Photo Geek - Nikon vs. Canon

Photo Geek - The Fight is On

Camera enthusiasts fall into one of two camps: they are either Nikon supporters or Canon loyalists. Both companies are solid and have rivaled against each other in the photo industry. This is good news for consumers, for it ensures ever improving products at competitive prices.

The skinny on the debate--They are both great camera that perform well. When it all boils down, the basic Pro's and Con's between each line are:

Nikon
(+) More lens coatings = More contrast, more saturated colors (particularly deep reds and yellows)
(-) Internal Camera Technology: Less depth in digital images (flat, less of a 3-D effect)

Canon
(+) Good speed = Fast and Sharp. Technology is way ahead of other competitors. Nikon enthusiasts admit that Nikon will not catch up in the next two decades.
(-) Flatter color, images soft (not as sharp as Nikon)


Philosophical Differences
The Canon line was founded on prioritizing speed which was a gamble back in the 1950s. No one else had done this, yet it's this philosophy that distinguished Canon from other pro competitors who had always privileged Apeture over Speed (Nikon, Pentax, Minolta). Canon felt that anyone can take a good photo, but what will make the biggest difference is camera shake (related to speed). So they focused on excelling in this. Nikon and others felt that the main purpose and pleasure of photography lay in the ability to compose well (hence their emphasis on apeture and coloring). Canon's speed has earned a reputation among sports photographers (around 90% use Canon) while visual artists tend to prefer Nikon.

So...it's your choice. Depending on your preferences, purposes, and aligned philosophy, you might come away being a Nikon or Canon enthusiast.

I personally, use Canon. Call it brand loyalty--my first camera was a Brownie and thereafter my parents bought me a canon camera (as a third or sixth grade Christmas gift...I forget). While I took my little Brownie to family camping trips across the country, it was the Canon that I took to my first trip to Europe when I was 15. Since then, I've loved Canons and probably will never think to switch otherwise.

Photo Geek - DAM Tips

Photo Geek Tips - Digital Assets Management

Lightroom 2.0 | Adobe's newest version of the popular Windows photography workflow software. Helps to create a photo organization system and provide basic touch up tools. Automatically renames files, organizes folders and adds metadata and keywords as you import photos. Tools to correct white balance, exposure, tone curves, lens distrotion and color casts. Also provides online web galleries. The most appreciated time-saving feature by photographers is the ability to enhance the exposure of batches of photos at one time.


Aperture | Apple's version of Lightroom, suposedly better than Lightroom 1.0. But Adobe has numerous versions of Lightroom ready to be distributed for PCs (with an upgrade every six months or so) to out do their Mac competitor. Aperture is great for Mac users and sets the industry standards.

Photoshop CS3 | Whether using Photoshop Elements 6, CS2 (which I have but have never used) or the new CS3, this is a must for professional photographers. It has a more specified range of features that Lightroom does not. Dodging and burning or example, are not yet available on Lightroom.

Bridge| Used to process RAW photos, this is said to be cumbersome and an unnecessary step. Just download, convert your files (to JPEG), and touch up through Photoshop.

(Thanks for Dave for first introducing me to the term DAM which inspired me to inquire more about these software programs; to AC for my 20 minute Photoshop tutorial; and Nely, Willie and Joan for their perspective on Lightroom. The Hawaii State Library has helpful books on these software programs.)

T-Shirts with a Statement

Zazzle.com offers political and alternative T-shirt statements created by people like you and I. Just upload your image, sell it, or buy it online.

One t-shirt reads: (front) "How many racists does it take to screw in a light bulb?" (back) N/A They like to be kept in the dark."

Another T-shirt mocks religion and politics featuring Obama as Jesus: http://www.zazzle.com/ecce_homo_redux_shirt-235566837004469014

Photography - Streets of Chinatown

Free Bare Minerals Make Up - Sephora

Sephora is offering 10 days worth of free Bare Minerals make up! Just print out the coupon below and check it out!
Sephora Coupon:

http://shop.sephora.com/m/p/sph/prw/preview.asp?cm_mmc=email+ret-_-news1+20080924+be10-_-nonopen+cursdots-_-landing&cid=14320594698&mid=1105263500&pid=361712&dicid=361712:14320594698:4832814

Mahalo to Joy for this beauty tip!

Free Coldstone Icecream

Free Ice Cream | 5-8 pm tonight

85% of the proceeds go to the Make-a-Wish Foundation


Thanks, Sheri for passing along the tip!

Energy Photo Jump

I love Thursday nights. I get so energized in my photography class, learning the technicalities of my camera, learning about equipment, new software programs, and just talkin' shop. I didn't know that I was such a camera geek. For the next fewweeks I'll be posting some camera tips that I learn either from the field, my two classes, my own experience, from talks with others, workshops, and books I'm reading. This Fall I'm jumping into photography full force!

Green Eats Chicago

I might have to take another trip to Chicago. Haven't been in 3 years. It's a fun city--the arts, street hot dogs, hoagie sandwiches, the L, and 'the urban city' > words and images that come to mind when I think of the Windy City.

I'll be looking very forward to eating at Green Zebra, the John Beard Awarded vegetarian "tapas-ish" restaurant.
Check out the menu...YUM!:
http://www.greenzebrachicago.com/menu.html

For other vegetarian/vegan/organic and eco-friendly restaurants in Chicago see:
http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@1571046250.1221363755@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccfadefefmkefhcefecelldffhdfho.0&contentOID=536961205&contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&topChannelName=Exploring&blockName=Promo+Item&channelId=-536879033&programId=536879149

Thanks, Michelle S, for the Green Zebra recommendation!

A Darker Shade of Brown

I got a tan today. It’s the Filipino in me. Out in the sun for ½ and hour without sunscreen, and I turn a darker shade of brown.

The cartoon pig I watched last night was browning in the sun wearing swimming trunks near the pool. As the cartoon episode continued he soon had bacon-like stripes all over his body. Funny!

The cartoon was followed by a “Will and Grace” TV episode—the one where Jack is stalking the actor Kevin Bacon. What's clever is that Bacon cited himself in the third person (i.e. “seven degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon”) in the storyline.

In Hawaii it’s like “two degrees of separation”--where everybody knows everybody. Locals here can give Kevin Bacon a run for his money any day.

Did you see the price of bacon in Hawaii? $8-10 a pack. And did you ever notice that everything tastes better with bacon? From salads to wrapped asparagus to omelette's and baked chicken…I can’t of a single dish made with bacon that didn't taste better because of the bacon.

And I wonder why we dish out the phrase, "What's shakin' bacon?" As if bacon can really dance. As if!

All I know is that after shakin' the sand off my feet, I need to stop bakin' in the sun. Those UV rays aren’t good for my skin and my Filipino blood surely doesn't even help me to dance any better. It just turns me...

a darker shade of brown.

Best Sunscreen

With the American Cancer Association promoting public awareness of damage done to the skin, a couple ways to keep your skin protected include:

- Staying out of the sun during peak hours (11am-1pm)
- Stay covered (indoors) or clothed (long sleeved cotton shirt, hats for outdoors)
- Use of sunscreen (minimum 15 SPF)
- Regular check ups to your dermatologist to screen dark spots

General Sunscreen Tip: Look for three PA+++ (plus signs) ratings on any sunscreen product to make sure your sunscreen provides you with both UVA/UVB protection. (Most sunscreens just cover UVA rays).

In particular, I like the following two products by Shiseido and Elemis. Both are light weight, non-oily, good for sensitive skin, and provide great sun protection. Additionally, these two products cover both UVA and UVB rays!

Let's start with Shiseido 55 SPF:

Shiseido Sunblock SPF 55+
(Award Winning multiple times over)
(Macys, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, other Department Stores $44)

This Shiseido line comes in creamy or liquid form. The creamy formula has higher SPF options, is non-oil based, and good for dry skin. It has longer day protection (4+ hours) the consistency is thicker (a creme) and comes in a tube (shown above). I find that it works well under foundation.

I've also tried the liquid formula (which comes in a bottle with shaker ball inside). This product is thinner and is oil-based. I find hat it's thinner consistency however, only lasts around 2-4 hours before needing to reapply. It's more "shiny" under foundation giving you that dewy look.

I have both products and use the creme sunscreen for my face, and liquid formula for my shoulders, neck and chest. (The 55+creme is extremely popular among men and women surfers in Hawaii. So much so I even found Shisedo products sold at the HIC store at Ala Moana and heard its workers raving about it to others.)

Elemis Liquid Layer SPF 30
(Nordstrom, $40; Selected spas)

Elemis is a scientific cosmetic line (blends technology + beauty concerns) found at high end salons and selected department stores. What I like about this Elemis sunscreen is that bonds really well. It seems as if the little molecules in this formula bond to each other well, and provides a solid outter protection that forms a barrier between your skin and the external environment. I can wear this sunscreen for an entire day and never feel that the forumla is breaking down over the hours (as the Shiedo formula often does). I never need to reapply sunscreen, and it's thin layer keeps my skin breathable.

The formula also bonds to the skin well, which means it doesn't "slide" off as you perspire throughout the day or surf in the water, and holds well under foundation. My only critique is that you need to shake the tube really well before applying. Otherwise it turns a bit white and chalky on your face unless you rubb it in well. Also, the formula tends to separate (again shake it well) and has a light scent.

I used this in Peru and it withstood strong equator sunlight and sweat over hours of daytime hiking. An excellent buy for those who engage in the outdoors!

Greek Festival

Dan, Ed and I ventured to the Greek Festival a couple weekends ago. Food booths, Greek merchandise, and live music & dance entertainment were some of the highlights of the event. It was larger than I expected, well attended, and I enjoyed eating my gyros on the steps of the pond with contemporary Greek jazz playing in the background on a sunny weekend at Ala Moana Park.

Hawaiian Karaoke

I'm not a big Karaoke fan, but one plus about singing in Hawaii is that one can sing Hawaiian songs. They also have songs in Japanese, Chinese and Tagalog. Another plus is the courtesy they extend allowing you to bring your own food and drinks into the room.

The Karaoke Hut has a number of private rooms starting at $35/hour. The rooms are clean and they have a good selection of recent songs to sing. For the brave, they also have a public microphone to sing in a bar like atmosphere. Karoke Room 2 has ten private rooms starting at $35/hour. The rooms and song selection are comparable. On Wednesdays ladies get 30% off and Sundays families have a 30% discount. They open at 2pm, but discounts begin at 6pm.

Karaoke Hut
909 Kapahulu Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
808.734.7771

Karaoke Room 2
1680 Kapiolani Blvd, #105 (next to 24 Hour Fitness)
Honolulu HI 96814
808.949.2644

Dragon Boat Race

What I like about this day is that the ocean was so calm I felt like I was at Lani Kai beach, rather than Ala Moana Beach Park.

Hiking the Hood

The Mariner's Ridge Trail is a shaded 1-2 hour moderate hike with rewarding views along the way. I like this trail because there is instant gratification: A great view of Hawaii Kai only 5 minutes into the hike, shaded paths and greenery all the way to the top, and a great view of Waimanalo and Rabbit Island from the top. It's only a 5-10 minute drive from my house which makes it a great morning trek.

to be

y o u r s e l f

in
a world
that is
constantly

trying
to make
you

s o m e t h i n g e l s e

is
the greatest

a c c o m p l i s h m e n t.


Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sculpture - Lego's 50th Birthday

This year Lego turns 50 years old!

To celebrate, artist Nathan Sawaya displayed a sample of his Lego Sculpture at the Pearl Ridge Shopping Center. Sawaya gave up his 6-figure salary to follow his passion of lego artistry.



To see more of his work see: http://www.brickartist.com/

Photography - Orchids

When my parents came to visit Hawaii, we went to an orchid show in East Honolulu. My dad raised hundreds of cymbidiums, even starting his own side business. Our large backyard would be spiced with customers eager to purchase his tender loved plants. In Honoulu here are some of the orchid species I photographed:

Racist Ice Cream?

What do you think of this ice cream container? When I saw this at the supermarket in Lima, Peru, I just laughed and had to take a photo of it. Is what I was seeing for real? To top it off, just minutes before this supermarket stop, our Peru tour guide was telling us in a matter of fact way that African (South) Americans are not economically successful but instead make the best athletes because of their physique, and that Asian (South) Americans are economically successful because they are all smart and do well in school. I mouthed a wide-eyed "Oh my gosh!" to Kevin and we both had to chuckle and shake our heads in disbelief. It's interesting that the same racial stereotypes in North America hold true in the continent of South America.

Hawaii Street Names as an Anti-Conquest Act

The politics of language, gender, power and place, impacts the interpretation and articulation of Hawaii’s colonial history. Power, according to Geographer RDK Herman, is reasserted though Hawaii’s physical land as well as the symbolic space of memory. People in positions of privilege (historically white males) give themselves the authority and right to use words and speak words, often silencing and marginalizing women and people of color. In Hawaii, for example, European colonizers forcefully asserted the right to name and claim space on the Hawaiian islands. They took down Hawaiian street names, and replaced them with their own street names using English words, names and systems (e.g. Boyleston Street; 10^th Avenue). Because street names were often named after significant male Hawaiian leaders, its removal from neighborhood street posts is a symbolic act of castration, an erasing of power, masculinity and legacy of indigenous Hawaiian leaders. As colonizers re-name and reclaim space, they assert power through the act of erasing historical memory and its symbolic meaning, as well as the voices and presence of the native Hawaiians who occupied, ruled and claimed ownership over land.

In the contemporary, I notice that Hawaii has re-asserted power by re-naming the streets with Hawaiian names. The persistence of Hawaiian place names is an anti-conquest act that not simply glorifies but preserves and represents native Hawaiian history and culture. It pacifies colonization and puts power back into the hands of the local people. This re-articulation reminds us that Hawaii’s history and heritage cannot be and will not be forgotten. Herman critiques however, that despite these measures, Hawaiian place names are unfortunately used for the commodification of culture. They are used to conjure stereotypic images of both nativity and paradise to sell Hawaii as a desirable place for national tourism. Regardless, place-naming is an important political act because it shapes the ways in which the history of Hawaii is remembered, forgotten and interpreted.

Reference: “The Aloha State” by RDK Herman; Annals of the Association of American Geographers 89(1): 1999.

Modernization of Hawaii

[This is one of my favorite Hawaiian songs.
I appreciate the politics of music.]

Song title: "Hawaii 78"
Artist: Isreal (IZ)

Ua mau ke ea o ka `âina i ka pono `o Hawai'i (repeat)
[Being perpetuated (is) the sovereignty of the land to righteousness/to balance, Hawai`i ]

If just for a day our king and queen
Would visit all these islands and saw everything
How would they feel about the changes of our land
Could you just imagine if they were around
And saw highways on their sacred grounds
How would they feel about this modern city life?

Tears would come from each other's eyes
As they would stop to realize
That our people are in great, great danger now
How would they feel?
Would their smiles be content, then cry

Chorus:
Cry for the gods, cry for the people
Cry for the land that was taken away
And then yet you'll find, Hawai'i.

Could you just imagine they came back
And saw traffic lights and railroad tracks
How would they feel about this modern city life
Tears would come from each other's eyes
As they would stop to realize
That our land is in great, great danger now.

All the fighting that the King has done
To conquer all these islands, now these condominiums
How would he feel if he saw Hawai'i nei?
How would he feel? Would his smile be content, then cry?

(E hana hou i ka hui)
Repeat chorus

Ua mau ke ea o ka `âina i ka pono `o Hawai'i
Ua mau ke ea o ka `âina i ka pono `o Hawai'i.

Christology

I just finished reading "Judas and Jesus" (Ray Anderson) and "God So Loved the World" (Jonathan Wilson) for my theology class. The Anderson book begins with an imagined dialogue between Judas and Jesus after their deaths and alludes to the provocative question: Is there room for God's grace and forgiveness for Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus and aided in His death on the cross? Written without the encumbrances of theological jargon, the book addresses healing and grace for seasons of life when ordinary people like you and I feel like Judas (wounded, ashamed, guilty, and betrayed by our own selves). The Wilson book is a Christology primer that is easy to comprehend particularly in comparison to the dry pages of most systematic theology books. What I found interesting was that the book is organized around the themes of "story," "image," and "practice" rather than the traditional breakdown of life, work, and ministry of Jesus.

All in all, the course addresses Christology (the study of Christ) from a holistic perspective, addressing issues of sanctification, justification and atonement not simply as spiritual acts, but as emotional, physical and spiritual processes that each require healing from the dysfunction of the estrangement between God and humanity after the Fall.

Favorite Wine Bar & Art

A great combination…my favorite wine bar and contemporary art!

Tonight Amuse (wine bar) presents “Bound For Greatness” an Art-Music-Fashion show featuring live photography, live mural collaborations, spoken word, music, art displays and fashion shows from 41 independent artists from around the U.S. I can't wait!

Saturday, September 6^th; 8pm-midnight; Admission: $7

About Amuse Wine Bar:

One of my favorite places in Honolulu, this dim lit contemporary space allows customers to fill their own glasses with wines from around the world. Just put some money on the monetary plastic cards and ask for a red or white wine glass (or both), and self select your wine choice with the push of a button. Wines selections are rotated on a monthly basis. You can even purchase your favorite bottle from the cellar. The food (mainly appetizers and desserts) is excellent as the artfully presented dishes are prepared by the chefs from the delectable Stage restaurant located next door.

Be In the Know:
Sundays and Thursdays: get 50% off your wine card purchase (4:30-7:30pm)
Wednesday and Fridays: Live Music (8-10pm)
Monthly: Various art events and performances

Location
Where: Honolulu Design Center, 1250 Kapiolani Blvd, 2nd Floor (Free Parking)
Hours: Monday-Saturday, opens at 5pm
808.956.1250
www.amusewinebar.com

iNeed

I found a great way to relax on a budget: Sit in store display massage chairs with no shame!

Today I bought a small massage machine called the iNeed (clever name). Rather than splurging on multiple massages per month, I figured I'd try this out as an investment that costs less than the price of one massage session ($59, Brookstone). The iNeed kneads the knots out of my neck and shoulders perfectly, comes in 5 fun colors, and is accessorized with a handy travel tote. I used it for 3 straight hours and found that indeed, I need the iNeed.

A month ago I spent 45 minutes at the Ala Moana Brookstone sampling two chairs. I started with the OSIM iMedic ($1795), which reclined in a near-sleeping position and offered basic options for a full body massage complete with leg air bags for added pressure. I actually preferred the OSIM iMedic over the higher end OSIM iDesire ($4,495). The genius of this latter chair is that scans the size, shape and weight of your body for perfect acupuncture pressure, has arm rings to put pressure on hands and forearms, and memorizes customized preferences for 4 members in your family.

I also went to the Ward Center Brookstone and tried out the OSIM iSymphonic. It didn't compare with the other two models. It's marketing point is that it massages you to match the beat of in-chair music. My critique of Brookstone chairs in general is that I feel they are built for one particular consumer in mind--broadly built men. The size and placement of the rollers and kneeders are ill placed for the female body and particularly for petite framed women.

With this in mind, I find that the Panasonic Real Pro Elite 3222 ($3,499) is the chair that I would recommend. After selecting a $1.00 book from the Shirokiya 'Bookstop' I walked two steps over to sit in this chair for a deep tissue massage. As a petite, the fit of the chair and height of the kneeding rollers fit my body size very well. The pressure was perfect and I loved the variance in massage techniques. You won't be bored during each timed massage session--there is always something new this chair is doing: rolling the lumbar area, putting pressure on your arms, tightening your shoulders, kneeding your lower back and neck, vibrating your legs, and tapping your shoulders. Cheaper than the Brookstone with a more comfortable feel...the "Pro Elite" gets my vote for the best massage chair.


Shopping Tip: With your purchase at Brookstone, a $20 gift card will be mailed to you for your next in-store purchase. A tid-bit to help you can strategize your Brookstone purchasing.

Happy Feet - $15 Massages in the SGV

Say "Happy Feet" and the average American will conjure images of cute dancing penguins on arctic ice. But say "happy feet" to Asian Americans and they will tell you that Chinese reflexology is the best way to make your feet smile and thank you for one hour of affordable pampering.

The San Gabriel Valley is laced with foot reflexology shops, modestly simple spaces where the workers speak Chinese-only and take pride in making clients squirm in their chair. My friend Erin tipped me off to her favorite place and gave me a complete run down of what to expect during my first visit. She and a friend drove up and down the streets of San Gabriel scanning all of the neon feet signs (yeah, you know the one) hanging from the store front windows, and phoning each location to identify the best prices. She recommends Happy Feet on Valley Boulevard for 1 hour feet massages ($15) and 1 hour full body massages ($40). I've returned to Happy Feet several times and have tried both services. What I can say for sure, is that these ladies put all of their might and energy into their trade. You won't come home disappointed.

During my first visit, my mom treated my sister-and-law and I to a foot massage. The three of us sat in a private room filled with 4 electronic massage chairs. The masseuses sat on a stool in front of us, soaking our feet in the warm bubble water while they pounded and kneeded our necks and upper backs for the first 15 minutes. (And by "pound", I do mean pound!) I was in "good pain" and my neck tension was relieved.

The rest of the hour was dedicated to massaging our feet and lower legs while we sipped on hot tea and watched them rub different parts of our feet. One thing I found curiously interesting was that my massuse spent a considerable amount of time massaging the area just below my ankle the bone--a good third of the hour. I wondered why she focused so much attention here but didn't understand the explanation given to me in Chinese. I opted to find a foot reflexology chart in a window from a near-by competitor, and found that the area of concentration is actually associated with 'ovaries.' Wow, could she really tell that I have irregular menstrual cycle just by rubbing my feet?

On a couple occasions I was left with bruises on my arms, legs and backs. Although the massage felt good, perhaps the bruises hint that the pressure either is too hard or that the workers are poorly trained. During my full body massage this past June, the masseuse wanted me to add on another hour. She proposed to walk on my back using the balancing pole built into the ceiling. I might have been curious enough to try this circus act...had I not been so concerned about the sanitization of the table I was lying on. When I initially walked into the room I found that the massage table was lined with towels--damp towels to be certain. As a frequent spa-goer I didn't know how to make sense of this. Were the towels suposed to be wet? Was it moist with water...or absorbed with someone else's sweat? Knowing the SGV, my guess was that it was the latter and I tried as best as I could to block out these suspicious thoughts. "Just enjoy the massage" I had to remind myself.

One place that I would personally recommend for foot reflexology treatments is the venue in the Hilton Hotel located just a block away. Foot massages are $25 and come with an all day pass to the hotel's fitness center and pool. On my tour I found the space to be more clean and aesthetically pleasing, and the workers spoke conversational English.

Wherever you go, these massages will definitely leave you, and your feet, very very happy indeed!

Where It's At
Happy Foot (now under a new name)
327 E Valley Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776
(near Del Mar across from the yellow Howard's Electronics store)
626.569.9069

Hilton Hotel, San Gabriel Valley
215 W Valley Blvd, San Gabriel CA 91776
(top floor across from the athletic room)
626.943.1900

Shout out to "e" for sharing her Happy Feet find.

Foot Reflexology

One of my favorite things in life is a good massage. Swedish massages help me to slowly unwind from the day and be present in the moment. Deep tissue massages help to aid my carpal tunnel wrists and tight shoulders. While fancy day spas make wonderful places for personal retreats, there are more modest venues that offer massage services for a more affordable price. A recent LA Times article noted that the San Gabriel Valley is booming with competitively priced foot reflexology services. I've done reflexology at Burke Williams Day Spa (at $95/hour) and at SGV establishments ($15/hour) and have enjoyed them both equally. Foot reflexology is a Chinese and Japanese medical tradition based on the idea that zones of one's foot is connected to different parts of the body. Massaging your right toe, for example, is thought to stimulate different parts of your brain. To most people, foot reflexology sessions simply feel like a regular foot massage. Yet, if the science of reflexology is right, these feet massages can actually bring multiple health benefits to the body and its organs.

Hawaii Public Rail System

It makes me mad that those in East Oahu are fighting against a public rail system. One reason I hear most stated is that the rail system will not benefit the Eastside, since the line will serve central and western Honolulu yet raise the taxes of all residents. Motivated by self-interests and short-term sight, what these individuals fail to take into consider is a) the larger positive impact of the entire island (e.g. decrease in pollution, traffic congestion, etc.) b) and larger long-term impact on the global environment as a whole. They also fail to consider that their children, aging family members, and even they themselves will benefit from the rail system in the future. If the welfare of the state, its people, and the larger earth is at stake, I think it ashamed that Eastsiders are putting personal economic concerns over the long term well being of the world.

Global warming – An Inconvenient Truth

I watched on DVD, a documentary of Al Gore’s quest to bring the issue of Global Warming to the forefront of our nation’s mind. “An Inconvenient Truth” was interesting, convincing and inspiring and should be viewed by public leaders and families alike.

In addition to presenting scientific data, the video highlights a personal side of Gore’s life including his motivation for running for the Presidential office and inspiration to support this cause. I found it interesting that it took just one lecture by a college professor to spark this young man’s mind and inform his politics for a lifetime. The near-death of his six year old son also caused Gore to think about the fragility of life and ponder how he would use the remainder of his own life on earth. With a renewed sense of life purpose, he has made it his mission (both in his early political career through this post-Bush election era) to stand for the fight against global warming.

Gore’s personal connections and public reputation allowed him access to scientific data, international travels, and savvy presentation technologies that most Americans and scientists for that matter are not per vie to. He is a clear communicator and convicted speaker, able to hold the attention of audiences across the world. In the film Gore doesn’t hold back in wrist-slapping George W. Bush and Phil Cooney (former White House Environmental Officer.) As much as this is marketed as an “educational” documentary, there is a subtle story line as well: I felt that the film was Gore’s way of reasserting his politics, clearing his name, clarifying the strength of his politics, and a chance to rebuff the republican party, W. Bush himself, and the American public who voted for him. The bottom line of the film—that Gore should have been the elected American President who would have (literally) saved the world. He claims he would have led the nation in a way that moved us toward global partnership rather than global conflict (and not abet the War on Terrorism). Personal politics aside, Gore concludes by suggesting that each one of us plays a vital role in reducing global warming and preserving the earth for the future generation.

For more information see:
http://www.climatecrisis.net
http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/environment
http://www.greenpeace.org