Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Coming Soon!
Art-o-mat just approved my artwork! Huzzah! In the glow of the moment I'm completely ignoring the fact that I've just been commissioned for 50 original pieces...
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Hurt Locker Hurts
To keep this from becoming a rant, I'll keep it brief. I attended the Palm Springs Film Festival's premiere of "The Hurt Locker" which featured a Q&A panel afterward composed of the director, producer, screen writer and subject of the movie.
The only thing that was missing was the movie. The PSFF was unable to get a copy of the film to the theater in time for the event.
Ted Puffer movie review of The Hurt Locker = +3 stars
Ted Puffer review of PFSS (so far) = -3 stars. Hey, that was a long and hot drive to Palm Springs. Sure the area is great to visit and all, but I'd planned on seeing the movie at the end of that trip.
Grr.
Special showing of The Hurt Locker has been rescheduled to this Wednesday with the director in attendance. I'm still debating whether to go.
The only thing that was missing was the movie. The PSFF was unable to get a copy of the film to the theater in time for the event.
Ted Puffer movie review of The Hurt Locker = +3 stars
Ted Puffer review of PFSS (so far) = -3 stars. Hey, that was a long and hot drive to Palm Springs. Sure the area is great to visit and all, but I'd planned on seeing the movie at the end of that trip.
Grr.
Special showing of The Hurt Locker has been rescheduled to this Wednesday with the director in attendance. I'm still debating whether to go.
Departures Movie Review
Ted Puffer movie rating = +4 Stars
Definately worth the effort of finding to watch. Good luck watching this movie on cable, but if you can find a copy somewhere, buy it. Ignore the boring movie poster featuring the guy playing a cello in the middle of a grassy field. The image has nothing to do with the movie.
From the producer:
Departures follows Daigo Kobayashi (Masahiro Motoki), a devoted cellist in an orchestra that has just been dissolved and who is suddenly left without a job. Daigo decides to move back to his old hometown with his wife to look for work and start over. He answers a classified ad entitled Departures thinking it is an advertisement for a travel agency only to discover that the job is actually for a "Nokanshi" or "encoffineer," a funeral professional who prepares deceased bodies for burial and entry into the next life. While his wife and others despise the job, Daigo takes a certain pride in his work and begins to perfect the art of “Nokanshi,” acting as a gentle gatekeeper between life and death, between the departed and the family of the departed. The film follows his profound and sometimes comical journey with death as he uncovers the wonder, joy and meaning of life and living. --© Regent Releasing
Definately worth the effort of finding to watch. Good luck watching this movie on cable, but if you can find a copy somewhere, buy it. Ignore the boring movie poster featuring the guy playing a cello in the middle of a grassy field. The image has nothing to do with the movie.
From the producer:
Departures follows Daigo Kobayashi (Masahiro Motoki), a devoted cellist in an orchestra that has just been dissolved and who is suddenly left without a job. Daigo decides to move back to his old hometown with his wife to look for work and start over. He answers a classified ad entitled Departures thinking it is an advertisement for a travel agency only to discover that the job is actually for a "Nokanshi" or "encoffineer," a funeral professional who prepares deceased bodies for burial and entry into the next life. While his wife and others despise the job, Daigo takes a certain pride in his work and begins to perfect the art of “Nokanshi,” acting as a gentle gatekeeper between life and death, between the departed and the family of the departed. The film follows his profound and sometimes comical journey with death as he uncovers the wonder, joy and meaning of life and living. --© Regent Releasing
Integratron Cartography Project
This painting captures a Venusian saucer seen through the main skylight inside of the Integratron. The importance of the surrounding images should be obvious but I'll list them here for a complete record.In the upper left corner of the painting is a star scape with two Venusian saucers journeying through the midnight void of our universe. The number two signifying the bipolar nature of the universe and our spiritual aspects.
Opposite this image on the right side of the canvas is a nebular cluster of type M stars, showing not only a solar nursery but also stellar seeds of the cosmos.
Across the bottom of the painting starting on the left is a depiction of the 1979 squid migration that was documented between San Francisco and Santa Cruz. At that time a convergence of Ley Lines and solar eddies caused the highest recorded activity in harmonically attuned crustaceans and arthropods in all oceanographic history.
Finally, the lower right part of the painting inscribes the 12 elegant equations on which the universe rests. Included in the equations is the sigel for the Thaumaturgic Cartographers as well as the GPS locations of the related geocaches.
There is a purpose to all of this. Earlier I'd recorded on how I became aware that the coin in my possession should be returned to the spiritual cache as soon as possible. The trick being that it also had to be returned in a manner which would not lead to any spiritual backlash against me. After a bit of research and coffee I decided upon the standard 'maze ruse'.
It's a tactic that's been around awhile and for good purpose. It works.
All you need to do is put the object being worked on inside a pattern, or maze, which will confound all spiritual beings from tracing it back to you. Similar to putting coins on your doorstep to guard against witches (or is it vampires?), the mathematical formulae indicated on this painting will cause the Ley Line activity at the Integratron to lock the coin back into it's cache. Any blow back or psychic eddies that could be directed at me will get ensnared in the maze of logic, sort of like how steam escaping a tea kettle can be captured by an overturned cup.
Trust me on this.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
New site already?
Actually, yes. Sort of.
Don't get me wrong. Blogspot rocks in many ways and I'm impressed with how easy it is to update my blog postings, as evidenced by this one. It doesn't say too much and takes far longer to read than it does to type. But be that as it may, I think that I've found a site that will webhost my 'real' website.
This was something that I was planning on doing 'eventually', but suddenly it's here. Along with the excitement of designing a website from scratch comes the realization that I'll be designing a website from scratch. Also, I'll have to get Dreamweaver somehow. And some books. And take some photos, maybe whip up a bit of art....
Gah.
But hey, new website. Cool.
Don't get me wrong. Blogspot rocks in many ways and I'm impressed with how easy it is to update my blog postings, as evidenced by this one. It doesn't say too much and takes far longer to read than it does to type. But be that as it may, I think that I've found a site that will webhost my 'real' website.
This was something that I was planning on doing 'eventually', but suddenly it's here. Along with the excitement of designing a website from scratch comes the realization that I'll be designing a website from scratch. Also, I'll have to get Dreamweaver somehow. And some books. And take some photos, maybe whip up a bit of art....
Gah.
But hey, new website. Cool.
Home Sweet Home
I spent most of the morning helping to build an environmentally friendly home for a friend in town. If you've heard of Earthships then you'll be familiar with the philosophy and construction of these homes. Essentially they are environmentally friendly homes, but they have the added benefit of being beautiful works of art when they are done.
This one isn't a tire house. It has more in common with straw bale construction than anything else, but also uses reclaimed timber and building materials. The results so far are promising. It's a structure with varing boxes, roofs and courtyard walls that somehow fit together among the Joshua Trees. I'm eager to see the finished product, but know that these building take time. Since they are not constructed in a typical manner, it's not unheard of to have them take a few years to build to completion. Still, it has a promising start. We did take some photos today, so I'll post them up when I get a copy.
This one isn't a tire house. It has more in common with straw bale construction than anything else, but also uses reclaimed timber and building materials. The results so far are promising. It's a structure with varing boxes, roofs and courtyard walls that somehow fit together among the Joshua Trees. I'm eager to see the finished product, but know that these building take time. Since they are not constructed in a typical manner, it's not unheard of to have them take a few years to build to completion. Still, it has a promising start. We did take some photos today, so I'll post them up when I get a copy.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Perils of Theft
Have you ever researched something and then been sorry you started? Like the time you went to the library to find out more about Native Americans and discovered that your great-great grandfather was the head organizer behind the Trail of Tears. I'm having a moment like that right now.
You see, I checked into the Thaumaturgic Cartographers because of a coin which came into my posession from the Intergratron. But the more I looked into it, the more obvious it became that I shouldn't have this coin at all. Sure, it's worth 100 Limuw. Sweet! But it's also a transferable focus of cosmic forces which influence and are influenced by it's geographic travel. So while it's not exactly a monkey paw, it's close.
I have to get it back. So the question becomes, how do you sneak a coin back into a spiritual cache, in the middle of a cosmic nexus, in the middle of the Integratron?
Time for some coffee.
You see, I checked into the Thaumaturgic Cartographers because of a coin which came into my posession from the Intergratron. But the more I looked into it, the more obvious it became that I shouldn't have this coin at all. Sure, it's worth 100 Limuw. Sweet! But it's also a transferable focus of cosmic forces which influence and are influenced by it's geographic travel. So while it's not exactly a monkey paw, it's close.
I have to get it back. So the question becomes, how do you sneak a coin back into a spiritual cache, in the middle of a cosmic nexus, in the middle of the Integratron?
Time for some coffee.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Ted Puffer
One of my near-future projects is to redesign this web page. I need something real. But before then, I'm painting a little something special for those cosmic cats at the Integratron. Here's a more descriptive sample of the structure via their website:
"The Integratron is the creation of George Van Tassel, and is based on the design of Moses’ Tabernacle, the writings of Nikola Tesla and telepathic directions from extraterrestrials. This one-of-a-kind building is a 38-foot high, 55-foot diameter, non-metallic structure originally designed by Van Tassel as a rejuvenation and time machine. Today, it is the only all-wood, acoustically perfect sound chamber in the U.S."
which makes it about a billion times better than those cheap, plastic Chinese perfect-sound-chamber knockoffs.
"The Integratron is the creation of George Van Tassel, and is based on the design of Moses’ Tabernacle, the writings of Nikola Tesla and telepathic directions from extraterrestrials. This one-of-a-kind building is a 38-foot high, 55-foot diameter, non-metallic structure originally designed by Van Tassel as a rejuvenation and time machine. Today, it is the only all-wood, acoustically perfect sound chamber in the U.S."
which makes it about a billion times better than those cheap, plastic Chinese perfect-sound-chamber knockoffs.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Analog Great Robotic Uprising Threat Detectors, Part II
Let's try this again:
Nice little assembly line if I do say so myself. I've upgraded my Analog Robotic Uprising Threat Detector assembly operation. Analog Robit Uprising Threat Detectors will no longer be manufactured using sentient or semi-sentient robots. What you see here is the first run of the Mark II version of the unit which is still able to detect the amount of threat which local robots pose to humans.
This device is superior to the previous model in one vital way. Namely it is small enough to fit in the Art-o-mat systems. Good grief! I didn't think that making them smaller would be such a big deal, no pun intended. But the more I worked on this project, the weirder it go. I'm including an instruction sheet with every unit, and the instructions kept adding to the overall size! What on earth? How could one piece of paper throw off my calculations so much? It still fits, but let me tell you, whoever uses the Art-o-mat to get a unit is in for a treat. The box may be small, but it's packed with lots of goodies.
11 units created so far, and 50 is the total. If I make another submission to Art-o-mat it will be different. I don't want to get burned out on this project, and making a huge run would be a challenge. But the first one is done and will be on its way for judging on Monday. So fingers crossed!
Nice little assembly line if I do say so myself. I've upgraded my Analog Robotic Uprising Threat Detector assembly operation. Analog Robit Uprising Threat Detectors will no longer be manufactured using sentient or semi-sentient robots. What you see here is the first run of the Mark II version of the unit which is still able to detect the amount of threat which local robots pose to humans.
This device is superior to the previous model in one vital way. Namely it is small enough to fit in the Art-o-mat systems. Good grief! I didn't think that making them smaller would be such a big deal, no pun intended. But the more I worked on this project, the weirder it go. I'm including an instruction sheet with every unit, and the instructions kept adding to the overall size! What on earth? How could one piece of paper throw off my calculations so much? It still fits, but let me tell you, whoever uses the Art-o-mat to get a unit is in for a treat. The box may be small, but it's packed with lots of goodies.
11 units created so far, and 50 is the total. If I make another submission to Art-o-mat it will be different. I don't want to get burned out on this project, and making a huge run would be a challenge. But the first one is done and will be on its way for judging on Monday. So fingers crossed!
Thaumaturgic Cartographers
I've just discovered the Thaumaturgic Cartographers, and have in turn been found by the Thaumaturgic Cartographers! Huzzah!
At this point I'm not really sure what this means, but already I can tell it's something amazing.
The coin pictured in the above image is a 100 Limuw coin featuring a shrunken head surrounded by the glyphs of the founding Cartographers. My discovery was in the Integratron virtual cache. Not bad eh?
The history of the Integratron is widely known. It's a structure located near Yucca Valley in California designed to specifications given by Venusians with the goal of expanding the human consciousness. This structure focuses natural energy through the properties of physics in ways that Tesla would be proud of. It's unorthodox, of course. But the amazing potential of psychic and spiritual energy is staggering. Even in it's unfinished and incomplete state the experiences at the Integratron are life changing.
Without getting into too much detail, I will say that I took part of the sonic bath offered at the facility and did have an experience that I can't fully account for. I'd imaging that about half of the people to undergo the sonic bath will not experience anything that can't be explained as a natural result of the properties of the experience. The sonic bath is relaxing and causes a meditative mood to all participants. Some people do have visions and others are able to access areas of their higher consciousness normally unattainable in waking life. I experienced lost time. Within moments of being surrounded by the harmonics resonating around the half sphere from the crystal bowls I jumped forward in time to the completion of the music. It was startling to say the least. I didn't drift off, nor was I tired. But as quickly as the sonic bath began, for me it ended.
From what I was able to learn from the group that I was with, the sonic bath lasted for approximately one hour. Exactly where I was during that hour and what I experienced, I'm unable to say.
But I did get the coin! So this is the second secret society that I'm a part of!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Threat Detector Redeux
OK, just a few more pieces of artwork to go and the second generation of the Analog Robotic Uprising Threat Detector will be complete. I've made this version thicker, so it has a bit more heft to it. The wood is rough, but that just adds to the texture of the whole piece. I still have to make about a dozen antennas, but should be able to kick that out in no time. Remember, the idea behind this project is to make a unique, quality piece of artwork without breaking my budget of cash and time, both of which I have in short supply.
But a dozen?
Yep. Eleven to be exact, but close enough. The first build was limited to 4 pieces, but this run has 11. I'm treating all of them the same, so the one that I submit to the Art-o-mat will not be special in any particular way. So if that one gets selected for a machine, I can be confident that all will be ready and worthy of sales.
They're worthy, no doubt. I love these things.
(photos to follow)
But a dozen?
Yep. Eleven to be exact, but close enough. The first build was limited to 4 pieces, but this run has 11. I'm treating all of them the same, so the one that I submit to the Art-o-mat will not be special in any particular way. So if that one gets selected for a machine, I can be confident that all will be ready and worthy of sales.
They're worthy, no doubt. I love these things.
(photos to follow)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Curses! Foiled Again!
I really don't' want to talk about it. I don't want to describe in any detail my horror at discovering the Analog Robotic Uprising Threat Detector is too big for the Art-o-mat vending machine. What went wrong? Did I not read the instructions correctly?
According to the website, all artistic submissions should have a completed width of 2 1/8". But when I printed out their template box, the box only measures 2 inches wide. No matter how much I bend and squeeze the ARUTD unit, it won't fit! I check the box.. 2 inches...
Grrrr.
Back to the drawing board.
It's not easy using art to protect people from the coming Great Robotic Uprising, but I'm willing to give it another go.
The real hitch is that the ARUTD unit is specifically made to be 2 1/8 inches wide. Any smaller and the unit just won't work at all. All the artwork, stencils and gearing are made to a larger specification. So if I want to try again, the unit will look completely different.
According to the website, all artistic submissions should have a completed width of 2 1/8". But when I printed out their template box, the box only measures 2 inches wide. No matter how much I bend and squeeze the ARUTD unit, it won't fit! I check the box.. 2 inches...
Grrrr.
Back to the drawing board.
It's not easy using art to protect people from the coming Great Robotic Uprising, but I'm willing to give it another go.
The real hitch is that the ARUTD unit is specifically made to be 2 1/8 inches wide. Any smaller and the unit just won't work at all. All the artwork, stencils and gearing are made to a larger specification. So if I want to try again, the unit will look completely different.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
First Submission Completed!
It's finally complete! The prototype Analog Robotic Uprising Threat Detector is finally complete and ready for submission to Art-o-mat. Whew!
I don't mind saying that I struggled with this little project. There were a few limitations which I hadn't counted on that made the whole thing tricky to pull off. Firstly was cost. It's one thing to put a few bucks into a project, but with the possibility of making 50 devices, cost becomes a factor very quickly. I could have added a 3 dollar bit of flash to each one, but at the end of this project I'd have sunk $150 for that little bit of flare. Not a good idea, or at least not a cost effective one. So with budget in mind I set about making the device and from my viewpoint it looks terrific.
Now to send it away and cross my fingers. If all goes well, than at least 50 people across the country will be safe (or safer) from the coming Great Robotic Uprising.
Refund Policy
There are currently no refunds being offered for defective Robotic Uprising Threat Detectors.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Robotic Uprising Threat Detection Manual
The prototype for my submission to Art-o-mat is almost done. I hit a small snag which is keeping me from finishing it this evening. But that just means that I focused on the manual that will go along with the gauge. At first I'd thought about packing lots of print out 'goodies' along with the gauge, so that whoever buys a gauge would get some other treats as well. This is still a good idea, but the Art-o-mat site gives caution about packing too many photocopied works. It does make sense. When you're planning on making a run of something, it saves boatloads of time to just run down to Kinkos and knock it out.The flip side is that it looks like it. Everyone will know that you spent 5 minutes in front of a photocopier.
So I scaled back the idea and am just going to include a sheet of instructions for the artwork which carries the bizarre theme. Personally I really like the offset color blocks. It looks like a cheezy mimeographed copy, which is exactly the sort of effect that I'm looking for. The gauge has a weird retro look and I wanted to carry that through to the printed stuff as well.
By the way, that's a pretty cool eye picture at the bottom there, as well as the silhouette of the guy speaking. It got covered up by the circle and slash, so you don't get to see it that well, so trust me, they look awesome.
Robotic Uprising
I've started my submission for the art-o-mat. If you don't know, the Art-o-mat is a wonderful group of artists who can be found here. They have an amazing method for introducing people to artists by way of refurbished vending machines. The concept itself is a treat, but to really understand the impact of their philosophy you have to see one of their machines in action. It's not to be missed, and fortunately there's little chance of that happening. Their machines are scattered around the country so there's a good chance there's one near you.
I want to be a part of this in a big way.
The submission process is pretty straightforward. They ask that you send in a piece of work to be checked out. From what I can tell it can be pretty much anything, although they don't like glitter or other materials which wouldn't hold up well during shipping and vending. There are a few more rules, but all extremely mild.
The one rule they are inflexible on is the size of the item. Since this is something that will be put in an old cigarette vending machine, all artwork must be able to fit in a cigarette box (unfiltered).
I didn't think this was an issue until I started my first piece.
My thought was to have a hand held meter or gauge which detected the amount of robotic threat in the vicinity. Pretty easy, right? I thought so to, until I stared my first one. The shell of the meter was beautiful. It was round with a round glass window set in the top through which the gauge was visible. However, the shell was too big for the Art-o-mat. Being round, there really wasn't a way to slim it down to fit either, so I'm starting again.
My second attempt has a wood shell for the meter. It's light (which may or may not be a problem), and has a window in the top third of the face for the gauge. So far, it looks good. I have a few more assembly things to do and then I'll take a shot of it for the site. But even in its unfinished state I'm pretty happy with it.
I want to be a part of this in a big way.
The submission process is pretty straightforward. They ask that you send in a piece of work to be checked out. From what I can tell it can be pretty much anything, although they don't like glitter or other materials which wouldn't hold up well during shipping and vending. There are a few more rules, but all extremely mild.
The one rule they are inflexible on is the size of the item. Since this is something that will be put in an old cigarette vending machine, all artwork must be able to fit in a cigarette box (unfiltered).
I didn't think this was an issue until I started my first piece.
My thought was to have a hand held meter or gauge which detected the amount of robotic threat in the vicinity. Pretty easy, right? I thought so to, until I stared my first one. The shell of the meter was beautiful. It was round with a round glass window set in the top through which the gauge was visible. However, the shell was too big for the Art-o-mat. Being round, there really wasn't a way to slim it down to fit either, so I'm starting again.
My second attempt has a wood shell for the meter. It's light (which may or may not be a problem), and has a window in the top third of the face for the gauge. So far, it looks good. I have a few more assembly things to do and then I'll take a shot of it for the site. But even in its unfinished state I'm pretty happy with it.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Marseille Part I
DISCLAIMER: These images are from old postcards, and should be viewed with caution. While the original photographer was attempting to capture an image, through their medium they inadvertently captured unintended information. This should be kept in mind when looking at these pictures.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Thirteenth Image:
From the Back of the post card: MARSEILLE - Un coin du Vieux Marseille
Ted Puffer Commentary: Notice what's missing from the back of the card? The legend "Wish you were here". I can't believe that this is a vacation post card. Who in their right mind would go here, from anywhere? How bad is their home town that THIS is a vacation spot? Heck, even in Detroit I'd be second guessing my travel arrangements. "You know what? Let's skip Marseille this year and hang around the neighborhood crack house instead.."
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Thirteenth Image:
From the Back of the post card: MARSEILLE - Un coin du Vieux Marseille
Ted Puffer Commentary: Notice what's missing from the back of the card? The legend "Wish you were here". I can't believe that this is a vacation post card. Who in their right mind would go here, from anywhere? How bad is their home town that THIS is a vacation spot? Heck, even in Detroit I'd be second guessing my travel arrangements. "You know what? Let's skip Marseille this year and hang around the neighborhood crack house instead.."
The Great California Gator Farm
DISCLAIMER: These images are from old postcards, and should be viewed with caution. While the original photographer was attempting to capture an image, through their medium they inadvertently captured unintended information. This should be kept in mind when looking at these pictures.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Twelfth Image:
From the Post Card: Siesta Time California Alligator Farm
Ted Puffer Commentary: WHAT!?!?!? California has gators?! Why didn't anyone tell me! When I moved here I knew it had smoke, smog, crime, deserts, heat, distopian malaise etc. But no one mentioned anything about Gators! Heck, I'd have moved here years ago if I'd known!
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Twelfth Image:
From the Post Card: Siesta Time California Alligator Farm
Ted Puffer Commentary: WHAT!?!?!? California has gators?! Why didn't anyone tell me! When I moved here I knew it had smoke, smog, crime, deserts, heat, distopian malaise etc. But no one mentioned anything about Gators! Heck, I'd have moved here years ago if I'd known!
Great "Mormon" Tabernacle
DISCLAIMER: These images are from old postcards, and should be viewed with caution. While the original photographer was attempting to capture an image, through their medium they inadvertently captured unintended information. This should be kept in mind when looking at these pictures.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Eleventh Image:
From the Post Card: Great "Mormon" Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah.
THE TABERNACLE is one of the largest structures for religious worship in the world. it is 150 by 250 feet and 80 feet high. The arches of the roof rest upon 44 stone piers and have no center support. Its seating capacity is 8,000. It contains one of the finest pipe organs in existence.
Ted Puffer Commentary: The quotes around the word Mormon are from the card, I didn't add them. Also, the tabernacle looks like a circus tent.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Eleventh Image:
From the Post Card: Great "Mormon" Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah.
THE TABERNACLE is one of the largest structures for religious worship in the world. it is 150 by 250 feet and 80 feet high. The arches of the roof rest upon 44 stone piers and have no center support. Its seating capacity is 8,000. It contains one of the finest pipe organs in existence.
Ted Puffer Commentary: The quotes around the word Mormon are from the card, I didn't add them. Also, the tabernacle looks like a circus tent.
Ford Rotunda
DISCLAIMER: These images are from old postcards, and should be viewed with caution. While the original photographer was attempting to capture an image, through their medium they inadvertently captured unintended information. This should be kept in mind when looking at these pictures.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Tenth Image
From the Back of the post card: The Ford Rotunda consists of an imposing gear-shaped central section from which rectangular wings extend to the north and south. The circular section is 215 feet in diameter. In its center is a court 92 feet in diameter, which is open to the sky.
The Rotunda is build of Indiana limestone and steel. its construction required 114,000 feet of cut limestone and 1,000 tones of structural steel.
Ted Puffer Commentary: "Meanwhile, Honda has started building small, fuel efficient cars..."
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Tenth Image
From the Back of the post card: The Ford Rotunda consists of an imposing gear-shaped central section from which rectangular wings extend to the north and south. The circular section is 215 feet in diameter. In its center is a court 92 feet in diameter, which is open to the sky.
The Rotunda is build of Indiana limestone and steel. its construction required 114,000 feet of cut limestone and 1,000 tones of structural steel.
Ted Puffer Commentary: "Meanwhile, Honda has started building small, fuel efficient cars..."
Brevifolia
DISCLAIMER: These images are from old postcards, and should be viewed with caution. While the original photographer was attempting to capture an image, through their medium they inadvertently captured unintended information. This should be kept in mind when looking at these pictures.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Ninth Image:
From the Back of the post card: Yucca Wood (brevifolia)
Wood of Moods and Legends, but especially one legend which tells us that whosoever contacts YUCCA will have good luck. May this inspiration of the Ancients be two-fold, bringing you Peace of Mind and Blessings of Divine Influence.
Ted Puffer Commentary: First off, this post card is made of bark, presumably of the Yucca. Secondly, that plant (or tree, whatever) gave its life so it could be stamped with this supremely ugly image. Thirdly, I wasn't aware that Yucca was something you could "contact", like a virus or disease, but it makes sense if you've ever seen Yucca growing in the wild.
One little quibble I have is that the Legend and inspiration of the Ancients that it alludes to is never mentioned. What legend? Is the Yucca bush reputed to have saved the universe at one time, or does its spirit cause the sun to rise?
Lastly, my new life-long ambition is to be known as the "Wood of Moods and Legends".
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Ninth Image:
From the Back of the post card: Yucca Wood (brevifolia)
Wood of Moods and Legends, but especially one legend which tells us that whosoever contacts YUCCA will have good luck. May this inspiration of the Ancients be two-fold, bringing you Peace of Mind and Blessings of Divine Influence.
Ted Puffer Commentary: First off, this post card is made of bark, presumably of the Yucca. Secondly, that plant (or tree, whatever) gave its life so it could be stamped with this supremely ugly image. Thirdly, I wasn't aware that Yucca was something you could "contact", like a virus or disease, but it makes sense if you've ever seen Yucca growing in the wild.
One little quibble I have is that the Legend and inspiration of the Ancients that it alludes to is never mentioned. What legend? Is the Yucca bush reputed to have saved the universe at one time, or does its spirit cause the sun to rise?
Lastly, my new life-long ambition is to be known as the "Wood of Moods and Legends".
Cute Lil Critter
DISCLAIMER: These images are from old postcards, and should be viewed with caution. While the original photographer was attempting to capture an image, through their medium they inadvertently captured unintended information. This should be kept in mind when looking at these pictures.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Eighth Image:
From the Back of the post card: GREETING FROM A LITTLE FRIEND. The most fascinating and entertaining little creature to be found in the woods, is the tiny striped squirrel or chipmunk. Although naturally very timid, the miniature creature is curious too, and may become friendly enough in time to visit you daily for choice morsels from your table.
Ted Puffer Commentary: So the next time you see one in the wild, try to get him to eat from your tasty, tasty fingers.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Eighth Image:
From the Back of the post card: GREETING FROM A LITTLE FRIEND. The most fascinating and entertaining little creature to be found in the woods, is the tiny striped squirrel or chipmunk. Although naturally very timid, the miniature creature is curious too, and may become friendly enough in time to visit you daily for choice morsels from your table.
Ted Puffer Commentary: So the next time you see one in the wild, try to get him to eat from your tasty, tasty fingers.
Horse with No Name
DISCLAIMER: These images are from old postcards, and should be viewed with caution. While the original photographer was attempting to capture an image, through their medium they inadvertently captured unintended information. This should be kept in mind when looking at these pictures.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Seventh Image:
From the back: Chief Running Horse
Ted Puffer Commentary: He looks dead. Or maybe it's just his spirit.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Seventh Image:
From the back: Chief Running Horse
Ted Puffer Commentary: He looks dead. Or maybe it's just his spirit.
El Cabrillo National Monument
DISCLAIMER: These images are from old postcards, and should be viewed with caution. While the original photographer was attempting to capture an image, through their medium they inadvertently captured unintended information. This should be kept in mind when looking at these pictures.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Fifth Image:
From the Postcard: (Inscription on Memorial) Here at Point Loma Head on the afternoon of September 28, 1542. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo distinguished Portuguese navigator in the service of Spain commanding the flagship San Salvador, made his first Alta California landfall and thus discovered what is now the state of California. Cabrillo- along with his companions- came ashore on Point Loma at what is now Ballast Point in this port "closed and very good" which they named San Miguel. Cabrillo's caravels assembled at Navidad Mexico under orders of Don Antonia De Mendoza - sailed from that port June 27 1542.
Ted Puffer Commentary: On their return voyage, they brought Indians.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Fifth Image:
From the Postcard: (Inscription on Memorial) Here at Point Loma Head on the afternoon of September 28, 1542. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo distinguished Portuguese navigator in the service of Spain commanding the flagship San Salvador, made his first Alta California landfall and thus discovered what is now the state of California. Cabrillo- along with his companions- came ashore on Point Loma at what is now Ballast Point in this port "closed and very good" which they named San Miguel. Cabrillo's caravels assembled at Navidad Mexico under orders of Don Antonia De Mendoza - sailed from that port June 27 1542.
Ted Puffer Commentary: On their return voyage, they brought Indians.
Daath Valley Then and Now
DISCLAIMER: These images are from old postcards, and should be viewed with caution. While the original photographer was attempting to capture an image, through their medium they inadvertently captured unintended information. This should be kept in mind when looking at these pictures.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Sixth Image:
From the Card: Townsend Pass. looking down upon Lowest Point in North America, Death Valley, California.
Ted Puffer Commentary: As of the 2000 and 2004 elections, North America has a new "Lowest Point"
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Sixth Image:
From the Card: Townsend Pass. looking down upon Lowest Point in North America, Death Valley, California.
Ted Puffer Commentary: As of the 2000 and 2004 elections, North America has a new "Lowest Point"
Brigham Young
DISCLAIMER: These images are from old postcards, and should be viewed with caution. While the original photographer was attempting to capture an image, through their medium they inadvertently captured unintended information. This should be kept in mind when looking at these pictures.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Fourth Image:
From the back of the postcard: BRIGHAM YOUNG - Brigham Young was born June 1, 1801 in Whitingham, Vt. He succeeded Joseph Smith as President of the Mormon Church when the latter was martyred in Carthage, Ill. in 1844. He led a small band of pioneers into the great unknown West in 1847 and established Salt Lake City where he proved himself to be the greatest colonizer of his time. he died in Salt Lake City, Aug. 29, 1877.
Ted Puffer Commentary: My new goal in life is to be known as "The greatest colonizer of his time."
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Fourth Image:
From the back of the postcard: BRIGHAM YOUNG - Brigham Young was born June 1, 1801 in Whitingham, Vt. He succeeded Joseph Smith as President of the Mormon Church when the latter was martyred in Carthage, Ill. in 1844. He led a small band of pioneers into the great unknown West in 1847 and established Salt Lake City where he proved himself to be the greatest colonizer of his time. he died in Salt Lake City, Aug. 29, 1877.
Ted Puffer Commentary: My new goal in life is to be known as "The greatest colonizer of his time."
Nation's Most Honored Loaf
DISCLAIMER: These images are from old postcards, and should be viewed with caution. While the original photographer was attempting to capture an image, through their medium they inadvertently captured unintended information. This should be kept in mind when looking at these pictures.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Third Picture:
From the back of the postcard: HELMS OLYMPIC BREAD - Chosen for the training tables of the Xth, XIth and XIVth Olympic Games. Winner of California's 1st Gold Medal. Judged finest White Bread in the U.S.
Ted Puffer Commentary: My new goal in life is to be judged "Finest White Bread in the U.S."
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Third Picture:
From the back of the postcard: HELMS OLYMPIC BREAD - Chosen for the training tables of the Xth, XIth and XIVth Olympic Games. Winner of California's 1st Gold Medal. Judged finest White Bread in the U.S.
Ted Puffer Commentary: My new goal in life is to be judged "Finest White Bread in the U.S."
American Airlines DC-7
DISCLAIMER: These images are from old postcards, and should be viewed with caution. While the original photographer was attempting to capture an image, through their medium they inadvertently captured unintended information. This should be kept in mind when looking at these pictures.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Second Picture:
From the Back of the Postcard: The DC-7 Flagship, the fastest piston-powered airliner in the world, inaugurated the first nonstop service from coast to coast in both directions.
Ted Puffer Commentary: For passenger's sake, I'm glad they didn't stop with just one direction.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
Second Picture:
From the Back of the Postcard: The DC-7 Flagship, the fastest piston-powered airliner in the world, inaugurated the first nonstop service from coast to coast in both directions.
Ted Puffer Commentary: For passenger's sake, I'm glad they didn't stop with just one direction.
Yosemite Firefall
DISCLAIMER: These images are from old postcards, and should be viewed with caution. While the original photographer was attempting to capture an image, through their medium they inadvertently captured unintended information. This should be kept in mind when looking at these pictures.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
First Image:
Caption on the Back:
YOSEMITE FIREFALL
During the summer months this man-made spectical thrills thousands of visitors nightly. Each evening after dinner people gather to watch "The Fire Fall" as blazing embers fall 1400 feet from Glacier Point to the rocks below.
Ted Puffer Commentary:
You have to love nostalgia because it hides reality so well. Here's a quick way to tell if a nostalgic story or memory is false. Ask yourself if you can see people today participating in the memory. If you can't, then the event belongs to the hazy realm of fantasy. For example. You know the idea of a dad in the 40's coming home from a hard day at work? He comes in the front door and kicks off his shoes. His wife greets him with his pipe and slippers and asks how his day went. While he speaks, she busies herself making a cocktail for him and prancing around the immaculate house. Wonderful image, eh?
Now, can you see people today doing that? Not a chance. That means people didn't do it then either.
The reason I bring this up is because this postcard shows a pretty good glimpse of how people haven't changed much when they think of themselves in relation to the natural world. Part of our euphemistic history includes the idea of other generations being closer to nature than their modern city-dwelling counterparts. But in truth, this postcard is a result of a conversation that happened at the turn of the century. Namely:
Person One: "Yosemite is beautiful."
Person Two: "How about we dump our campfire over that cliff?"
Person One: "Sounds great! Let's do it every night!"
The best part of this card is the message written on the back. It dates from 1953. It's addressed to "Employees" at an address in Baldwin Park, CA.
The text of the message is:
"Hi Peoples,
Sure which you could all be here with us. It's really wonderful. Rained for 4 hours yesterday and supposed to have more today. Haven't gotten any sun, but we're sure had a wonderful time.
Bye Suckers
Maria"
I kid you not. Something tells me I'd like Maria.
What I'm saying is that although the artist was likely just trying to capture a pretty scene, they created a graphic time capsule which trapped the limitations, fears, irrational prejudices and mind-bending stagnation of the soul which was in effect at the time. So I'll keep my commentary to a minimum. Just think of these as being pretty pictures.
First Image:
Caption on the Back:
YOSEMITE FIREFALL
During the summer months this man-made spectical thrills thousands of visitors nightly. Each evening after dinner people gather to watch "The Fire Fall" as blazing embers fall 1400 feet from Glacier Point to the rocks below.
Ted Puffer Commentary:
You have to love nostalgia because it hides reality so well. Here's a quick way to tell if a nostalgic story or memory is false. Ask yourself if you can see people today participating in the memory. If you can't, then the event belongs to the hazy realm of fantasy. For example. You know the idea of a dad in the 40's coming home from a hard day at work? He comes in the front door and kicks off his shoes. His wife greets him with his pipe and slippers and asks how his day went. While he speaks, she busies herself making a cocktail for him and prancing around the immaculate house. Wonderful image, eh?
Now, can you see people today doing that? Not a chance. That means people didn't do it then either.
The reason I bring this up is because this postcard shows a pretty good glimpse of how people haven't changed much when they think of themselves in relation to the natural world. Part of our euphemistic history includes the idea of other generations being closer to nature than their modern city-dwelling counterparts. But in truth, this postcard is a result of a conversation that happened at the turn of the century. Namely:
Person One: "Yosemite is beautiful."
Person Two: "How about we dump our campfire over that cliff?"
Person One: "Sounds great! Let's do it every night!"
The best part of this card is the message written on the back. It dates from 1953. It's addressed to "Employees" at an address in Baldwin Park, CA.
The text of the message is:
"Hi Peoples,
Sure which you could all be here with us. It's really wonderful. Rained for 4 hours yesterday and supposed to have more today. Haven't gotten any sun, but we're sure had a wonderful time.
Bye Suckers
Maria"
I kid you not. Something tells me I'd like Maria.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Group Think
The more I watch the news, the more aware I am that there's a disconnect between individuals and a group. I love individuals. I hate the group.
People are wonderful on an individual basis because that is when their full humanity comes through. Yet only the most basic and generic emotions come through in large groups. I'm not sure why this is because it doesn't really follow to reason. If each person is a font of miracles, which I fully believe, than in a group the unique characteristics which make us phenominally rare creatures in a vast universe should multiply exponentially. If each one of us is capable of dreaming beyond our limited senses and experience, then together our vision should increase dramatically beyond anything that a single person can experience alone.
But there's no proof if this. It's much more common to see evidence that when large groups of people come together they only succeed in muting our individual capabilities and voices.
Now normally after making such a statement, someone would point out a few rare exceptions to this. What about the moon landing? Who among us would have been able to succeed in that grand adventure on their own? Or which individual would have been able to build Athens or the Taj Mahal alone?
I'm not convinced.
I think it far more likely that only an individual would have been able to conceive a moon landing, or the Taj. But a group of technicians or archatechts would never have come upon something so grand and so beautiful. Each project could have only been started by one person's idea, and then implemented with the help of others.
Stephen Colbert made the observation that because he's such an advocate of the free market, he believes that the musician that makes the most money is, through definition, the best musician in the world. But merely hearing songs that have been written by committee shows the truthiness of this belief. The greatest songs are ones written by a single person. It's the distillation of one individuals greatness, undiluted by others.
It's interesting to extend this to other works of art as well. Art made by the guidance and direction of one person always are more impressive than art made through the strong influences of others. Again, I'm not sure why this is. It would follow that if you gathered a group of artists together to work on a project the result would be greater than what each person would have been able to create individually. But it isn't.
So regardless of talent, make art. Regardless of ability, make something. Create something. Write something. The second you look to others for assistance in your creative efforts you lose your individual greatness.
People are wonderful on an individual basis because that is when their full humanity comes through. Yet only the most basic and generic emotions come through in large groups. I'm not sure why this is because it doesn't really follow to reason. If each person is a font of miracles, which I fully believe, than in a group the unique characteristics which make us phenominally rare creatures in a vast universe should multiply exponentially. If each one of us is capable of dreaming beyond our limited senses and experience, then together our vision should increase dramatically beyond anything that a single person can experience alone.
But there's no proof if this. It's much more common to see evidence that when large groups of people come together they only succeed in muting our individual capabilities and voices.
Now normally after making such a statement, someone would point out a few rare exceptions to this. What about the moon landing? Who among us would have been able to succeed in that grand adventure on their own? Or which individual would have been able to build Athens or the Taj Mahal alone?
I'm not convinced.
I think it far more likely that only an individual would have been able to conceive a moon landing, or the Taj. But a group of technicians or archatechts would never have come upon something so grand and so beautiful. Each project could have only been started by one person's idea, and then implemented with the help of others.
Stephen Colbert made the observation that because he's such an advocate of the free market, he believes that the musician that makes the most money is, through definition, the best musician in the world. But merely hearing songs that have been written by committee shows the truthiness of this belief. The greatest songs are ones written by a single person. It's the distillation of one individuals greatness, undiluted by others.
It's interesting to extend this to other works of art as well. Art made by the guidance and direction of one person always are more impressive than art made through the strong influences of others. Again, I'm not sure why this is. It would follow that if you gathered a group of artists together to work on a project the result would be greater than what each person would have been able to create individually. But it isn't.
So regardless of talent, make art. Regardless of ability, make something. Create something. Write something. The second you look to others for assistance in your creative efforts you lose your individual greatness.
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