Wednesday 7 May 2014

So What? Quick Write

Image: "Spider Hunter" by Nikita Veprikov
http://io9.com/concept-art-writing-prompt-the-spider-hunter-1567337459

I think that with this image the artist wants us to think about the fact that there are always stories starting, progressing and ending around us, even though we might not see. Few people would notice this scene playing out if they passed by; you can see in the background blades of grass that seem huge, meaning that the Spider Hunter is probably very small and not easily noticed. The other thing the artist could have wanted us to think about is not to be overconfident in any situation. We can see that the image is seen from a hole of some kind, possibly in a tree. Something is hiding there and waiting for the perfect moment to attack.

Monday 5 May 2014

TED Talk Refection - Chris Hadfield


In this TED talk, Chris Hadfield speaks about his experiences as an astronaut on the International Space Station and how they relate to overcoming fear. Basically the message I took from the video is that fear holds us back, and that overcoming it can allow us to have some of the most amazing experiences of our lives.

It's a message that couldn't really be considered new. Much fewer of us would care to watch a video about overcoming fear if it didn't include a famous astronaut. While it's Chris Hadfield's fame that attracts people to the video, it's his stories, told so visually and in so much detail, that makes this talk and keeps people watching it for the entire eighteen minutes.

Also, if his astronaut stories didn't make him cool enough, he finishes off his talk singing "Space Odyssey", by David Bowie.