Surfing More Media Madness

  Post Five on Media Madness

I know it sounded in my last posts that I'm a bit of a Luddite, but I'm not. I know that television has some beauty and good, but... well I've said enough about TV. I promised that I would talk about the new strangers, the ones who make the old family friend, TV, seem somewhat stodgy and straight-laced in comparison.

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'The Stranger' Remix and Media Madness

(This is my fourth post on Media Madness)

Around the time of the incident mentioned in my last post, I read 'The Stranger'. I was so impressed that I've kept a copy of it ever since. 

I've included an edited version here, with apologies to its unknown author.

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Media Madness Culture Shock

Culture Shock-- Post Three on Media Madness

After five continuous years working in India, I was visiting my relatives. I sat down with my father-in-law to watch the evening news. Some minutes into the broadcast, I looked over to the doorway and saw my five year-old daughter, her eyes round and mouth agape-- in shock; she looked almost faint.

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Little Pitchers Have Big Ears-- Filtering the Media Madness

Part Two on Media Madness-- Little Pitchers Have Big Ears

'Ice-way eamcra'? My parents might whisper as we approached an ice-cream shop. Since we already knew Pig Latin, the secret was out. We were soon chanting, 'I scream. You scream. We all scream for Ice cream!'. 

'Eakspa aterla' ('speak later'), they might also say, if one thought their conversation was drifting into inappropriate territory.

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Death, Violence, and Other Media Toxins

Getting Used to Death, Violence, and Other Media Toxins

Millions watched this week, a video of an accidental death during the Winter Olympics.

Officials said, “It was the young man's fault for making a mistake.”

What was unsaid: “We didn't want any ugly padding on the concrete pillars or safety netting that would block the cameras.”

I was shocked and saddened-- not just by the excuses, but also by how many people reacted by saying,

“Get used to it. It's reality; why wouldn't they show the video”.

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Brush, Floss... and Turn Down the Earphones!

I was surprised, some years ago, to read that when researchers asked folks up in their 90s what it was, over the course of their lives, that they regretted most and would do differently if they had the change-- the surprise answer was, 'Take better care of my teeth.'

While teeth and gum loss is serious, and I whole-heartedly agree with the wisdom of these sages-- wishing to keep my teeth as long as possible, and with as little pain as possible-- I'm going to add to their 'brush and floss' mantra.

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Teflon Brain Syndrome! Do You Know Where I Put My Glasses? A Medical Mystery Solved!

Teflon Brain Syndrome!¹ 
Do You Know Where I Put My Glasses?² 
A Medical Mystery Solved!³

A group of teenagers were in the corner whispering and glancing in my direction. I knew I wasn't winning a popularity contest, but it also didn't look too serious. Eventually, the bravest one edged his way across the room.

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Happy Birthday Andrew!

Andrew is a teen now. January 10, 2010

Happy with a never-ending smile
Caring without selfishness or guile
Willing to go the extra mile.
Andrew

He wonders how that thing runs
While looking to have some fun
Or using anything for a drum
Andrew

He's really full of ways quite smart
He finds ways to make you feel a part
Cause he's got quite a big heart
Andrew

We love you Andrew! Happy Birthday!

Andrew Wowin' 'em at Cheer 'em Up Shows

Throughout 2009, but especially the past few months, Andrew stepped in to do what I did last year-- perform in our many shows in hospitals-- especially children's wards-- and in adult-care facilities.

Andrew is very good at meeting people and making them feel comfortable. With a big smile and his ever-improving balloon-sculpturing he's a big hit. This Christmas, Andrew was 'Santa's long-legged brother's helper reindeer.

I've posted a few more shots of Andrew here:


http://picasaweb.google.com/bruce.japan/2009AndrewPerforming#

New Year Sunrise, Yaizu, Japan 2009

This year I'm visiting Tokyo for the New Year, but last year we were at home and had a very special experience that you can read about by following this link to my Picasa photo albums.

http://picasaweb.google.com/bruce.japan/NewYearSunrise2009#