Jan
18
SOPA is a US House bill 3261 (PIPA is the senate version) calling for stronger anti-piracy accountability on the internet. The original idea has some merits of course, many countries are rampant with piracy of movies and music that hurts American and other entertainment companies. I have no problem with them wanting to protect their intellectual and creative property, just as I want to protect mine.
The problem is that the bill is overkill. It allows corporations to shut down alleged violator’s websites without any due process or review from a neutral authority. That can, and you can bet will, lead to the capricious and damaging use of that power. A big multi-national corporation that just happens to not like the information and creativity on a website could easily put pressure on the host/provider, with legal backing, to close down the supposedly offensive site. Their ‘sin’ could be parody, or whistleblowing or creative sampling. Who knows. The point is that we want to protect intellectual rights. But we also want to protect creative and intellectual freedom and we can’t do that unless our laws follow guidelines that do not allow for abuse by those in power.
STOP SOPA.
Drawing and commentary by Marty Coleman
Apr
29
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One of the most important things we can do for our kids is to expose them to the larger world. Whether that is as simple as going to a museum, watching a show on TV about an unfamiliar topic or as complex as a vacation abroad, letting your children see a world beyond their own daily life is essential to helping them make sense of their place in the world.
The goal isn’t to have them be disappointed with their daily life and the ‘lesser’ things that inhabit it. The goal is to understand how those lesser things connect to the larger world. Maybe they will understand how the TV show they watch actually has it’s roots in Shakespeare. Maybe they will realize the graphic design and photography they love in the windows at the mall had it’s roots in the museums of Europe or the pyramids in Mexico’s Yucatan, who knows.
The point is that no one’s world, no one’s things are truly ‘lesser’ if they know how to connect them to the large forces of culture, art, science and history.
Drawing and commentary by Marty Coleman of The Napkin Dad Daily
Quote by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1803-1873, English author. He wrote the famous line ‘It was a dark and stormy night’. San Jose State University (one of my Alma Maters) has an annual writing contest to find the worst original opening sentence for a novel. The contest is named after Bulwer-Lytton.
Nov
26
When we are non-grateful we look at what is missing, what we want or feel we should have.
In art instruction there is a technique to help people see the object they are drawing by having them focus on the negative space. the space between and around objects and its shape. Seeing that helps to see the object.
However, in life seeing what isn’t there is a double edged sword. Should you work to attain what you want, work for that you do not have? Sure, it’s a good thing. But to look at what a person doesn’t give instead of what they do isn’t always the same thing. To look at what a society doesn’t give isn’t always the same thing.
Instead of focusing on what is missing, the negative space in your partner, your boss, your child, your society, your culture, focus on the positive space. The things they actually do and be grateful. It doesn’t mean you don’t try to attain something greater. It doesn’t mean you can’t say when your needs aren’t being met. It simply means you acknowledge what is really there.
I am grateful for those of you who read my blog and enjoy the drawings and ideas. I appreciate when you write and tell me stories about your own journey into becoming who you want to be. Thank you.
Drawing and commentary by Marty Coleman
Aug
07
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First off, a Philistine is what Goliath was in the Old Test. Over the centuries since that little spat the tribe came to represent those who as have no class and no taste or interest in the finer things in life; art, music, dance, books, ideas, etc.
Think how messed up this is. One has a set of tastes. He thinks his tastes are pedestrian and common. He looks up to others who he thinks have better taste. Those are the very people who make fun of his tastes.
So, a few questions:
Aren’t the snobs actually judging the Philistine exactly as he judges himself, as inadequate and ignorant?
What should the Philistine do? Try to acquire the tastes and sensibilities of the snobs or accept himself and his tastes as they are and stop thinking others are superior to him?
What should the snob do? Lower his perceived standard of taste to include the philistine? Change his mind and realize that all tastes and cultures are equal?
What do you think? if you get this via a reader, go to the actual blog and put in your two cents worth!
Drawing by Marty Coleman, the Napkin Dad
Check out my work and merchandise at
http://www.martycoleman.com
and
http://napkindad.blogspot.com
quote by Pauline Kael, American movie critic
