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 and Senator 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)... )

God, that is beautiful. Never, ever forget that this was also an election for the world. Never, ever underestimate the Audacity of Hope.

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.

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.

New top 15 over at S-C today, as per usual. At this time I am a bit curious, though -- who does everyone think actually belong at #1? Although we won't change our decision because Lara, by our points system, sustains her top spot fairly well, but other factors might be of more importance to you...so satisfy my wonderment? :D

Poll #1180798 SC #1
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All

Who do you think deserves the #1 spot at Supporting-Cast.com?

Why?

...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! )

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? :)

Numéro (France) || 1999 - Present
The Covers

Collage compiled by me

My Personal Favorites:
1) #43 || Natalia Vodianova
2) #64 || Lily Donaldson
3) #62 || Anja Rubik
4) #72 || Snejana Onopka
5) #39 || Jessica Miller
6) #9 || Kate Moss
7) #55 || Jessica Stam
8) #4 || Carmen Kass
9) #58 || Karen Elson
10) #84 || Anja Rubik
11) #17 || Kristina Tsirekidze
12) #83 || Hilary Rhoda
13) #13 || Karen Elson
14) #37 || Eugenia Volodina
15) #71 || Leah de Wavrin

And now it's your turn...

Poll #1085129 Favorite Numero Covers
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All

From issues #1 - #10, which is your favorite cover?

From issues #11 - #20, which is your favorite cover?

From issues #21 - #30, which is your favorite cover?

From issues #31 - #40, which is your favorite cover?

From issues #41 - #50, which is your favorite cover?

From issues #51 - #60, which is your favorite cover?

From issues #61 - #70, which is your favorite cover?

From issues #71 - #80, which is your favorite cover?

From issues #81 - #88, which is your favorite cover?

Finally, which is your favorite cover of all (From #1 - #88)?

Thanks for voting! :)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070829/ap_on_re_as/china_forced_abortion

This kind of newstory makes me quite sad...:(

It's difficult in China, it really is. I can't see population control being anything but a necessity, but I understand that when in complete conflict with the innate human desire of parenting, it can seem outrageous.



Ultimately, though, just from this picture I took back in January you can already see just why the right to have children has been so restricted and enforced -- this is hardly the busiest place in Shen Zhen, either. Foreign human rights activists can argue for personal liberties all they want, but in the face of utter disarray there's hardly a second option available...the most passionate of protesters simply don't know how it feels to live in such an overcrowded environment that is one step short of chaos. I dare them to try.

Even homicides and other serious crimes are no longer more than single lines in Chinese newspapers now (Unless it's serial). People number so many that individuals only exist as expendable commodities, especially if you're just an average citizen. What is a life even worth in the midst of endless names?

It's hard.

But I still love my homeland.

Vogue Brazil (Jeisa Chiminazzo photographed by ?; From Carta Editorial)

Without a high-resolution scan, it's difficult to judge this cover. The pastel background is refreshing, but the styling remains questionable. The scarf is blatant against the backdrop and distracts from the other portions of the cover.


Vogue China (Doutzen Kroes photographed by Craig McDean; Scanned by Betty)

For once, an interesting pose on a cover. The green matches with Doutzen's emerald eyes, while the headline column is almost a reflection of her torso position. Great composition for a cover that always has so much text.


Vogue España / Vogue Spain (Elena Baguci photographed by Regan Cameron; Scanned by ***Bianca***)

A surprisingly-zoomed in look at a pretty generic modeling pose. Some of the cover text is actually quite hard to read because of an increased effort to match everything to a metallic theme.


Vogue Germany (Hana Soukupova photographed by Alexi Lubomirski; Scanned by helligirl)

You can barely see the faint "VOGUE" up top, but you can't miss Hana's dazzling dress or the dark headlines. Sadly, Hana's pose is awkward, and it does affect the composition negatively.


Vogue Hellas / Vogue Greece (Lonneke Engel photographed by Costas Avgoulis; From gosee)

A beautiful, beautiful incorporation of scripted font alongside a flowing dress. The usage of gradient orange text to complement the soft blues is also extraordinary.


Vogue Italia (Denisa Dvorakova photographed by Steven Meisel; From Elite)

"Cleansing" is a revisit to the Hollywood theme for Meisel -- this time in the setting of Rehab. Denisa is striking, and the almost-monotonous color scheme adds to the somber ambiance. I hope that Roberto Cavalli dress is washable.


Vogue Korea (Keira Knightley photographed by Arthur Elgort; From Vogue.co.kr and Celebutopia)

Don't have a HQ of the cover...but since it's a reprint from Keira's editorial in Vogue US June 2007, I've included the original picture alongside the tiny "cover."


Vogue Nippon (Lara Stone photographed by Craig McDean; Scanned by Dieselmax)

Though the abundant/varied cover text is questionable, it is still a fresh cover with the modeling industry's biggest starlet right now. And even if the title says "To India," Lara certainly resembles a Greek goddess.


Vogue Paris (Same as last month since it's a June/July issue - Catherine McNeil photographed by Mario Testino)

Catherine the bunny continues her news reporter-stint in Rio.


Vogue Russia (Eugenia Volodina photographed by Chad Pitman; Scanned by Sweet rus)

Vogue Russia takes a colorful turn this month with one of Russia's greatest models. From the scan it seems to be too airbrushed, but with the complexity of the Emanuel Ungaro dress, it gives a very fantastical/ethereal feel.


Vogue UK (Yasmin Le Bon, Cecilia Chancellor, Lily Cole, Elizabeth Jagger, Marie Helvin, Erin O'Connor, and Jacquetta Wheeler photographed by Patrick Demarchelier; Scanned by Manuva)

A gathering of some of Britain's greatest models from the 70's up to today. The white-on-white works within the crowded group shot, especially against the varied hair colors of all the subjects.


Vogue US (Natalia Vodianova photographed by Mario Testino; Scanned by LucyInTheSky)

A model on the Vogue US cover? Say it isn't so! After another yearly round of celebrity covers, Anna Wintour turns to one of her favorite article/editorial figures: Russian supermodel and soon-to-be-mother-of-three Natalia (Of Calvin Klein fame). The 40's styling magnifies her beauty and brings Vogue US back in good spirits with model aficionados.

Poll #1017063
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All

Which July Vogue cover is your favorite (If you had to choose only one)?

Title: Patriotic
Medium: Pencil, colored pencils



Happy Independence Day. God Bless ♥

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...

Decided to sketch while watching America's Got Talent last night...

Character: Narcissa Black (HP)
Rating: G
Medium: Pencil
Notes: The regal future Mrs. Malfoy never really smiled.


(Click for full-sized drawing)

As we spiral into the summer season, fashion magazines subsequently become thinner. Nevertheless -- covers will be covers, and the June issues of the various international Vogues continue to showcase their diversity in terms of art direction, styling, etc.

Vogue Brazil (Sheila Baum photographed by Gui Paganini; Scanned by Leonardo)

Brazil's covers are as eclectic as the ethnicities of the country's residents. One month it's soft, the next month it's fierce...there's not really a single pattern to it all.


Vogue China (Wen Qing "Anna" Wang photographed by ?; From models.com)

The newest edition of all the international Vogues follows the trend of your typical Chinese magazine -- single-colored background, attractive model, lots of text. It conveys the sense of simplicity within chaos that best attracts Chinese readers.


Vogue Germany (Amber Valetta photographed by Vincent Peters; Scanned by helligirl)

There's always a sense of majesty and power in Vogue Germany's covers, whether it's in the extreme close-up shots (Like this one) or the dignified poses of the cover model month after month.


Vogue Italia (Adina Fohlin photographed by Steven Meisel; From models.com)

This cover was not VI's best by any means, but Meisel has always possessed a talent for selecting the most intriguing faces in order to induce immediate reaction from those browsing the magazine stands.


Vogue Nippon (Doutzen Kroes photographed by Craig McDean; Scanned by janginhwa)

Like Vogue China, Nippon/Japanese Vogue is also simple in its cover shots. However, it always exudes purity and cleanliness through the usage of white, bright colors, and extreme contrasts.


Vogue Paris (Catherine McNeil photographed by Mario Testino; Scanned by Dieselmax)

Vogue Paris holds perhaps the most coveted cover spot for all major models (Italia is just as desired, but Meisel tends to go for newer faces), and it consistently implements just the right dosage of complexity in order to intrigue -- but not drive away -- its potential audience.


Vogue Russia (Eugenia Mandzhieva photographed by KT Auleta; Scanned by MagFan)

Russia is a combination of Brazil and Germany, using both artistry and majesty in order to create unique qualities.


Vogue UK (Agyness Deyn photographed by Nick Knight; Scanned by Manuva)

British Vogue is perhaps the most "action-packed." There's a sense of movement in nearly all of the publication's cover shots, and it certainly isn't shy about massive amounts of text, either.

Now that you've seen them all...
Poll #1001836
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All

Which June cover is your favorite (If you had to choose only one)?

ETA: Argh, I was completely dumb and forgot Vogue Korea (Song Hye Kyo photographed by Paolo Roversi; Scanned by purplish06). What makes my omission even worse? It's actually my favorite June cover -__-

The smoky effect is just brilliant here. Vogue Korea often contrasts its Asian counterparts in its audacity to use darker, more unusual themes.

I might be meeting Professor Snape Alan Rickman next Thursday!

It turns out he's the special guest at the screening of Perfume at Ebertfest (Since he's a part of the cast), which takes place every year here at University of Illinois (Roger Ebert graduated from here). I potentially have tickets to the showing and the panel discussion afterwards :O

Thus, I say woohoo!

I wonder if he knows about all the awesome LJ icons he's a part of.

Maybe I should tell him if I get a chance *Snicker*

I reopened The ADdict (Formerly The ADdict Diaries) as a group blog :) Hopefully it'll serve as a valuable resource for everyone in the upcoming days ^^

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.

For all the model-lovers who come across this LJ:

Supporting-Cast.com is now open :)

(Yes, yet another site project -- only I didn't really mention this one...I'm not slowing down, that's for sure!)

And this video is so appropriate for this weekend:
Switchfoot - Awakening


Fantastic in every way possible ♥

Part I


Part II



A much less "HOLY MOLY!" show than last season's amazing spectacle -- but still absolutely ingenious. This man designs for the future (Literally) of fashion, and it's not only through the technology he uses, but also through his intriguing use of patterns and juxtapositions.

(Trivia: He employs special effects technicians from the Harry Potter films to help him design and install the computer chips within his futuristic pieces :D)