Road Trip

   

It would have been an enriching experience if I had visited the Muhammad Ali Center by myself, but it was much more enriching visiting it with Kris, Brandon, and Leo. It invoked conversation between my group members that we probably would have never talked about if we hadn't taken the nine hour drive from Richmond to Louisville - passing through Charleston, West VA, provided a good conversation starter in how you couldn't pay us enough to live there. The experience alone allowed us to get closer as friends, not just as group members. 

  

Our gang managed to fit time to visit museum row and tour the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Leo's admission was essentially used to pay for his girlfriend's Louisville souvenir as we got free mini bats in conclusion of the tour.

With all the looming distractions, such as happy hour specials, we didn't lose focus of the intent for our trip. That was to learn about the man who said, "If you even dream of beating me you'd better wake up and apologize."

A witty, humorous, controversial figure that is the most globally influential person of our time. The three time heavyweight champion is not a cultural icon for his quick feet and left jab but rather for his loud mouth and peaceful mind. Every sentence he interjected was quoted - "Wars of nations are fought to change maps. But wars of poverty are fought to map change." His words were powerful - "I wish people would love everybody else the way they love me. It would be a better world." 

No words could capsulate the six core values (conviction, dedication, spirituality, giving, confidence, and respect) the center demonstrates in their interactive timeline that illustrates that transformed experience you have in finding inspiration in becoming as great as you can be. That inspiration can come from the least expected places. Sure, there is shadow boxing and punching bags, but did you know Ali was a poet and artist?

Today his message is still being carried as he carries the Olympic torch. Very few people, if any, are as iconic as Muhammad Ali. Ali's daughter Laila Ali now is the face to all young women that anything is possible, or at least Adidas believes so, carrying her father's message to never hear no to new generations and audiences. 

Was Ali truly the first to stand or was he the first to get back up? We remember Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., but we remember Muhammad Ali in a different light. We remember the perseverance he had to continually silence doubters while defying the odds in a exuberant manner. We remember his powerful presence as most literally looked up to him. Ali had no fear to say something wrong and he knew how to entertain while getting his message across. It is interesting that a man who fought for peace had to gain respect by using force. No longer does an African American need to use force to be heard. Ali was part of a foundation that put the process into action. Now all communities stand tall and applaud in recognition of a great fighter and mind. 

Ali Presentation

A viral video my group made for our Muhammad Ali Center project. Our campaign surrounded the idea of asking yourself the hard questions - your beliefs have to be questioned before you really know what you stand for and can find that greatness inside of you.

A floor projection to be placed in the Louisville airport. The negative words transform into positive words as you pass through.

Rock The Vote

This election has more buzz than previous elections for obvious reasons - the economic downturn, war, and a young and enthusiastic African American candidate running against what reminds me of Mr. Burns from the Simpsons, and his trophy assistant. I'm not usually going to intervene on a political conversation, but this year has sparked a debate that I have an interest in sharing my opinion. Why I took the time to appear at a Rock the Vote concert (not to mention it was conveniently located on campus, was free, and had Jack Johnson playing). It is interesting that Rock the Vote's mission is to get young people to make sure they vote. Yet, it was more of a traveling music campaign for Obama, just without saying it. References were made that it is time for change, no more war, and Bush has screwed things up.

I did not notice any McCain buttons or Halloween costumes in attendance. I did notice some enthusiastic and opinionated college students yell, "cut the bullshit." Not sure if they were referencing our current economic situation or were ready to hear some "Banana Pancakes," but I'm going to give these VCU educated some credit and assume it was intended as a pun.    

Outside Football in MN

You will not find the same football culture in Minnesota as you would in the state of Texas or even nearby rivals in Green Bay. It would not take Ron Jaworski or John Madden to explain why this is. It is not because we have less passionate fans, even though there might be some high school games in Texas that draw a larger attendance then some Gophers games, but it is because of the bare concrete bubble that our Minnesota teams play in. Yes, I am talking about the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. The white covered 195-foot loud speaker that keeps the Homer Hankies, drunk college students, and faded Randy Moss jerseys dry and warm. A stadium that shares all kinds of memories for me - from a boy who watched Kirby Puckett hit a home run to win game 6 of the World Series, to leaving hung over after watching the "Gophs" blow a 21-point lead to the Wolverines in the fourth quarter. 

Still, I would will not shed a tear to watch the Metrodome fall faster than the Vikings did against the Falcons in the NFC Championship game. Green Bay has a unique culture surrounding the "frozen tundra" at Lambau Field. They celebrate the historic symbolism that the stadium stands for by tailgating and cooking brats when it is twenty below zero outside. Rather, Vikes fans push and claw their way into Huberts (the only bar around the Metrodome!) for a beer before the game. 

Minnesota fans are now taking a big sigh of relief as the Twins are building a new outdoor stadium as is Gophers football (picture above is the construction of the new Gophers stadium). When taking the picture above I thought it resembled a new beginning for Gophers football as it comes back to campus. Providing students, fans, and players with the atmosphere and culture that should surround the game. Hopefully, it will also help keep in-state recruits.   

Him and His Bull

Four of my classmates and I went to a rodeo at the Virginia State Fair to learn more about the culture of bull riding. First having to stop by the corn dog stand, just in time to let the ketchup dispenser throw up all over my tan shorts and shoes. After watching some barrel racing and calves getting whip lashed by a good roping, we finally saw what we came for. Man on bull -entertaining because it is so outlandish. One of the cowboys maybe be smarter than the others or had mistaken the dirt and smell of manure for a ice rink, but whatever the truth was, he wore a hockey helmet rather than a cowboy hat. After the rodeo we went "backstage," we met with bull rider Dan Welsh. A BMX bike rider as a kid looking for a higher adrenaline rush when he was in college. He told us everything from getting stepped on and walking away without a bruise to how a he caravans across the country with other riders like a rock band - just a little less glamorous.     

T Jeff's Crib

"No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden." - Thomas Jefferson, 1811.

Monticello in Italian means "little mountain," and if you were not taken away by the craftsmanship (95% still standing is the original structure) of the mansion, you were sure to admire the secluded view from a top the rolling hillside. Do not get me wrong, the house is great, but it would not be the attraction it is without the landscape surrounding it. As the photos show, we visited on a questionably umbrella needed day. It reminded me of photos I've seen of Scotland (I have not visited but I should because of one word - Braveheart). Monticello is the only house in America on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Other American cultural sites to make the list include: Mesa Verde National Park, Independance Hall, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Statue of Liberty, Chaco Culture, Pueblo de Taos, and La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico. More people have probably seen the seven wonders of the world.

It is ironic that Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration that "all men are created equal," yet he was one of the largest slave owners. It took nearly 150 slaves to tend to the large estate of a man who ended the free-trading of slaves from Africa. He also wrote to have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." I felt Monticello was a visual replica of this idea. The agricultural and technical theories that were displayed in and outside the house were years ahead of his time. A creative mind that could speak and write in seven different languages. I'm still working on English.  

Friday Art Walk

Before arriving to Richmond I pictured it rich with colonial history and American flags hanging from the porches. You would not disagree with this proclamation after seeing the statues driving down Monument Avenue and seeing the different museums (Edgar Allen Poe Museum, Museum of Confederacy, The John Marshall House) that add to the unique architecture Richmond has. Architecture that would be dandy for artists gathering creative inspiration. On the first Friday of every month, Richmond closes off Broad Street to celebrate it's artistic culture for the First Friday's Artwalk. Turning stores, coffee shops, and alley's into galleries. Galleries that host all forms and levels (my personal judgement) of art. One thing the city of Richmond presents to artists that most cities do not is accessibility. This month, one side of the street was blocked off for a staged fashion show. As I was distracted by Sriram dancing to the New Orleans brass band walking down the street, no one could ignore the lighted lanterns on top of the gown being worn in the fashion show. The designers were from the highly regarded Arts program at VCU that is located in a new Never-Never Land for the arts enthused.  

All Y'all See Those Skids?

I struggle to watch 5 minutes of Jack Daniels, DuPont, and Target going around in circles on TV. However, if you are sitting in 90-degree heat having a bruski, and it's so loud you can't hear the person next to you say, "I'm going to puke all over," it's an amazing experience. I think Enrico did a superb job of highlighting our day in this clip. Nascar is a culture in itself. I'm sure some people would tell you they spend 30 minutes watching the race and 180 minutes people watching. The only way to stand out at a Nascar race is to dress for a wedding. The rumors may be exaggerated but there is a truth to the culture that surrounds Nascar. The mullets, confederate flags, beer belly's, and farmer's tans highlighting the bald eagle tattoo is of a higher frequency at this venue than any other athletic event I've been to. 

This culture has made Nascar into one of the most popular and growing sports in America as it continues to gain momentum. In 2005, Nascar was the #2 brand (behind Blackberry and ahead of Google and iPod) from market research firm PSB. Corporate sponsorship revenue was $1.5 billion. That's well ahead of $445 million for the NFL and $340 million for MLB. I would assume numbers would be significantly higher now. You have to feel the ground shake and hear the engines roar to understand what the TV can't capture about this sport.

Stuffocating

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

I’m surprised the urban dictionary does not show stuffology: noun the study of overconsumption, overconsuming material goods. I’ll admit I suffer from “stuffitis,” overconsuming on a moderate to high level. Is advertising to blame for continually circulating the stuffocating cycle, work – watch - buy?

Our culture may be quick to jump on advertising, blaming it for sparking our desire to need more, want newer, and desire bigger. It would not be hard to say that it is an argument Johnnie Cochran would not want to be a part of. When our resources become deplete who will be able to pass the upcoming problems/news to society, educate citizens on how the economy is running, and demonstrate how we can become greener and revive our national/world landscape that our grandchildren will grow up in one day? Or will they? Advertising also possesses the capabilities to do good and has the mass reach that gives hope in being able to engage people in how changes need to be made. It’s up to an agency or company to produce and execute something powerful and impactful enough to activate that engagement. Companies claim that they have started to become environmentally responsible, but it is easy to mistake motion for action.

Advertising can’t help a bad product. Nor will telling people to recycle solve our resource challenge. Thus, it will take new innovative products like a substitute for fuel along with advertising to marriage and vow to make a difference together. The first change our generation is turning is mentality: initiate change, don’t let it initiate you. I believe Barack Obama in office would symbolize this movement of change.

Incertitude Path

"The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving." - Oliver Wendell Holmes.

JMW XMAS outing?

JMW Cycling Class

Much like the historic cobblestone streets that lay foot in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom, Minneapolis has some of its own on Saint Anthony Main. Because we are Jack Morton WORLDWIDE, we decided to make our presence on these streets by riding, or should I say awheeling, the customized vehicle from the Netherlands – the PedalPub. My first question when pulling up to this ten person bike was why didn’t I see this in the movie Beerfest? The game possibilities generating in my head were endless, yet maybe untasteful for the family streets of Minneapolis.

I would be cliché and make a comment on how efficient this Fietscafe (created by Zwier and Henk Van Laar) would be for carpooling during our gas crisis, but the Netherlands don’t pump out cars like China. The PedalPub costs $40,000, a price to pay for having the only one in North America. I imagine China’s Fietscafe would sit lower to the ground similar to a massive easy chair bike to offset the 5’3” height requirement to hop on the PedalPub.

As our eight person journey began, a few of us had some questions and pointers for our driver and co-owner of PedalPub, Eric Olson. Sam asks, “How far to the closest bar?” Interrupted by Tina’s confusion, “I feel like I’m not peddling?” Before Eric can reply the marketing in Larry suggests, “Instead of ‘It’s SLOW Fun’, it should be ‘It’s SLOW Much Fun!’” Larry, did you bill them yet?

City ordinance prohibited us from drinking on city streets so half of our cycling class was spent stopping to replenish inside on a stool. I know what you’re thinking and the answer is no, currently we are not accepting applications. However, PedalPub is looking for people to expand its business outside Minnesota. Cobblestone streets not required.

Very Good Is Not Good Enough

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/seth_godin_on_sliced_bread.html

Seth Godin gives his two cents on what makes us believe, and what we don’t believe. Unfortunately, we no longer believe in things that are considered very good. We believe in the remarkable – something worth making a remark about. The example Seth gives to capture this idea best is how Frank Gehry changed the economy of a city with the construction of a building that was described as “something at the fringes.”

I challenge you to construct something remarkable in something you believe in. Whether it is a social movement, a cure, an innovative product, or a person, construct something that shows passion, dedication, and risk. Construct something that cannot be ignored and will capture the heart of a consumer, politician, employer, or loved one. Everyone has a chance to be a hero to someone – someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. Something that stuck with me from my professor Charles Hall, “exhaust all possibilities.” Come here to comment and share what you've decided to construct.