Wednesday, October 26, 2011

It's a Catchy Tune . . . How About You?


Krista Branch's single, "I Am America," is now a politician's campaign theme song. What?! But wherever you stand in your political leanings, this song has many inspirational notes worth pondering.  Maybe not the Star Spangled Banner, yet Branch's lyrics and upbeat melody manage to convey a significant motto of our societal generation.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

A Picture is Worth . . . Much, Much More.

National Geographic's Your Shot provides a much needed escape from cynicism, apathy, and perhaps just plain boredom. It's sure to spark conversations and, the best part is, they're pictures that ordinary-yet-extraordinary people take every day. Not only does NatGeo host your photos on their website where all can gaze, gawk and admire—they also turn them into enjoyably diverting games: sliders, memory, jigsaw puzzles, and concentration/match games.

This photo of dolphins surfing, for example, was captured by Sarah Jones who proudly captions: "I had just finished photographing surfers when this school of dolphins came through. For once I had my camera with me and was able to get the shot!" (View it here with full accreditation: National Geographic's Your Shot Weekly Wrapper)

While dozens of social media and other sites also offer the means to photo-share, Nat Geo brings it all together under their infamous banner. Having your own photo published by an acclaimed magazine globally-known for absolutely amazing pictures since 1888 does have a special ego-boosting dynamism. Meanwhile, YouTube, for example, can only feint at fame for 15-minute bursts (Justin Beiber and the latest humorous monkey tricks notwithstanding).

There's a huge assortment of pics to browse through at National Geographic's Your Shot home page and you just might discover, while sifting through, your daily inspiration or just a reminder of how blessed you truly are. And that's worth, well, a lot—much more than just words.

Note: You can also give "My Shot" a try if you're looking for a more social-media-esque pic sharing experience.



(The above photo can be viewed full size, with its captions and source cited, at National Geographic's Your Shot Daily Dozen.)



(The above photo can be viewed full size, with its captions and source cited, at National Geographic's Your Shot Daily Dozen .)



(The above photo can be viewed full size, with its captions and source cited, at National Geographic's Your Shot Daily Dozen.)