Then try to become a noun. This video is entertaining and educational. I certainly hope I’m objectified, too. “Check out my sweet, new D’Emilio!” or “I think I’ll wear a D’Emilio today.” That sounds a little creepy, actually. Ok, that’s probably not gonna happen. Do you want to become an eponym?
It’s been a lot of fun posting videos here for the month of September. Can’t believe it’s over already! Thanks again to the HSA crew for inviting me on board. Cheers!
Here’s a poetic little chalk animation that I think captures the mood of today’s autumnal equinox. The video was directed by Lucinda Schreiber and Yanni Kronenberg for the song “Autumn Story” by the Australian band, Firekites. I especially like the part where a man’s teardrops turn into his beard. Happy Fall!
These 3 dudes figured out how to move, eat, and learn in 11 different countries and made the videos to prove it. Definitely an awesome adventure project for them and a reminder to the rest of us that we should travel to new places as often as possible…and do cartwheels in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Move
Eat
Learn
With the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 coming up this Sunday, I wanted to find a video that honors the lives of those who were lost in the attacks. In my search, I discovered many well-made, thoughtful videos that pay tribute to September 11th, the World Trade Center and New York City, but I finally came across one project that I think is particularly well-done and has a unique purpose.
StoryCorps, an independent non-profit based in Brooklyn, New York, is creating “One story for every life lost on September 11th.” Their motto is that “every voice matters” and this specific project was created in order to honor the “lost voices” of 9/11. Using interviews conducted with family members and friends of the people who were killed in the attacks, StoryCorps has created a series of animated shorts that brings those individual stories to life.
Though the reason this particular project exists is truly tragic, it is a gracious opportunity to help others heal through storytelling – both for those who speak and for those who listen. I commend the storytellers for their courage in opening up their hearts to the rest of the world.
It’s pretty clear that 10% of Finland is covered in water and the other 90% in awesome. Finland is not only home to Santa Claus, but has also birthed and nurtured many odd, but intriguing competitions, such as the Swamp Soccer Championships, Wife Carrying Contests, Who-Can-Sit-in-a-Sauna-the-Longest-and-Not-Die-Competitions, and maybe the most awesome of all, the Air Guitar World Championships.
Just 124 miles south of the Arctic Circle, super-enthusiastic air guitar players from all over the world gather in Oulu, Finland – aka the “Capital of Northern Scandinavia” – to compete for the prestigious title of Air Guitar World Champion, all while promoting world peace.
Another thing is clear after watching these performances: if you have ever said the only instrument you play is the air guitar, you lied.
So, ladies and gentlemen, without further ado give it up for the first female* Air Guitar World Champion, Aline “The Devil’s Niece” Westphal from Germany.
If you think you got better moves than the Devil’s Niece or this guy or this guy and don’t care about looking like a fool all over the Internets, then get your act together and mark your calendars for next year’s competition. All of those hours you’ve spent in front of your mirror acting like a rock star could finally bring you the fame you deserve…and “end war and climate change and make all bad things disappear.”
*Dave C. brought it to my attention that there is another woman who holds the record for 1st female Air Guitar World Champion, Sonyk-Rok. On Wikipedia it’s reported that she tied for 1st in 2004, but is listed under the silver medals: “Sonyk-Rok…went on to Finland, where she tied for first place, becoming the 2004 World Air Guitar Co-Champion.” So, perhaps the more accurate title for the Devil’s Niece would be the first “sole” female gold winner.
Thanks to the HSA crew for having me this month! Let’s ROCK!
Here's Some Awesome 