Today the New York Philharmonic played a concert in North Korea. Attended by some 1,500 of the Communist regime's elites; perhaps more important, it was broadcast live on North Korean state television and radio, giving at least some people in the isolated, hypercontrolled state a taste of Western culture from the nation routinely portrayed as the North's mortal enemy. Some may see this as a very small and silly thing in which to find hope. I think it's a step--planting the seed of art and exchange of ideas in the minds of the youth--more powerful than any dictatorship.
It's estimated that each year the United States consumes somewhere between 100 and 300 billion plastic bags. With each one that finds it's resting place in a landfill, it will take nearly 1,000 years to degrade. That's a long time! Inspired by San Francisco's ban on plastic bags, Kendra Stanley started a website to create chic totes made of used jackets. You can purchase a bag, donate old jackets or get the pattern yourself by visiting her website.
Mothology has some really unique home accessories. Some of the items, like this bird cage are just fun to look at. It's so expensive though, I'd never actually buy it. I don't think it would be hard to find something similar on Ebay though. For way less too.
Jacob Cooley
Tuscany, Italy
Tucson, Arizona
Day 3: We visited The Light Factory and saw two great exhibits, River Docs {below} and The Stray Cart Project. We also visited the Levine Museum of the New South and explored Southern history. Dinner was at Mac's Speed Shop which has the best barbecue in town. We ended our last day renting We Own the Night which I would not recommend.
NPR has a wonderful program called This I Believe. The piece features essays by Americans from all walks of life sharing their personal philosophies and core values that guide their lives. In addition to the radio segments, there is a website and also a book. Each feature collections of essays from well known Americans as well as more common folks.
