You've stumbled upon Faith's humble LJ abode, titled The Ultimate Conspiracy. This is a 95% Friends-only LJ, so if you'd like to be friended, please comment here with your name/alias and something about yourself, and she may add you back. Thanks! God bless.
September 8th, 2035
July 27th, 2020
February 12th, 2010
Alexander McQueen, 1961-2010
A visionary for the ages, a humble spirit, and so much more.
( A Tribute to his ArtCollapse )
The news that Alexander McQueen has killed himself is particularly devastating because it always felt to me like he’d be the last man standing. He was restless, but so pragmatic with it I assumed he had what it took to endure the extreme situations he placed himself in. He was also an arch romantic with a pessimistic streak. It produced some of the most beautiful, shocking images in the history of fashion, but it’s a state of mind that can lead to endless disappointments. The death of McQueen’s mother last week would have validated his pessimism. It would undoubtedly have taken away his most vital support. It’s awful to imagine him trying—and failing—to cope, and one can only hope that, if he was looking for peace, he found it. For everyone left behind, there will eventually be consolation, however scant right now, in a body of work whose power will never die. --- Tim Blanks, 02/12/2010 |
Will we ever have another like you, Lee?
November 5th, 2008
Nearly four years ago, I noticed fliers around my high school promoting a guest speaker with a pretty amusing name -- apparently he was running for Illinois' Senator seat in a month, and rather than campaigning to constituents, he was coming to talk to students about government and civics.
"Politicians." I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "Why does he want to speak to us, anyway? Even most of the seniors still can't vote."
Rather than attending, I went home early to study.
The next morning, the school hallways were abuzz with what some students had experienced at the candidate's session.
"It was really inspirational. I wasn't expecting that at all from speeches about politics." A friend said in surprise.
"I wish all of our teachers could speak like he did!" I overheard from another conversation in a classroom.
"I shook his hand!" One of my best friends raved with excitement (She would continue mentions of this significant moment in her life to this very day).
A part of me immediately regretted the decision to skip out on the event, but the part of me that was still incredibly cynical convinced myself that it was no big deal. After all, I was never a fan of the political system or the deviance of politicians.
Not to mention that this unknown man named "Barack Obama" was probably going to lose, anyway.
Fast forward four years --
I'm standing in the midst of 240,000 people -- easily one of the most eclectic crowds I have ever seen (And probably ever will see) -- where a thick cloud of anticipation looms over the enormous gathering. This is no longer a group of curious high school students: the experienced elderly stand proudly next to young, first-time voters, with no apparent generation gap as they grasp sweaty hands in unity (Though there was a moment when an older gentleman asked "Who is this William?" when Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas appeared as a hologram on CNN); Visiting foreigners speak in their mother tongue to one another in excitement, with only the words "Barack," "Obama," and "President" decipherable from their quick enunications; Wheelchair-bound citizens smile widely, basking in the occasion as those next to them lead them into unique dances of celebration with each projected Democratic state; Skin colors of white, yellow, black mesh together upon a palette of red and blue to create a natural canvas depicting the most wondrous painting the world has ever beheld.
Suddenly, the large screen displaying CNN's Live Election Coverage echoes a familiar sound.
PROJECTION.
Virginia goes to Barack Obama.
The crowd erupts into the most incredible cheer, expressions of pure, unadulterated joy. There is no need to see more -- even an official declaration of victory or the official projection of California -- everyone has already finished adding two and two together.
Or in this case, 207, 13 (VA), and the 55 certain electoral votes from California.
YES WE DID.
Suddenly there are tears creeping down my eyes; I'm shocked as I wipe them away quietly, but then I see that nearly everyone around me -- men, women, young, old -- are doing the same.
I smile as I remember the day I purchased my Obama '08 bumper stickers -- the very day the official webstore opened to the public and not long after the young senator announced his decision to participate in the Democratic Primaries. I smile as I remember the strange looks directed towards my car at numerous parking lots, and the occasional question of "Who in the world is this?" I smile as I remember my grandfather chuckling and telling me that this Obama fellow, with his minority status, probably has no chance for presidency here in the U.S.
Like Tim Russert andSenator President Obama's grandmother, grandpa didn't live long enough to witness this result. But I know when God told him as he arrived at the pearly gates that his granddaughter was right to hope, he probably laughed and shook his head in wonderment.
Amongst the happiness, my mind contemplates a few more questions -- how did this man turn around my previous apathy? Better yet, how did he turn around an entire generation's indifference? How did he successfully transform our anger and frustration into faith and optimism that we actually wanted to fight for through the most traditional, American process?
In the end, these may be an unanswerable inquiries. If so, then let it be.
Some label us a "cult." I say: If this is a cult comprised of 63,000,000 American members (Who knows how many internationally) and bases its ideals on Positivity. Then sign me up.
Now, just let me enjoy the live speech and make up for what I missed out on four years ago.
And here is to the next four years.
ETA: ( And speaking of the rest of the world (Do click this)...Collapse )
God, that is beautiful. Never, ever forget that this was also an election for the world. Never, ever underestimate the Audacity of Hope.
"Politicians." I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "Why does he want to speak to us, anyway? Even most of the seniors still can't vote."
Rather than attending, I went home early to study.
The next morning, the school hallways were abuzz with what some students had experienced at the candidate's session.
"It was really inspirational. I wasn't expecting that at all from speeches about politics." A friend said in surprise.
"I wish all of our teachers could speak like he did!" I overheard from another conversation in a classroom.
"I shook his hand!" One of my best friends raved with excitement (She would continue mentions of this significant moment in her life to this very day).
A part of me immediately regretted the decision to skip out on the event, but the part of me that was still incredibly cynical convinced myself that it was no big deal. After all, I was never a fan of the political system or the deviance of politicians.
Not to mention that this unknown man named "Barack Obama" was probably going to lose, anyway.
Fast forward four years --
I'm standing in the midst of 240,000 people -- easily one of the most eclectic crowds I have ever seen (And probably ever will see) -- where a thick cloud of anticipation looms over the enormous gathering. This is no longer a group of curious high school students: the experienced elderly stand proudly next to young, first-time voters, with no apparent generation gap as they grasp sweaty hands in unity (Though there was a moment when an older gentleman asked "Who is this William?" when Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas appeared as a hologram on CNN); Visiting foreigners speak in their mother tongue to one another in excitement, with only the words "Barack," "Obama," and "President" decipherable from their quick enunications; Wheelchair-bound citizens smile widely, basking in the occasion as those next to them lead them into unique dances of celebration with each projected Democratic state; Skin colors of white, yellow, black mesh together upon a palette of red and blue to create a natural canvas depicting the most wondrous painting the world has ever beheld.
Suddenly, the large screen displaying CNN's Live Election Coverage echoes a familiar sound.
PROJECTION.
Virginia goes to Barack Obama.
The crowd erupts into the most incredible cheer, expressions of pure, unadulterated joy. There is no need to see more -- even an official declaration of victory or the official projection of California -- everyone has already finished adding two and two together.
Or in this case, 207, 13 (VA), and the 55 certain electoral votes from California.
YES WE DID.
Suddenly there are tears creeping down my eyes; I'm shocked as I wipe them away quietly, but then I see that nearly everyone around me -- men, women, young, old -- are doing the same.
I smile as I remember the day I purchased my Obama '08 bumper stickers -- the very day the official webstore opened to the public and not long after the young senator announced his decision to participate in the Democratic Primaries. I smile as I remember the strange looks directed towards my car at numerous parking lots, and the occasional question of "Who in the world is this?" I smile as I remember my grandfather chuckling and telling me that this Obama fellow, with his minority status, probably has no chance for presidency here in the U.S.
Like Tim Russert and
Amongst the happiness, my mind contemplates a few more questions -- how did this man turn around my previous apathy? Better yet, how did he turn around an entire generation's indifference? How did he successfully transform our anger and frustration into faith and optimism that we actually wanted to fight for through the most traditional, American process?
In the end, these may be an unanswerable inquiries. If so, then let it be.
Some label us a "cult." I say: If this is a cult comprised of 63,000,000 American members (Who knows how many internationally) and bases its ideals on Positivity. Then sign me up.
Now, just let me enjoy the live speech and make up for what I missed out on four years ago.
And here is to the next four years.
ETA: ( And speaking of the rest of the world (Do click this)...Collapse )
God, that is beautiful. Never, ever forget that this was also an election for the world. Never, ever underestimate the Audacity of Hope.
August 9th, 2008
When China opened its doors to western trade a few hundred years ago, it eventually led to a disruptive period of foreign colonization (Because, in case you didn't notice, Europe really enjoyed that back then). For a country that possessed such a long, prosperous past, giving up pieces of itself for the sake of swift economic progress was not something the government and its people agreed upon. When those in charge allowed additional openness and more and more of the west moved in, being called "Yellow sick men" became an everyday endurance for Chinese citizens, especially those in the lower classes; witnessing the results of government/western greed and corruption -- extreme social class segregation within one's own society that wasn't manifested internally and naturally -- would quickly become unbearable; being battered by the invading Japanese armies served as even further proof that only the Chinese could understand the Chinese -- only the Chinese people could save the Chinese. Soon, fast-forwarding pessimism against the west emerged, isolation became a method of self-healing, and both mentalities became primary reasons the wave of nationalist/socialist ideals came to possess such a stronghold upon the people. Everything eventually transforms into a communist legacy, starting with a frightening period called the Cultural Revolution in which all foreign ideals are banned for "tainting" 5,000 years of culture, as many thought they did years ago. The resulting government manages to control its people a great deal for the next few decades.
And now, in the 21st century, it's the western media criticizing the government that their ancestors had a hand in creating. And it's China constantly hiding itself again behind an overzealous amount of paranoia -- disguised as national pride.
So...history repeats itself ironically? I would hope not.
For China's government: Do NOT possess such doubt towards your citizens and the rest of the world. When you close off completely in "fear" of negative press, you prevent the observation of abuse as WELL as progress. When you exercise excessive control, you prevent the freedoms that were denied to everyone during that period of chaos that set the whole country back at least a few centuries. When will you realize that countless years have passed since so many looked down upon you? When will you realize that foreigners nowadays want to respect you but can't because of so many reasons that you unnecessarily caused? Stop trying to save face already. Trust your people, trust the world.
For Everyone Else: Do NOT assume you understand the underlying principles of Chinese belief or how its historical background has affected such principles. Live through an ordeal similar to the Cultural Revolution alongside a billion other people, and then see if you can govern those who come out from it and simultaneously develop a nation economically as well as China has within a few decades. Just because you maybe anti-Communist does not mean it has done nothing but damage to China; just because China is not up to your standards doesn't mean they can change overnight; just because you only hear about CCTV's propaganda doesn't mean media outlets like Phoenix TV aren't thriving and serving as a sign of better times ahead.
I am Chinese-American, and I'm proud of my heritage despite my personal differences with its current state. I believe that Beijing is the rightful host of the Olympics in 2008. I believe that the country can change in a positive way -- but not all of that change does has to adhere to what the rest of the world wants it to do.
ETA 08/15/08: I've made this post public.
And now, in the 21st century, it's the western media criticizing the government that their ancestors had a hand in creating. And it's China constantly hiding itself again behind an overzealous amount of paranoia -- disguised as national pride.
So...history repeats itself ironically? I would hope not.
For China's government: Do NOT possess such doubt towards your citizens and the rest of the world. When you close off completely in "fear" of negative press, you prevent the observation of abuse as WELL as progress. When you exercise excessive control, you prevent the freedoms that were denied to everyone during that period of chaos that set the whole country back at least a few centuries. When will you realize that countless years have passed since so many looked down upon you? When will you realize that foreigners nowadays want to respect you but can't because of so many reasons that you unnecessarily caused? Stop trying to save face already. Trust your people, trust the world.
For Everyone Else: Do NOT assume you understand the underlying principles of Chinese belief or how its historical background has affected such principles. Live through an ordeal similar to the Cultural Revolution alongside a billion other people, and then see if you can govern those who come out from it and simultaneously develop a nation economically as well as China has within a few decades. Just because you maybe anti-Communist does not mean it has done nothing but damage to China; just because China is not up to your standards doesn't mean they can change overnight; just because you only hear about CCTV's propaganda doesn't mean media outlets like Phoenix TV aren't thriving and serving as a sign of better times ahead.
I am Chinese-American, and I'm proud of my heritage despite my personal differences with its current state. I believe that Beijing is the rightful host of the Olympics in 2008. I believe that the country can change in a positive way -- but not all of that change does has to adhere to what the rest of the world wants it to do.
ETA 08/15/08: I've made this post public.
June 13th, 2008
I can't believe that Tim Russert passed away so suddenly today. I just started to watch Meet the Press loyally this year and really enjoyed it week after week...RIP :(
I was going to journal about Berlin, but this news has me so shocked right now.
I was going to journal about Berlin, but this news has me so shocked right now.
December 3rd, 2007
...this is why I love advertising so much :)
A brief reminiscence through marketing history with Pepsi-Cola:
1958 - "Pepsi: For Those Who Think Young."
( A few more...watch them all!Collapse )
Finally, the montage of references to the past, featuring a rather familiar (And now controversial) figure:
2002 - "Millenium/The Joy of Pepsi"
And suddenly, that last commercial makes 100% sense, doesn't it? :)
A brief reminiscence through marketing history with Pepsi-Cola:
1958 - "Pepsi: For Those Who Think Young."
( A few more...watch them all!Collapse )
Finally, the montage of references to the past, featuring a rather familiar (And now controversial) figure:
2002 - "Millenium/The Joy of Pepsi"
And suddenly, that last commercial makes 100% sense, doesn't it? :)
October 22nd, 2007
And so I drown in my own flawed solemnity
A raw reflection of my struggle
Of rights and wrongs never requited
June 30th, 2007
Do not let child trafficking continue on.
It has been estimated that there are at least 1000 child slaves working in the brick kilns of northwestern Shanxi. Besides child slaves, adult slaves have been found recently in Shangxi.
A Chinese reporter working for a Henan media, who tried to rescue the child slaves accused the local police in Shanxi as being totally unhelpful. Reportedly, the police even turned parents away by saying that the "slavery" was nothing more than labor dispute. Some parents have been sent away from the factories because of the collusion between local officials and the kiln owners.
According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, Liu Cheng, a professor of labor law at Shanghai Normal University, had a different explanation.
"My first reaction is that this seems like a typical example of a government-business alliance," Liu said. "Forced labor and child labor in China are illegal, but some local governments don't care too much." The local police, she said, were unwilling to help. Outside one factory, they demanded bribes.
When you're in any building, consider the fact that the construction materials might've came from these very kilns. Consider the fact that tiny hands moved such large rocks for little more than nothing. Consider the fact that this is one example within too many in this world...
Click here to help.
Thank you ♥
在我的心中有一個夢想
我希望世界會關心您...
It has been estimated that there are at least 1000 child slaves working in the brick kilns of northwestern Shanxi. Besides child slaves, adult slaves have been found recently in Shangxi.
A Chinese reporter working for a Henan media, who tried to rescue the child slaves accused the local police in Shanxi as being totally unhelpful. Reportedly, the police even turned parents away by saying that the "slavery" was nothing more than labor dispute. Some parents have been sent away from the factories because of the collusion between local officials and the kiln owners.
According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, Liu Cheng, a professor of labor law at Shanghai Normal University, had a different explanation.
"My first reaction is that this seems like a typical example of a government-business alliance," Liu said. "Forced labor and child labor in China are illegal, but some local governments don't care too much." The local police, she said, were unwilling to help. Outside one factory, they demanded bribes.
When you're in any building, consider the fact that the construction materials might've came from these very kilns. Consider the fact that tiny hands moved such large rocks for little more than nothing. Consider the fact that this is one example within too many in this world...
Click here to help.
Thank you ♥
在我的心中有一個夢想
我希望世界會關心您...
April 20th, 2007
I'm going to a town that has already been burned down
I'm going to a place that is already been disgraced
I'm gonna see some folks who have already been let down.
I'm so tired of America
I'm gonna make it up for all of the Sunday Times
I'm gonna make it up for all of the nursery rhymes
They never really seem to want to tell the truth
I'm so tired of you America
Making my own way home
Ain't gonna be alone
I got a life to lead America
I got a life to lead
Tell me do you really think you go to hell for having loved?
Tell me and not for thinking every thing that you've done is good
(I really need to know)
After soaking the body of Jesus Christ in blood
I'm so tired of America
(I really need to know)
I may just never see you again or might as well
You took advantage of a world that loved you well
I'm going to a town that has already been burned down
I'm so tired of you America
Making my own way home
Ain't gonna be alone
I got a life to lead America
I got a life to lead
I got a soul to feed
I got a dream to heed
And that's all I need
Making my own way home
Ain't gonna be alone
I'm going to a town that has already been burned down
This song gives me the chills, my God -- I felt like my heart was torn out of my chest the first time I listened to it. It's so blatantly honest, yet there still exists so much unspoken emotion that grasps at your conscience.
I'm rendered speechless.