Innovation

I’ve recently been described as having the imagination of a stoner. Not in the sense that I smoke a lot of weed, I don’t, but in the sense that I can come up with some pretty interesting concepts. From an early age I was boggling my families’ brains with questions ranging from, how do giraffes sleep? Right through to whether or not a tongue warmer was a good idea through an icy winter. This description got me onto thinking about how exactly our brains work and where the innovations they produce emerge from.

A brain by definition is an organ of soft nervous tissue contained in the skull of vertebrates, functioning as the coordinating centre of sensation and intellectual and nervous activity. It is filled with potential greatness if used to its full extent. Through my intrigued research I came across the concept of left and right brain thinkers. A left brain thinker is rational, sequential and draws on previously accumulated, organized information. A right brain thinker is intuitive, simultaneous and Draws on unbounded qualitative patterns that are not organized into sequences, but that cluster around images.

Most of the extraordinary innovators throughout time are the desired few that are both left and right brain thinkers. They have the ability to come up with new and creative ideas with the logical understanding to make them work. Mitchell Joachim is an example of an innovator of ecological design and urban design. Some of his innovations include:

 The Fab Tree Hab

This innovation was created through the ideals of sustainable architecture. His idea is that one day we won’t need to build shelters anymore as we will be able to grow them from organic materials.

http://youtu.be/-yr8KQXuPf4

MIT Car

                                                  

This car is designed to intellectually drive around town in an ecological manner.

http://youtu.be/Cp8RvKfB0bI

These are just two innovations by this extraordinary innovator to leave you in awe, but some of his other innovations include: Rapid Re(f)use, Urbaneering Brooklyn: City of the Future, SOFT Lamb Car, Green Brain: Smart Park for a New City, New York 2106: Self-Sufficient City and Jetpack Packing and Blimp Bumper Bus.

Self-Expressionism

In rebellious youth there comes a time where a decision needs to be made. Not about the clothes we wear or the ridiculous haircuts we admire. Not about the trends we follow or the crew we hang out with. Not about our stance on the world or our political views, but rather about whether permanently branding our bodies, is as good of an idea as we currently perceive. I am presently one of these rebellious youths. So, yes, Tattoos are the branding topic of this week’s blog. 

Upon first thought there doesn’t seem to be much to getting a tattoo. All I have to do is pick a picture I like, book an appointment and tada, one hard core tattoo on one hard core rebellion. So that’s what I did, or rather what I attempted to do. My researches nature took over and before I knew it I was drowning in the possibilities of design after design. Confusion had sprung to say the least. If picking a design wasn’t hard enough your guilty conscience sneaks up on you in the form of your mother’s voice. Her wise words echo in your mind almost asserting that this is a bad idea.

I was at the verge of running away from this “ludicrous” notion when I found the beauty within it. Like, did you know that tattoos have been around for centuries and that they are completely universal?  "I shall now mention the way they mark themselves indelibly, each of them is so marked by their humor or disposition".This was recorded in 1769 by a naturalist and is the first written record of tattoos. This Statement was written in reference to a Māori man who is now seen as a historical piece of art.

Tattoos are a part of our history. They set us as humans apart as individuals. They are works of art. They are a creation of our imagination and most importantly they are a form of self-expression. The images below are a visual explanation of tattoos throughout history and culture.

During my tattooed discovery I’ve formed an opinion that tattoos are a personal from of self-expression. My advice for any fellow rebellions is to: Research all the facts before hand, know what you want and where you want it, get a tattoo for yourself not anyone else and most importantly indulge in your self-expression.

Musical Melodies

http://www.jango.com/  this website is my new found treasure. It is a website aimed at pleasing the worlds’ musical needs and loves. Once logged onto the site you may pick a genre of music most appealing to your needs and within seconds have your ears filled with the sweet melodies of undiscovered voices.  The beauty of this website is that most of the lyrical geniuses are unheard of or unlikely to come across in your daily routine.  Personally, I am an Indie Rock fan and have listened to countless remarkable playlists. This post will take you on an adventurous musical  quest into the voices of Voxtrot and Wilco both of whom I stumbled upon while listening to an Indie Rock playlist on Jango.

Voxtrot is an indie pop band from America. Their quirky band produces music that is lively, vibrant and happy. The perfect type of music to sing in the shower, bounce around with friends and most definitely dance along to like no one is watching. The start of something is a song by Voxtrot definitely worth listening to so I’ve included a link for your enjoyment.

The Start of Something- Voxtrot

“She fell in love”- quoted from the song She fell in love with the drummer by Wilco, describes exactly what happened the first time I heard this alternate rock band. They may not be as cheerful as Voxtrot but this band is definitely soulful. The lead singer, Jeff Tweedy, has an angel-like voice that could leave any girl weak at the knees. They have a cool and calm vibe perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Heavy Metal Drummer- Wilco

Hope you enjoy the musical delights.