Wake Owl

Singer/songwriter Colyn Cameron

More good acoustic, indie, snuggle in a blanket, background, happy go lucky, good feeling, put on while you contemplate life, take a nice stroll, chew on a piece of wheat, have a cup of coffee, shop at anthropologie, relaxing music :)


You can listen to more of their songs on Soundcloud

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Dr. Hawa Abdi

Introduction:

Dr. Hawa Abdi, is one of the most amazing women alive. She is the first woman gynecologist in Somalia, she hands out free healthcare to 100,000s of refugees using her own money, she stares down the guns of Somali militants, and has been described as a mix between Rambo and Mother Teresa.

A Short Story:

It is May 5, 2011. 63 year old Dr. Hawa Abdi is working diligently aiding 100,000 sick, poverty afflicted, refugees on her own land in Somalia. While most charities find Somalia too dangerous to enter, Mama Hawa boldly makes a stand to stay. 

750 militants surround her hospital. These 15-16 year old boys started thrashing her place and pointing guns in her face stating, “Why are you running this hospital?” the gunmen demanded. “You are old. And you are a woman!”

Dr. Hawa showed no fear, instead she yelled right back, "I’m not leaving my hospital . If I die, I will die with my people and my dignity. You are young and you are a man, but what have you done for your society?" 

After five days of house arrest, the militants finally back down after women from the refugee camp and the media protested. However, that was not enough for Dr. Hawa, she demanded an apology letter and got it.

How it all began:

Hawa was born Mogadishu, Somalia in 1947. She dreamed of becoming a doctor at the age of 12, after her mothers death during childbirth. At 17, she won a scholarship to study gynecology in Kiev, Ukraine. She was the only woman among 91 Somalian students. 

 It was 1983, when she started to save lives in Somalia. She opened a one-room clinic on her family farm, which now has grown to host over 100,000 refugees. She not only helps the sick, but offers education and teaches women how to cook nutritiously and make clothes. All of which is free of charge. She continues to work even after having brain surgery and is supported by her two doctor daughters, Amina and Deqa.

In 2012, Dr. Hawa Abdi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. 

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Oscar Animated Short Films 2013

During the Oscars I am always curious about the animated short stories that were previewed. Before I would never be able to see them, but now we have Youtube and can compile the shorts together and can judge whether Paperman really deserves to win!


The Longest Daycare - David Silverman
About: Maggie's daycare adventure


Adam and Dog - Minkyu Lee
About: The first dog ever created in the garden of Eden


Fresh Guacamole - PES
About: Just making guacamole to go with some chip :)


Head Over Heels - Timothy Reckart and Fodhla Cronin O'Reilly
About: A couple who has been married too long


*Winner* Paperman - Walt Disney Animation Studios - John Kahrs 
About: The start of a relationship (the short before Wreck it Ralph)

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One Stroke Painting

As the brush is placed on the paper, the painter does not lift his hand until he reaches the end. The painting, scales and all, is completed in a single stroke.

See how it is done!

May the year of the snake bring you lots of luck.

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Movie Review - The Graduate (1967)

The Graduate is a benchmark in American cinema, not for the subject matter but for the approach and execution.  Ben Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) is a fresh graduate from college who returns back home to his parents, unsure about what comes next.  Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroff), an old family friend, coerces Ben to take her home during his graduation party which inevitably leads to an affair.  The situation becomes more complicated when Elaine (Katherine Ross), Mrs. Robinson's daughter, begins to date Ben.

Similar plots have been done to death in recent years.  There are a number of mainstream movies that attempt to pass off sexual fantasy as reality such as Porky's, Risky Business, American Pie, The Girl Next Door, and many others.  What sets The Graduate apart is the amount of uncertainty in the main character.  Most of these comedies about young guys trying to get laid involve some sort of revelation afterwards.  Usually the character ends up believing in himself more, or develops a stronger identity.  Ben on the other hand isn't sure about anything before, during, or after the film has concluded.  This consistent tone expresses a much more real approach to the doubt we carry about the consequences of our actions.

Ben's situation of doubt within himself, his future, and decisions are still very poignant to this generation.  Many people make it out of college without a clear vision of what they want to do with their lives.  Most don't want to turn out like the elder adults around them.  Knowing what you want and looking forward to a predictably bright future after graduating is becoming much more rare these days.

The Graduate is currently available for stream on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Runtime: 106 min.

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, brief nudity, mild language, and some smoking

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DWNTWN

 Another new group that is surfacing is DWNTWN.  The lead female singer, Jamie Leffler, has a airy light voice that compliments their electronic-y sounds. It leaves you in a dream-like state that reminds me of the 80's, Postal Service, and a hint of Owl City.

Recently, they have released a new music video. "Stood Me Up"
Check it out!



You can hear more of their music here.

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3D Photography Sculptures

Susy Oliveira takes hundreds, probably thousands, of pictures and pastes them together to create these video game-like sculptures.

 Similar artist, Oliver Herring, does the same thing, but with a lot more detail. He takes pictures from all angles of his models and uses a polystyrene base and then plasters thousands of pictures to create these beautiful sculptures.

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Cat on two legs :)

This is pretty old, but I just recently discovered it and wanted to share! Enjoy :)



Here is another one in case you want more!

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Fill the World with Love

With the topic of love lingering from the weekend, I thought a love song would be a good start for this week. Here Kid President and Lennon & Maisy sing an adorable original love song!




You may recognize these young talents from their viral Youtube videos!

Lennon and Maisy (13 and 9 years old) first got famous from their cover of "Call you Girlfriend" in June 2012, which now has over 13 million views.



The sisters/best friends grew up on a 170-acre farm on the outskirts of Toronto without television, Internet access, or even phones. Their entertainment came from vinyl records and making their own music for as long as they can remember. This love of music stemmed from their also vocally talented parents ("The Stellas"). They always had a dream to sing and act and now the are living it by being part of the hit series Nashville.

Kid President's fame was a lot more recent with his viral pep talk hitting over 10 million views in less than a month! 


At such a young age, Kid President (Robby Novak) has become an inspiration to all. Kid President has always had such a positive attitude even though he suffers from Osteogenesis Imperfecta, which is a condition that makes his bones extremely fragile. Because of his extremely resilient personality his friend/brother-in-law, Brad, thought it would be fun to make some videos. All of a sudden, it wasn't just friends and family who loved Kid President, but the the whole internet community who has fallen in love with their dream to spread joy and hope. Now Kid President is a part of the Youtube channel SoulPancake, which is created by Rain Williams (Dwight from The Office).

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Movie Review - Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2012)

Jiro Ono is renowned as the world's greatest sushi chef.  At the age of 85 years, he has no greater aspirations than the constant pursuit of assembling sashimi on rice wrapped in dried seaweed.  Yoshikazu, Jiro's eldest son, has been working under his father for decades and hopes to carry the reigns of the restaurant one day (he is currently 51 years old).  This documentary captures a lifestyle dedicated to one focus involving constant awareness of improvements in routine.

From starting the day at the fish market to preparing the rice, there is a firm sense of precision in preparation and execution to each service.  In the sumptuous footage of the dishes, there is a rare beauty experienced that evokes the feeling most of us wish we had going to work.  If there is one value to be learned from this film, is that you can never stop improving in your craft if you never stopped enjoying the process.  Jiro's happiness seems genuine and simple, just like the dishes he creates so well.

"Once you decide on your occupation... you must immerse yourself in your work. You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That's the secret of success... and is the key to being regarded honorably. "

-Jiro Ono

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is currently available to stream on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

 Runtime: 81 min.

Rated PG for mild thematic elements and brief smoking

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Life's too short for the wrong job!

 

Creative German advertising campaign designed by Jobs in Town.

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Free Bacon?

Come by Downtown L.A. on Saturday, February 16, at 7 p.m. to enjoy bacon, art, live-music, drinks, and arcade games. Plus, our very own artist, Mark, will be displaying some of his art work!

Details:
           
          All Ages. Cover is $6.

"Bacon Social is a monthly celebration of art, food, music and culture held in burgeoning warehouse district of downtown LA. The event features the work of 20 different local artists and photographers along with sets by 4 awesome bands. Add in 50 pounds of free bacon passed out throughout the night and a selection of adult beverages and tasty snacks and there you have it!"

Address:
         654 S Myers St.
         Los Angeles, CA 90023

Facebook Event Page:  http://www.facebook.com/events/313419418769923/?ref=22

Here is a few of Mark's art that will be displayed
 

    
 They even have bacon dessert!


I hope to see you there :)

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Tic Tac Dispenser

So that's how you dispense a tic tac...

Here's a video if it's still not clear!


I learn something new everyday.

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Amazing Painting Created in a Minute and a Half

Click "read more" to watch video!

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