Prioritizing

Today's handkerchief is blank.  It was the first time in 40 days I didn't pick up a needle.  I'm going to try not to let it happen again, but sometimes other things take priority.  

October 30, 2008

Here is yesterday's handkerchief.

Early Bird

Woke up at 5:49am today without an ounce of grogginess.  I got up immediately to check the news to get my day started.  It has been a busy week and it is still not over.  

Many things happening in the world today.  I expected to see a story about the Phillies winning the World Series last night and instead was greeted by an anthrax scare, more financial news, more baby bottle blues, cease fire in the Congo, and bombings in the Assam region of India. 

When I read the article on the bombings, I was reminded of a time when a friend of mine once told me I could pass for Assamese.  I always thought this was a random comment but its proximity to China would make sense in terms of similarities in "ethnic features", whatever that may mean or denote.  Anyways, as a citizen of the world, I can't help but lament at this tragedy structured under the guise of a struggle for "Freedom".  Killing in the name of "Freedom".  

The  United Liberation Front of Asom are being blamed for the attack.  

Baby Got the Bottle

Baby Bottles

I always wonder what sort of chemicals have infiltrated my body through the environment and food it eat.  One can only control so much- an article on the feed points to this fact.

an excerpt from the article:  

"An estimated 93 percent of Americans have traces of bisphenol A in their urine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention based in Atlanta. The chemical was declared ``toxic'' in April by the Canadian government, which plans to ban baby bottles made with BPA."

Bedtime Story

Alas, the story of the DRC is not exactly the uplifting story one would recite to children to induce sweet dreams.  It is a story of tragedy, exploitation, and greed.  I consider myself lucky that I can lay down on my wonderfully comfortable bed tonight and not have to worry about militant attacks.

 

Congo Conga

Democratic Republic of Congo in the news today.  I first became aware of the tragedy in the DRC when I read Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.  It remains one of my favorite novels of all time.  

Busy, Busy, Busy

I spent the day preparing for the upcoming month and trying to finish today's hanky.  I worked on a kick ass pattern for next month's handkerchief so I can print the fabric up tomorrow.  I am very excited to see how it will turn out.  

G7

More rate cuts on the horizon and G7 worried about the strength of the Yen posing problems on financial stability.  Looks like Yen is not so Yum Yum after all.  

From the Great Wiki of Knowledge....

The G7 (also known as the G-7 or Group of Seven) is the meeting of the finance ministers from a group of seven industrialized nations. It was formed in 1976, when Canada joined the Group of Six: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and United States of America.^[1] The finance ministers of these countries meet several times a year to discuss economic policies. Their work is supported by regular, functional meetings of officials, including the G7 Finance Deputies.^[2]

It is not to be confused with the G8, which is the annual meeting of the heads of government of the aforementioned nations, plus Russia.

The G7 held a meeting on April 11, 2008 in Washington D.C.^[3]and met again on October 10, 2008, in Washington D.C, to discuss the globalfinancial crisis of 2007-2008.^[4] The group of finance ministers has pledged to take "all necessary steps" to help stem the crisis.^[5]

References

1. ^ "The early history of the G7". Britannica Online. Retrieved on 2008-10-22.
2. ^ "Who Are the group of Seven?". Women's International Media group. Retrieved on 2008-10-22.
3. ^ Bo Nielsen, "G7 Statement Fails to Convince Major Traders to Change Outlook, Bloomberg L.P., April 14, 2008
4. ^ Simon Kennedy, "G7 `Against the Wall,' Weighs Loan-Guarantee Plan (Update1), Bloomberg L.P., October 10, 2008 08:06 EDT
5. ^ Simon Kennedy, "G7 Commit to 'All Necessary Steps' to Stem Meltdown (Update3), Bloomberg L.P., October 11, 2008 20:56 EDT

Live Free or Die!

New Hampshire has been in the news for the past two days.  Looks like Obama is gaining ground in this state.  Its significance for me comes with a touch of humor considering one of my fellow classmates (whom I adore and respect) is a native New Hampshirite and, more significantly, is a staunch, unapologetic Republican (pretty much the only one in art school and quite possibly, the art world).  

Obama's poll gains in N.H. can be found in the Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/polls/nhpoll20081026/

Fannie Mae

I've always thought that Fannie Mae sounded like a little farm girl from Iowa.  When I worked in the mortgage industry, I was steeped in FNMA rules and regulations.  I started that job at the beginning of the mortgage boom and got out a year or so before the industry went bust to attend art school.  When I left I was glad to be rid of the mysterious entity that is Fannie Mae.  Now, I am constantly reminded of FNMA with the current lending crisis.  There are some things you just can't escape and it looks like this is one of them.

Yum Yum Yen

Dollar Yen

I read this article and I am a little perplexed.  Considering all the circumstances, how could the US dollar be a "safe-haven"?Maybe that is why I never wanted to be an economist or investment banker.     I say.....  let's go back to the barter system.  

"The dollar and yen -- considered among the safer currencies -- surged to multi year highs as investors repatriated investors and looked for shelter......

" 'Its extreme risk aversion and deleveraging of risky assets ... and we are seeing safe-haven flows into dollar and yen,' said Lee Hardman, currency economist at BTM-UFJ."

                                                

Time For Bed

Another day done.  I'm off to bed for some much needed sleep. 

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NATO came up in two of today's five stories. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/24/world/asia/24afghan.html?ref=world

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/23/world/europe/23georgia.html?hp

31st Day

This handkerchief is my 31st.  It marks one month-finished.  Only 11 more months to go. 

Petroleum

Oil prices drop.  

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/22/business/worldbusiness/22opec.html?em

I had a hard time figuring out this logo. Then I finally realized it was OPEC in strange circular bubble letters.  I think the circles stand in for drill holes and the stem on the p...... well, that could stand in for many things.

Android Love

This little guy was good company for me today.  I kinda think he looks like the bastard cousin of R2D2.  This handkerchief is up there in my all-time favorites.  

Paranoid Android

I found this cute little guy surfing the internets on today's stories.  He answered my call and now I will immortalize him on a handkerchief.  I first came across the Android mobile software platform a week or so ago when (if I remember correctly) Google announced that they would launch an Android phone.  I predict we will be seeing the Android in the news with increasing frequency when the Moblie devices designed for this technology take off.  The Motorola Android phone will run off the GSM system.  

Oh, technology- running at a sprint when I'd rather take a stroll. 

PARANOID ANDROID- RADIOHEAD

I listened to this Radiohead Album on constant repeat  

when it was released. It reminds me of good times.

What To Do?

I've been left inspirationless and depressed by today's news- 1 story of corruption in the Thai government, 2 stories on the stock markets, 1 story on the Motorola Android phone, and 1 story on a murder of an aid worker in Afghanistan.  

The idea of stitching another monogram associated with anything negative is really unappealing right now.  I don't want to devote hours and hours of time to this today.  Luckily, if I get into a rhythm, the repetitive motion allows me to "tune out", but I inevitably get pulled back into my mind and am reminded of what the monogram and imagery stand for.  

Breaking the Rules

I continued stitching until 8 past midnight today.  I was just so close to finishing the NRG logo that I couldn't stop myself.  I had to make an exception to the rules.  

NRG Energy Problems

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=awRCIaN_OXwk&refer=news

Energy: where does it come from?  It is definitely one of the things I take for granted.  I can walk into any room in my apartment, flip a switch or plug an electronic item in, and have everything magically turn on.    If only things were that simple.  I feel there is much I do not know about this subject and much that is concealed.  Energy issues are irreversibly intertwined with the sustainability of our nation, our world.  With the Presidential Elections just around the corner, echoes of "Drill, baby, drill" resound in my head with frightening frequency.  

 

Speculation

When designing the background pattern for November handkerchiefs I had a feeling the financial crisis would color this month's events.  Today was no exception.  

Korean Bailouts

Bailouts for Korean markets.....

"South Korea is struggling with Asia's worst-performing currency, a shortage of U.S. dollars and a stock market that has lost 38 percent this year. The guarantee on bank debts comes after Standard & Poor's said last week it may cut the credit ratings of the nation's largest lenders, which triggered the worst plunge in the won since the International Monetary Fund bailed the nation out in December 1997."

WMD

Here is a photo of my performance at the Davis Museum. 

And here is a photo of my daily hanky.

 

Performance Day

To commemorate today's events at the Black Womanhood Symposium at Wellesley College, the handkerchief used in my performance will substitute for my daily hanky.  The Handmaid Project pretty much grew out of the WMD Project I did last year for the Event Horizon Public Art Event.  

Sleep Glorious Sleep

Lately I haven't been getting enough sleep.  I've been fighting off the urge to pass out on my pillow top bed for the past 3 hours.  I have given up on finishing today's handkerchief.  

Tomorrow I will be performing at the Davis Museum at Wellesley College tomorrow so I will need some beauty rest so I can be in full form.  

Home Front

The idea of "Home"......what a powerful thing.  Worth fighting for? Worth dying for?  Who knows.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i04E_3fTH1OXJ7ts5DDurqliqphQ

Material Girl

Here it is.... my homage to Joe "Plumber".  I worked very hard to finish early today because a friend of mine was gracious enough to give me a ticket to the Madonna Concert tonight.  I'm hopping on the T as soon as I make this post. 

God Save Joe "the Plumber"

The last presidential debate took place last night.  We've got 2 very different candidates representing 2 very different America's.  My fear still remains.  I can see the worst ahead of us if McCain wins and a long, slow, and difficult road ahead if Obama secures the position.

Here is a story about Joe "the Plumber" Wurzelbacher from Ohio. Oh Ohio.... you broke my heart once.  Will it happen again in November?

Clock Strikes Midnight

I was just shy of finishing today's hanky.  I contemplated breaking a rule and stitching on past my midnight deadline, but sleep beckons me to bed.  I have another full day ahead of me tomorrow which means I will be up before the sun rises.  

Surprise?

Does this come as a surprise to anyone?  

Their moto:  "The Work of a Nation. The Center of Intelligence."

ET Phone Home

I ran out of black thread last night and wasn't able to fill in Elliot's head.  

In Need of Something Lighthearted

Woke up this morning NOT wanting to read the news.  NOT wanting to read about more bailouts.  NOT wanting to read about corruption of governments.  NOT wanting to read about the failure of humanity.  

I was pleasantly surprised when the top 5 for today were quite positive in tone: increased voter registration in Mississippi, NLCS victory for the Phillies, Asian and European markets rallying upwards, Spielberg and Universal, and upcoming MacBook announcements.  

After reading the articles, I had a clear vision of today's handkerchief.......an homage to ET.  ET changed my life.  At risk of sounding overly dramatic, it was the first movie to show me the emotive power of cinema.  I was 5 years old, sitting in the back of my family's manilla yellow station wagon at the local drive-in theatre.   On the screen I see ET, pale white and dying.  I start to sob uncontrollably.  I was utterly unconsolable.  I knew what was unfolding on the screen was a complete fabrication, but my logic had no control over my physical reaction.  

A professor once told me, "We cry when we still have hope, laugh when all hope is gone."  I had an abundant amount of hope that ET would survive and return home.  My tears were not in vain.  

Mondays

Just about to put this Monday behind me.  I had a very lovely, relaxing weekend.  I'm looking forward to starting another day and seeing what the week will bring.  

If it's not Scottish, it's crap!

More bailouts.    Government steps in again to save a financial institution.  Today it is Royal Bank of Scotland.  Check out the logo of RBS and Rhode Island based Citizens.  Leads me to believe that everything is connected in some way.

Yebo

Zvakanaka

One of the first Shona words I learned when living in Zimbabwe was, "Zvakanaka".  It was a colloquialism that loosely translated into "It's all good".  Zvakanaka was a way of life in Zim, a laid back attitude that pervaded all interactions.  If something went wrong, "Zvakanakai Shamwari (friend)", everything will work out.  If something went right, "Zvakanaka", job well done.  

It has been 8 years since I left Zim and nothing has changed.  Everything has gotten exponentially worse.  Zvakanaka is dead.  There was a small glimpse of hope on the horizon, but Mugabe reverts to his old power hungry tactics to keep the country in ruins.  

Super 88 Forever

A Bit of Home Lost

I stumbled across an article in the Boston Globe about Super 88 Markets.  This is a sad day indeed.  These markets are one of my favorite things about Boston.  Every time I set foot in a store, I'm reminded of home.  Going to the Chinese supermarket was a ritual in my family.  Most weekends we would stock up on the freshest produce, condiments, tofu, and anything else we needed but could not get at your run of the mill grocer.  I loved watching the live fish swim around in the tanks.  After admiring the fluidity of their movements, I would brutally imagine them prepared on a platter for dinner later in the evening.  Delicious!

The closing of 3 Super 88s is further evidence of the shifting economic landscape.  Bleak times ahead.  

California Dreaming

My Homestate

I'm no economist and maybe that is why I can't wrap my head around why California needs to secure a $4 billion loan to to keep the state running.  It seems like everyone and everything is going under.  My advice to the Governator....... just charge it!

Logistics

I spent the night at my friend's apartment and I didn't have my camera to document the handkerchief.  I think it will be prudent from now on to have my camera with me at all times in case I don't manage to make it home by midnight.  The handkerchief, needle, thread, and embroidery frame has become an extension of myself.  I take these things with me wherever I go.  The other night a fellow classmate had a gathering at a local pub to celebrate her birthday.  While everyone was drinking beer, I was stitching.  I imagine it must have been an odd sight, even in the art school context.  But it was nice being able to get my work done and hang out with friends.  

You Tube Addictions

I admit, I have been a You Tube addict for quite some time.  If it weren't for this project, I'd probably be looking at videos right now.  The amount of hits the site generates a day is testament to the fact that I'm probably not the only person with a You Tube yen.  

Apple and Amazon are now partnering with Google/You Tube to add a "Buy it now" button on certain videos.  I shouldn't be surprised, but I am a little sad.  I guess I could just ignore the blatant attempt to manipulate the public in buying more "stuff", but I can't help being a little resentful.  It is pretty much the same feeling I got when commercials began to creep up before the previews at movie theaters.  Boo!

 

ANC PUMA

Party unity....... not just an American-centric topic.  Interesting things are happening on the South African political landscape.  I will be watching to see what happens. 

 

Done For the Day

Heartbreaking

Every morning when I wake up, the first thing I do is turn on my computer and go to the Google news RSS feed.  I write down the 5 most current articles and extract my monogram and imagery from those stories.  Los Angeles came up on two of the top five stories this morning.  The first was about the homicide of a family from the Porter Ranch area.   The second is of the Red Sox victory over the Los Angeles Angels in the ALCS.  Losses all around for LA today.   I'm a southern California native and lived in LA proper for 5 years before moving to Boston.  Though I do not consider it home anymore, I know my connection to the region will always be strong.  I realize people are people wherever one goes.  The human condition, as personal as a family homicide or as mundane as a game defeat, is no more tragic in Los Angeles than in Boston, but something about these stories really "hit home".  

 

White Rabbit Candy

I told a friend about today's handkerchief design and she informed me of a recall of White Rabbit Candy.  The funny (or not so funny) thing is that just a month ago, I bought a bag to another friend's housewarming party.  It was one of my favorite candies when I was a kid.  I especially loved the inner rice paper wrapping that would melt in your mouth.