Visual Insights: 06/01/2009

30 June 2009

A Spiritual Perspective: Michael Jackson

Featured over at The Social Poets today is a post about Michael Jackson:

A Spiritual Perspective: Michael Jackson

Photo by frdgr @ flickr

28 June 2009

People: michael jackson is dead...music has lost his king!

michael jackson is dead...music has lost his king!, originally uploaded by joana:photos.

all rights reserved

"I can’t find the words right now to express how deeply saddened I am by Michael’s passing. We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.

- Justin

-------------------------------------------------
"Just like Michael took inspiration from James [Brown], sure, Michael's inspired me immensely to do what I do. Anytime someone comes out and dances and does something with choreography, they say, 'Well, that's inspired by Michael.' So, thank you. That's a compliment."

Justin Timberlake

-------------------------------------------------

Nací para no morir
Para vivir en la felicidad, para nunca llorar
Para decir la verdad y nunca mentir
Para repartir mi amor sin un suspiro
Para estrechar mis brazos sin ataduras
Este es mi baile, este es mi punto más álgido"

Michael Jackson

--------------------------------------------------------
''There isnt an artist out now that hasn't been influenced or inspired by Michael Jackson. [He's] as close to perfection as an artist can be."

Chris Brown

-------------------------------------------------------
simply, black or white, the best.

Uploaded by joana:photos on 25 Jun 09, 8.49PM CDT. "

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

R.I.P. Michael Jackson, originally uploaded by EggSalad78.

all rights reserved

"Im sure everyone has heard the sad news about the passing of one of the greatest entertainers in history. Michael Jackson passed away yesterday of an apparent heart attack. Even though in his later years he became a bit strange and eccentric, his music and his talent were undeniable! Being a child born in the 70's I was brought up listening to Michael Jackson and loving every song he wrote. I am extremely sad that he is no longer with us.

In 1991 I had the incredible luck to indirectly share dinner with him. While at WDW with my family we were eating dinner at the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue when we noticed
a couple tables over from us was a man dressed like Michael Jackson. After a little while we discovered that it actually was the real Michael Jackson and a crowd began to gather. He was there as part of the Make a Wish program. It was pretty wild to be having dinner with him, who at the time was still very very popular.

Here is a photo we took during that dinner.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

Uploaded by EggSalad78 on 26 Jun 09, 11.27AM CDT. "

"Michael Jackson up on stage at the hisory tour

Uploaded by Jason Edmonds on 18 Oct 08, 5.36PM CDT. "

People: Michael jackson 4

Michael jackson 4, originally uploaded by bradmole.

All Rights Reserved - "One of 6 images i have uploaded on here as part of a university project, this was based on 'a moment in time' which i chose to be michael jacksons bad tour. The images had to be created in either illustrator, photoshop or a combination of both.

Uploaded by bradmole on 7 Jun 09, 4.51PM CDT. "

People: Michael jackson 2

Michael jackson 2, originally uploaded by bradmole.

People: Michael jackson 5

Michael jackson 5, originally uploaded by bradmole.

People: Michael Jackson gives autograph

Michael Jackson gives autograph, originally uploaded by Alan Light.

"Photo taken at the Kahala Hilton Hotel, late January 1988 - Michael Jackson signing an autograph - Permission granted to copy, publish or post but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can

Uploaded by Alan Light on 8 Aug 06, 5.26PM CDT. "

People: Michael Jackson in-person autograph

Michael Jackson in-person autograph, originally uploaded by Alan Light.

"This is the autograph Michael Jackson is seen signing in the accompanying photo; I still have it. He signed it on the palm of his hand and the mark to the left of the signature is where the pen's pressure initially poked the tip through the paper to his hand. - Permission granted to copy, publish or post but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can

Uploaded by Alan Light on 8 Aug 06, 5.26PM CDT. "

People: Adiós al "Rey del Pop" Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

Adiós al "Rey del Pop" Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009, originally uploaded by Sr. Paulus.

Finding a lot of great photos from fans on flickr - some are all rights reserved and others are released for use with attribution - you will need to click on the photo to come to the photographers' pages to make sure if you wish to use any of them.

People: MICHAEL JACKSON MOONWALKER DANCE

MICHAEL JACKSON MOONWALKER DANCE, originally uploaded by tipoyock.

People: Tribute to a Legend - Michael Jackson

Tribute to a Legend - Michael Jackson, originally uploaded by ulunam.

Michael Jackson
R.I.P. 1958 - 2009
'We Have Lost a Genius'

People: Tribute to Michael Jackson

Tribute to Michael Jackson, originally uploaded by ♥ Cishore ♪♫.

27 June 2009

George Carlin: Outrageous comedian

George Carlin: Outrageous comedian

"'Life's journey is not to
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
'...holy sh*t ....what a ride!'"

By alekhouse @ HubPages

From Denny: Here's an interesting article from a new writer over at HubPages you will enjoy!

26 June 2009

New Software: Find Out Who Follows Your Tweets on Twitter

Image of Twitter

Photo by PinkMoose @ flickr

From Denny: If you are a blogger and are over at Twitter, try this new fun gadget to help you learn who is following your tweets. Connect with your Peeps! :)

Just plug in your user name @ Twitter:

Twitter Analyzer

Hello to my followers in the following countries and thank you for following, much appreciated!

Here are the countries in order of most followers first - what a surprise to find out Ecuador was right up there with the UK:

America
Ecuador
Great Britain
Germany
Iran
Australia

France
Switzerland
Netherlands
Belgium
India
China

New Zealand
Thailand
Turkey
Poland
Kenya
Bolivia

Japan
Indonesia
Pakistan
Canada
Mexico
Columbia
South Africa

Tutorial: Eerie Eye Photo Manipulation

Photo by xerolime at sxc.hu.com

From Denny: Here's a creepy but cool tutorial in PhotoShop to get you ready for Halloween in a few months! :)

This is from a friend over at MyBlogLog, PhotoShop Star.

Here's an excerpt from the easy step by step tutorial:

"Open up the stock photo you’ve chosen to be working with for this tutorial. Duplicate it once (just in case!) Find and get out the Burn Tool, change the range/mode for it to ‘midtones’ and set the opacity to something light-medium.

Using the burn tool now, pass in turn of the pupil of the eye and in turn of the eye. Now get out the Dodge Tool and set the mode to midtones again. Use the dodge tool to lighten up the pupil and also among where you used the burn tool to darken."

That was step one. For the rest of the article just click on the title link to take you there, enjoy and have some fun!

25 June 2009

Totally Ridiculous Comedy: Jacks Nightclub

Totally Ridiculous Comedy: Jacks Nightclub

By Denny Lyon @ HubPages

From Denny: "I like nonsense - it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living. It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope... and that enables you to laugh at all of life's realities." - Dr. Seuss

Wrote this yesterday as a raucous fast-paced ridiculous short story. It's really a bit long to post here and when that happens I park those writes over at HubPages. Take a look and you will be amused! Thanks for visiting!

Here's an excerpt from my world of the ridiculous:

"Jack jumped over the electric blue fox - who was hunting down the orange cat - who was preying upon the stupid cockroach that was having an identity crisis - and believed he was a popular dragonfly down at the local Irish pub - because he sang Irish songs everyone loved and wrote some damn good poetry.

The orange cat circled back to chase the identity crisis cockroach - who just knew he was really Irish in a former life - while the blue fox preened and bathed in the fast-paced lights of the nightclub – this fox enthusiastically embraced blue as the new fashion neutral - it was Jack who was looking for the weird alien orange cat that kept eluding him - who was stalking the brave Irish-singing cockroach determined to make it to Broadway.

The powerful-singing cockroach drowned out the elegant Irish pub-singing dragonfly - and soon the people customers complained about the strange odd noises blaring from the rising platform – it was two ants standing on a leaf singing opera - and more ants joined them from the audience singing 49 Bottles of Guinness Beer on the Wall and Get Down Tonight! – and soon the nightclub was jumping and bumping - and the people were dancing and squishing and splatting the friendly ants - who got the place hopping on a Saturday night in the first place."

For the rest of the story just click on the title link!

Happy Birthday to One Talented Trumpeter!

Jeanne "Gabriel" Pocius, left, with Haiti's Minister of Culture, Director of Music Programs, Florence Elie in June 2009

From Denny: Happy Birthday to a dear friend in Boston, Massachusetts by the name of Jeanne Pocius! She’s a classical musician, teaches and tutors trumpet to adults and children alike. Like a lot of public school music teachers she recently experienced the budget slashing of her music program - and their teachers. Goodbye job. To her credit and good character, she still went out there and performed for several charity benefits that raised money for her local school system because she believes that much in a quality public school education.

It's a shame to put our best teachers out on the street. Through music kids develop a personal discipline that will stay with them for a lifetime. A love of music will also help with the adult years ahead when they are feeling stressed during tough times.

The musician’s life can be a tough one and hers is no exception. They go from gig to gig to pay the bills, never able to put down roots any where. Again, to her credit - since she adores teaching children - she connected up with some missionaries in Haiti who were participating in the country’s culture program of teaching music to their children. Jeanne now goes to Haiti several times a year to teach: for free.

Haiti is one of the poorest nations on the planet and yet they have a Minister of Culture who has created a free program to teach music to children. “Do ya think?” that maybe America could take a page out of their playbook?

A few years ago my very talented friend wrote a wonderful book called “Trumpeting by Nature: An Efficient Guide to Optimal Trumpet Performance" [UNABRIDGED] (Paperback or Kindle edition) that is most useful for both beginning children and adults, full of lots of photos to help demonstrate technique.

I’m featuring this book in The Social Poets Amazon book store under Books on Music (just look above the posts area for the store banner in orange) as it is informative and practical teaching for both the amateur and professional alike. You may have a budding musician in the house or a relative who plays on the weekends and feels stuck on a plateau of playing ability and wants to advance, then this book is a great gift, easy to read.

Cover via Amazon

Reviews at Amazon

"Everything You Wanted To Know About How The Heck To Get a Note Out

P. Olguin (Whittier, CA) All I can say is WOW. This is a complete reference, with illustrations and thorough explanations of how to achieve the optimum set-up for yourself. As a working professional musician, I am always looking for tips on how to make my playing more efficient, more musical, more powerful. It doesn't matter what level you're on, you will learn a great deal here. The best part is, although this book is quite thorough, it is not some dogmatic, rigid, my-way-or-the-highway approach to playing. Jeanne's approach is a flexible (like one's playing should be) cafeteria-style menu of information, technique, philosophy and encouragement. This is destined to be a classic, and rightfully so.

Calling all trumpeters

Martin J. Rooney (Boston MA) This is a great book for any level trumpet player. This book will absolutely help any trumpet player improve their playing. Clear, concise, and best of all, IT WORKS! Text is excellent and the photos, which are top quality, illustrate her points very well.

I truly have seen everything :-}

Wilmer Wise (Brooklyn, NY) My copy of Jeanne G. Pocius "Trumpeting by Nature" came today. WOW! In clear English Jeanne has addressed every question a trumpet player may have. The fonts are great for the older comeback player. It's a sight for sore eyes.

I Wish I Had This 25 Years Ago!

Ralph Longo (Beverly, MA) For those of us who learned to play the trumpet incorrectly or inefficiently, this book is a revelation... What is in this book will help you learn to play at your highest level for a lifetime."

Jeanne is one of those child prodigies that can play over 10 instruments, though concentrates on the trumpet. Nothing is more fun than getting a phone call on your birthday and on the other end is this trumpet playing Happy Birthday like it’s a live concert! Now that’s unique! She is always serenading those close to her, blessing us with the sweet melody of her music. She is a fun and friendly person which is why children respond so well to her; she makes music fun!

Jeanne is available to play weddings for those of you in the Boston area. When other musicians run late (read that as they don’t show up on time when the wedding has started) she pitch-hits the other instruments to make sure the wedding is perfect; talk about a work ethic!

Jeanne also tutors both children and adults. She has tutored people from all over the world who visit regularly to brush up on their technique (and moral support). She can be contacted through Skype: (617) 326-7824 SKYPE ID: jeanne.gabriel.pocius. And Jeanne’s Email: jgpocius@yahoo.com.

Spread the word, folks, and let’s support the arts by supporting talented musicians and teachers!

Happy Birthday, Jeanne!

24 June 2009

Original Art: Moonshine Tree

Moonshine Tree, originally uploaded by tomt6788.

an artist who photographs and has a sense of humor for his titles..

People: ATTITUDE

ATITUDE, originally uploaded by CARLOSWEICK.

a real mind bender! :)

Nature: DAY AND NIGHT

DAY AND NIGHT, originally uploaded by CARLOSWEICK.

WOW!!! Awesome night disappearing and day beginning photo, beautiful, looks like 2 or 3 photos merged.

23 June 2009

People: a conversation with my father

a conversation with my father, originally uploaded by brookeshaden.

From Denny: This is a wonderful photo full of imagination and meaning thru the symbolism. All Rights Reserved for this photographer. To view in larger format to see all the detail just click on the link under the photo to take you to her flickr page. Great photo!

From the photographer:

"Based on the story "A Conversation with my Father" by Grace Paley.

This one is for my dad, in a way. I incorporated the clock for two reasons. One, because in the story the narrator is sitting with her father who has little time to live. Another because I feel like I just ran out of time with my father since I moved away. I wanted to make this one more fantastic because in the story her father asks her to tell a story his way and she just can't do it. I wanted to be sleeping with the clock because even though I may have run out of time with my dad physically, I feel secure in the thought that he is always guiding me.

Uploaded by brookeshaden on 6 Feb 09, 6.38PM CDT."

21 June 2009

3 Kinds of Men to Honor

Peace sign Photo by Steve Rhodes @ flickr

COURAGEOUS

Today is Father’s Day on the calendar and I will be thinking of them throughout this week, we choose this day to honor the good examples of quality men who have influenced our lives beneficially. Most people reflect upon a father, a brother, an uncle, a grandfather, a husband, a good and trusted friend, even a mentor.

Neda killed by the police - Photo by Steve Rhodes @ flickr

Iran Protestors

Considering the political unrest in Iran going on I reflected upon the good men in Iran. These are men who are standing up against injustice and working toward a quality and trustworthy government, willing to give their lives in that pursuit. As a woman, and knowing the negatives in their harsh culture, what has impressed me the most about the male protestors was their willingness to march along side the women (termed the Lipstick Revolution). They also are willing to advance women’s rights.

Even more so, in a public demonstration, they have chosen to go to the defense of women that are strangers to them and not family related. In other words, they choose to be compassionate for the literally downtrodden, for the current harsh regime has ordered their police to target the women first and beat them savagely, kill them as well.

There have been video and cell phone photos released of men running to aid the women as they died. Now that’s a class act and certainly touches my heart for their public courage risks their own lives and that of their families. Yet, they chose to be heroes because someone was vulnerable and in need.

Soldier with peace symbol in hand Photo by Jayel Aheram @ flickr

Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan

I think of our American troops in this protracted war the public wants us to end and how this too long of a stressor has taken a huge toll. Suicides are way up the past year from returning troops and those still in the field. PTSD is rampant and difficult to treat. These men (and women) are someone’s parent, spouse, brother (or sister), uncle (or aunt), best friend and mentor.

They also deserve our thoughts and prayers to sustain them during their tough life test. Spiritual testing is often longer than we think we can endure yet eventually we come out on the other side. These troops have the courage to go on when they think they cannot move another step and yet they move forward anyway. Human beings really are not hard-wired for long-term stressful situations like war.

Contemplation Photo by alicepopkorn @ flickr

COMPASSIONATE

Today I also reflect upon a wonderful European friend I met while on my travels a decade ago. He is a Carmelite monk by the name of Brother Peter in Austria. What is unique about him is that he works tirelessly with the folks who fall between the cracks of the social network be they refugees (Islamic or Christian) or locals who can’t pay the rent because the husband has a gambling problem. Most of all he spends intensive hours battling the severe rampant depression of suicidal people in his area. He works without notice for what will not bring him status or riches in the world.

Brother Peter is joined with the local Jewish community to help reestablish the Jewish population in Austria that was decimated during WWII and works toward improving Christian and Jewish relations. He is a humble man, a kind man, a sincere man. Most of all he is a loving man like the true Jesus he follows.

I’ve always had a soft spot for monks. They are the global intercessors for Peace. They pray FOR people of all races, religions and misunderstanding - not AGAINST them. As an intercessor I can relate to my Carmelite monk friends and well understand the importance of their life long mission.

Brother Peter had a birthday in April but somehow Father’s Day seemed more appropriate a day to honor his service to others. The man would make a great Pope as he definitely has a heart for the people. I count him a treasured friend!

Father and infant son asleep Photo by *clairity* @ flickr

NURTURING

Recently, I happened upon a new blog by a father of ten children. What a treat! The Mommy blogs are popular and prolific, many a delight to read. This blog is a unique perspective from the dad, one with a huge brood of children. Take a look at his amusing and clever blog post that was published in a local newspaper: Father of 10 Turns Bathtime into a Career.

While I could go on with many other wonderful examples like my cool paternal grandfather whose spiritual legacy I carry with delight, a Taoist spiritual master in Taiwan where in his culture they never trained women, especially teenage Americans - he proclaimed me his student of a lifetime, quite an honor - and the tough guy military mentors I had growing up – the kind that don’t like women but took a shine to me, adored my hutzpah and chose to train me in the unorthodox, hence, the name “Warriors’ Pearl,” I’ll save those stories for another time. Know that you are all in my heart as treasures…

20 June 2009

Past 400th Post!

Photo by lamborghini of their high heels instead of a car: wow!

From Denny: I'm well past the 400th post! OK, so I'm not the best anniversary girl - actually it's 445 posts now but who's really counting... :) As it was I think I missed the 300th post milestone. Oh, well...

Just wanted to take the time to thank everyone for subscribing to the feed on this blog and all the others - and following on Blogger and other sites. You are much appreciated! Blogging is so much more fun when you have company and such good company you all are, thanks! Thank you for your support and hope you are enjoying your time here enjoying awesome photography as I find it: it's everywhere!

19 June 2009

Animals: curlew-reaching

curlew-reaching001, originally uploaded by mikebaird.

The comical curlew bird as if to say:

"Hey, buddy, I'm walking here! You mind?" :)

Animals: Purple and Orange Starfish on the Beach

Purple and Orange Starfish on the Beach, originally uploaded by TheMarque.

Awesome colors on this washed up - or snoozing - starfish, cool!

18 June 2009

New Additions to Blog Roll!

From Denny: "Can I tell ya?" Spent hours and hours this past weekend pouring over some awesome photo blogs, amateur and professional alike, sifting through them to place the BEST on my blog roll for you! There are about 70 choices now - around there, I lost count... :)

Talk about a wonderful way to while away a few hours with beautiful and thought-provoking photos! Take a look and enjoy!

17 June 2009

People: Conversation, NYC, 1970

Conversation, NYC, 1970, originally uploaded by eye2eye.

Thank you for the use of your photo!

Cheeky Quote Day! 17 June 2009 @

http://TheSocialPoets.blogspot.com

Thanks again!

Denny

People: Help Me Identify The Faces on "Join The Conversation" Cover

Hep Me Identify The Faces on "Join The Conversation" Cover, originally uploaded by respres.

Thank you for the use of your photo!

Cheeky Quote Day! 17 June 2009 @

http://TheSocialPoets.blogspot.com

Thanks again!

Denny

People: Conversation in Paris

Conversation, originally uploaded by Dragunsk.

Thank you for the use of your photo!

Cheeky Quote Day! 17 June 2009 @

http://TheSocialPoets.blogspot.com

Thanks again!

Denny

16 June 2009

Awwww Sniffle Sniffle Sigh Awesome Photos

From Denny: This is one of those endearing profound emails you receive every now and then. Thought I'd share with you these awesome pictures. Thanks, Colleen in New Jersey! Try making your own version of this idea of matching photos with meaningful words that strike a chord in your heart! Feel free to share this post with others to enjoy.

*****

The Real Meaning of Words

LOVE