read like this:
++++++++++ Begin ++++++++++
http://www.TheMichaelHulmeProject.com

I guess putting it nicely; I would say, life is very cyclical & I wouldn't necessarily recommend all of the cycles I've experienced. But most have been very good!

One of those that absolutely loves kids, but has to live vicariously as an adoring Uncle to my Niece & Nephew! In other words, never settled down.

Have humbly had more than one long term (3+yrs) relationships during my 15 yrs of working in Dallas, Texas, but never married. Regretfully, spent more time than should for far too many years working very long hours.

Never would have predicted I would be the workaholic type - definitely wish balancing life with more sensibility had been an earlier priority in my life... No time like the present!!

Eventually found myself dating folks who were equally as passionate about their own careers! Not the most romantic combination!

WOW - the more I rehash this past of mine with you - the more I regret... Didn't mean for this to sound like such a downer biography!??

Honestly, I think I've accepted my belated wisdom at this point; at least I won't blame Facebook for my brief moment of depressing reminiscent thoughts this evening. :-)
++++++++++ THE END ++++++++++

Thank you Paula for joining me on what I'm sure will be the most satisfying, exciting and best part of my (our) remaining journey through this world! I love you babe...

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Friday, September 24, 2010

The "Why" is more crucial than the "How" - Blogging

A friend of mine asked:
"You may have heard of a recent trend called "blogging". My wife wants to start one and has the following goals:
1 - use a feature set such as is offered by WordPress
2 - control/eliminate/sell the ads on the blog
3 - use her own domain name
I know WordPress offers a Premium package but good luck finding the price. Any quick pointers for my research?"
-Your friend"

There are definitely some very cool features on Wordpress. I have just used the free google service they bought years ago called, "Blogger". I set it up my blog about 4-5 years ago, and called it: www.TheMichaelHulmeProject.com . 

(Incidentally, I'm sorry for all my up-and-coming typos. I'm responding from my phone.) ;-)

I also have my Blog site setup with adds through Google's AdSense; however the most I have ever earned in a month was just a couple of bucks. (Takes a long time for those Nickles to add up.) 

What I like about the Blogger route, is it is freeeeee (with or without adds), and my current ability to just create a Google Doc, using the online version of "Word", Google provides for all sorts of editing; then I just hit "Publish to Blog", and it automatically throws it up to the Blogger blog site for me.

I will admit, every blogger needs an "editor" or serious proof reader. I don't hardly ever do that, and I desperately need to. I just selfishly started blogging because doing so FORCED me to seriously research other areas of the American experience, besides my own focus of almost exclusively technology & religion. My mom always told me, "never put anything in writing, you may one day regret." 
Therefore, I initially proceeded VERY cautiously, before I ever hit the "publish" button.  In time, and soon after I finally realized the shameful differences and motivation between the reporting of real News, versus "editorialized", News cloaked, programing; I became more and more inspired to hit the "publish button" as soon as I was made aware of actual facts; rather than after I had read and re-read dozens and dozens of varied positions, including those editorialized, add mongers.  Knowing full well - I would never end up selling adds with factual opinions or reports.  Just not the stuff that keeps us Americans compelled and coming back for more.  That and the fact my writing skill, hardly warranted repeat readers.  Plus I never publicize the fact I post anything to a blog site.

It was a cool platform for a lot of good exchanges for me and a few other folks, prior to the crash of 2007. And one of the main inspirations I had for realizing I needed to get behind Romney's level of expertise. (Even though I knew no Southern voters would back a Mormon.) 

Thanks to Blogging on Blogger, I knew well prior to the Nov 2007 "election season" (by late 2006) through my Blogging research, what everyone seemed to later get, about 3-10 months before Bush left, and then oddly blame anyone they could find in the months that followed his departure. Blogging re-mined, taught and forced me to maintain a truer time-frame, cause and perspective since I had actually personally documented the same findings, far in advance of others in the "News" media, once the damage was done and our pride was unexpectedly swallowed.

Point being, blogging unexpectedly opened my eyes to a whole new world of knowledge, positions and interactions, I just wouldn't have otherwise known. Simply because I refused to type and publish anything I had not thoroughly researched myself. My mom's life long warning was the driving force to growth threw my Blog. This is also when I really became aware of what drives our 24hr "News" media outlets. (Wasn't my mom's motto!)

I highly recommend Blogging to anyone wanting to learn and grow - it is a very humbling and stretching experience if used as such. Truth is, I'll end up publishing this (e-mailed) thought as well, since I don't think I've ever admitted this "humble Pie" or facts on my own site in any previous entry. (Since I use G-mail, I simply hit two buttons, "convert message to Google Doc" and then "Publish to Blog". (Goto: www.TheMichaelHulmeProject.com in a few minutes to view.)

If there is an exquisite Word Press app on the iPad, then I'm sure that would work great! I don't pay a dime for Blogger, it is just free, but probably not as spiffy as Word Press. Google just recently announced their ability to perform editing with Google Docs tools on the iPad. Not sure if it is out yet, but was announced last week.

Lemino what she ends up calling it? I just reserved a URL and pointed it (via a permanent forwarding) to my actually "Blogger" site name... I'll be excited to read it!

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Sunday, February 8, 2009

How to fold a shirt...
Really!
This is definitely worth a blog posting!

Now that you're curious, here are the detailed instructions:
(In English!)

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Sunday, November 9, 2008

I am what I eat... And, no - I wouldn't call you fat!

I don't discuss or report on a whole lot of nutritional issues or information, but I'm making an exception today...

It was recently sugested by a doctor of mine to change up the sources of my nutrition.
A recommendation was made for 80 percent to 100 percent of my calories to come from vegetables, fruit, raw nuts, potatoes, and either lean or omega-3 protein sources including fish, lean meat, skinless chicken, wild game, grass-fed animals and omega-3 eggs. Spices such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, oregano, and the other popular spices are all anti-inflammatory. The best oils/fats to use in moderation are extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil and butter.

Instead I was describe as being on a typical "American Suiside Diet", one which consisted of; food and calories soucreced from about 10 percent dairy products, 20 percent from refined sugar, 20 percent from refined grains, 20 percent from refined oils. The biggest problems clearly are the sugar, grains and oils. Approximately another 20 percent of calories come from obese meat, which is the fatty meat from domestic animals that live a sedentary life in feedlots where they are fed a tonnage of grains/corn instead of grass/pasture. The remaining 10 percent of calories might be fruits and vegetables.

It does seem I'm in trouble here... I don't think I can deny the accusations... This food issue combined with all the hours I spend sitting at a computer arn't good news!

Our focus should be on correcting the 80 percent of calories that come from sugar, refined grains, oils and obese meat. Worrying about yogurt, the occasional bran muffin, a cup of coffee, etc., has little influence compared to the tsunami of inflammation created by the 80 percent of calories derived from inflammatory foods. Another key to reducing dietary trauma and inflammation is to eat appropriate amounts for your body. In general, overeating leads to an inflammatory response.

I like that! I'm not fat, or merely gaining weight...
My body is simply having an "inflammatory response" to my diet. :-)

Knowing you have a problem is have the battle...
Now at least we know what to call it.
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Monday, July 28, 2008

Still a newbie... Slow to post...

Well, I don't want to stick with this "newbie" theme to many nights in a row, but I'm still going to take a "Kings X" tonight, where related to posting anything substantial.

Suffice to say, I've spent the last several days making significant strides on the content of my personal website. If you haven't visited it before, feel free to take a peek. http://www.michaelhulme.com/ .

The "Portfolio" section is probably the area I have spent the most time organizing. However there are some intriguing areas like the "POT "S" or POT "P"" page; and the "TED" page. Or if you are just looking for a little distraction, visit the "Movie Time" page.
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Sunday, July 27, 2008

Intro, The Michael Hulme Project - "Hello world!"

I know the blog title "The Michael Hulme Project", leads one to believe there is going to be some discussion here about some; formal, possibly impressive, undergoing, "project" or event; but the truth of the matter is, I have no formal plans for this blog or its real "purpose" at the moment. And honestly, the Blog URL "Michael Hulme", was already taken! ...what can one do?

Fact is. as of this month there are times when it feels the "Michael Hulme Project" is merely the task of getting older! I turned 40 this month! Ugg - who can feel to excited about that milestone? That's kind of a big one! One inspiring relative (uncle) of mine who hit 50 last month, tell me "50 was the new 35", so I'm not sure what official hope that can give me as far as an age conversion, but I need to get creative.

I have definitely hit certain ages with a bit more grace, and a bit less reflection on the passage of time and where life has come from and where it is going. But I think I will indeed survive this transition into my fourth decade. Would be kind of nice if the latest consensus were "40 is the new 25." 25! Now those were the days. Well, let's see - if memory serves perhaps those were just, "the younger days."

I guess the fact is I made of fraction of the income I deem appropriate these days. I was much less mature in so many ways, and I'm not sure I even considered the passage of time. And weather such consideration are spun positively or negatively, you have to agree considering the passage of time; or should I say, considering ones legacy which will be left to this world, is always a good thing.

Well, there is plenty more time to add plenty more thoughts - I'm going to end this (first / opening / premier) blog entry of mine here and now... Until later...
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