Chaos Tamer
Things that interest me, inspired me, made me laugh, or taught me something.
With the rather overly dramatically named “Murder Hornet” now making it’s way to the Pacific Northwest, it’s important to note that in case you thought this critter was the most bad-ass insect out there, no, no it’s not. Here’s a reminder that there is always something badder coming down the road.
Praying Mantis eating an Asian Giant Hornet’s face from r/HardcoreNature
I have really enjoyed the final season of Star Wars: Clone Wars. The animation is amazing, and the stories, well, for me at least, perfect. I’ve reconnected with the characters enough that it’s going to hurt when Order 66 goes down.
Last week’s episode, The Phantom Apprentice, was powerful. Part of that was bringing back Ray Park, who performed Maul in the Phantom Menance, and an exceptional martial artist. The team used motion capture to create this dynamic, engaging piece of film (can I call it film if it’s only digital?).
Below is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the episode. Well worth watching if you’re fascinated by the production of movies and tv.
I discovered Mr. Aung Than this week and already posted one of his comics earlier. However, I wanted to post one more. As someone who struggles with my identity as an artist, who fights frustration and feelings of futility, and the demon of perfectionism, this one spoke quite loudly to me. And knowing so many who walk/walked the same path, I felt deep value in sharing this one. Keep to the path, face down that ugly voice within, fight, and keep creating. The world needs more beauty.
Frank Herbert’s “Dune” holds a key spot in my soul. The “Litany Against Fear” that Herbert created spoke power to my soul back as a teen, carrying forth to this day. Gavin Aung Than’s art inspired by the litany holds power, too, speaking to today.
As both a Star Wars fan and space geek, this video from StarWars.com explores the real science that is inspired by the film.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
One of my bucket list items: mountain biking in Hawaii. With that, I discovered the YouTube channel Mahalo My Dude. Now, despite the name, these guys are from the Vancouver, BC area. But the video below features biking on Oahu and Maui. So, I thought it was great, and reccomend it.
Are there any places you long to ride? Let me know!
This week I started my coursework for my new career: full-stack web developer (for more about that decision, head here). In the few days since courses launched (online, as we’re still practicing social distancing), I discovered/reinforced the importance of several tech tools.
I started experimenting with this about a week ago. I’d seen ads for the free app, and, well, haven’t been too interested. I think I’m a solid writer. But I finally wore down and decided to try it. I’m actually quite pleased. And, as the syllabi that I’ve read the past few days state pointedly, grammar, spelling and syntax in the online posts are a part of our grades. So, that much more valuable. Though less delightful, but important, I’ve seen I’m not so perfect a writer. Having these, shall we say “nudges” helps make me that much better. So, I recommend it.
2. Evernote
This tool is one I’ve been using for at least 10 years. It’s my journal, and main note-taking tool. Articles I’ve read, want to read, brainstorming sessions, projects I’m working on, travel info, checklists…all of this an more are dumped into this tool. The searchability is great! And the ability to customize your organization system is excellent, too. Whether you prefer to have custom “notebooks” or you prefer to “tag” notes, you’re covered by Evernote. I also appreciate that there’s geocoded information in the notes, and also a number of third-party tools to explore.
I’ll post other ones as I discover them. Do you know of any I should explore? Leave a comment and let me know.
4/16: Editted as WordPress converted my manually typed numbers into a <ol> list.
As someone who values creativity, this speaks to me greatly. Especially how our society works hard to create drones, and is terrible at accommodating the creative mind.
So, I think this little gem is well worth your time. I hope you love it as much as I do.
I discovered Xavier Rudd years ago, but during the quarantine, I’ve started binging his music. I find his music fills me with joy and with hope. Check out one of my current favorites.
I’ve long been a fan of Matt Inman’s “The Oatmeal“. I admire his work, and his creative vision. I recommend this little comic essay on creativity.
