Daphne Cochran-Shapiro » Trends

Where Do We Go From Here?

Daphne — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:39:45 +0000

In the most recent issue of the EnlightenNext weekly email I received was a link to a Stuart Davis video. Now, if you aren’t familiar with him, let’s just say as the “Punk Monk” he’s a visionary musician, comedian and one of the founders of the Integral Institute (by the way, I highly recommend checking out Integral Naked for mind-expanding art, music, video, and more!).

Anyhow, in his video Davis plays himself as a schizophrenic debating the pros and cons of a technological society versus an eco-spiritual society. He talks about these serious issues in a witty and amusing way. I loved the ending! *grin*

Take a look and think about what side of this “fence” you’re on (especially considering our recent technological trends). Is technology ALL bad? Should there be limits on it? Does humanity have the right to despoil our planet? Will humanity face extinction? Is the evolution of our consciousness more important than the latest version of the iPod? What daily impact do you have on this world? How can we make it better?

Good stuff to ponder…when you’re up on a mountain or when you aren’t surfing on the ‘Net.

Watch the video!

Daphne Cochran-Shapiro is an Author & Poet, Designer & Crafter, and Entrepreneur who specializes in working with folks needing design assistance. My goal is to empower you to be the best you can be in ALL your endeavors. I invite you to browse my sites and share your comments on my works!

Makeup Madness?

Daphne — Sat, 02 May 2009 17:18:28 +0000

I’m curious…just how often and how much makeup do you wear, if any? If you use makeup, why do you? Habit? You like it? Our mothers do it? Men expect it? To make us more attractive? Society pushes it on us? What’s the reason?

I don’t wear makeup too often and when I do it isn’t very much (on special occasions I may do more with a bit of eye-rolling). First off, it takes time. Second, I sometimes feel funny inside putting it on, as if I’m purposefully donning some sort of mask (am I not already beautiful without it?). Third, I know it is probably not too good for my skin.

Fourth, I always think about the fact that men don’t go around putting the stuff on (yeah, why don’t they?!?! I can think of lots of men I’ve seen who might look quite a bit better with some foundation *roflmao*), so why do women do it. Fifth, my lovely mother was never a heavy user (did she not “need” it? nah, she really didn’t!). “User”….*laughs*….that word sounds funny! Does that mean we could be makeup abusers? *wink*

Read more in the MLM Realms W.I.S.E. Forum.

and share your opinions!

An Integral Web? The present and beyond

Daphne — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 15:24:55 +0000

Absolutely fascinating reading for anyone interested in Web 2.0, Web 3.0, and beyond.

“The semantic wave embraces four stages of internet growth. The first stage, Web 1.0, was about connecting information and getting on the net. Web 2.0 is about connecting people — putting the “I” in user interface, and the “we” into Webs of social participation. The next stage, Web 3.0, is starting now. It is about representing meanings, connecting knowledge, and putting these to work in ways that make our experience of internet more relevant, useful, and enjoyable. Web 4.0 will come later. It is about connecting intelligences in a ubiquitous Web where both people and things reason and communicate together.”

Seeing Into the Future

Daphne — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:25:27 +0000

I’ve been reading about trends in society and culture, since its a totally chilly day here in south Florida so I can’t go hit the tennis courts. I came across the current issue of “What’s Next?” by Richard Watson between doing some laundry and it instantly caught my attention. Not only has it been fascinating reading about the 2008 trends, but the 2009 Trend Map is pretty mind-blowing.

If you want one man’s view into the future, check out the 2009 Trend Blend “Map” here. Visiting the home page will bring you to where you can view the current issue.

Here’s a quote to give you a taste of what its about:

“The Internet (and search engines in particular) is encouraging us to consume information and knowledge in short, snacked-sized bites. Our constant partial attention means that we skip or bounce from one source or site to another. Convenience, speed and immediacy are everything and the end result is that we are in danger of losing the ability to concentrate, contemplate or reflect. Thus we are shifting from an age where information is power to one where retaining someone’s attention is. Information overload, together with a culture of instant digital gratification, is also making us intellectually impotent. Our attention is being scattered far and wide and deep thought, analysis and memory are being diffused.”

And now….I think I’ll go meditate!
~Daphne