I can’t even begin to imagine a life like this. A bus full of women and children bombed. Those that survived the attack were taken to a hospital – then only a few hours later have that same hospital, who were treating survivors, bombed as well.
February 4, 2010
0
Investigation Opened Into Prius Brake Problems
By Van in Design, Headlines
“Why did you buy a Dodge?” It was a question I was often asked when I got my new car a few months ago. Because of my Asian background, I was questioned mostly by my relatives as to where my loyalties were with brands. “Why didn’t you get a Toyota or a Honda? They are better.” I have no real brand loyalty to automobile manufactures. However, my previous cars have been American. I guess I just like supporting the underdog, even if they are made in Mexico.
Deaths due to a stuck accelerator. Halted production and sales. Regional recalls followed by international recalls. Toyota is now under a microscope and it’s safety record is questioned. Toyota has intensely loyal followers – especially in Japan where Japanese brands have become a source of nationalistic pride. How does a company come back from this type of damage from a branding stand point? In Japan, things seem to be okay. People are sympathetic about troubles abroad but feel reassured that Toyotas made in Japan are of higher quality than Toyotas manufactured elsewhere. Interesting…
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123361681&ft=1&f=1001
February 3, 2010
0
Don’t Let The Left Sack Tebow
By Van in Design, Headlines
Controversial commercials? It is most definitely Super Bowl time. This has been the hot topic for a few days. CBS has agreed to air anti-abortion / pro-life ads (all semantics). In 30 seconds, the commercial will tell a story about how Tim Tebow’s mother chose to not abort her child. Tebow goes on to be the University of Florida star quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner. It has everyone taking sides and I mean EVERYONE, including me. Pro-life vs pro-choice. Liberals vs conservatives. First Amendment free-speech defenders. Rights for gays.
I haven’t seen the commercial, but those who are against it say it’s against abortion. I can’t really define or wish to define where I stand politically. But, I am pro-choice. I believe women should have a choice. As a man, I will never be able to comprehend the relationship between mother and child and the emotional and physical burdens/blessing of having to carry life. As such, I am in no position to decide what a woman should do. If this commercial presents a perspective of one’s choice to choose life then I am all for it. Tebow’s family is extremely blessed to have made the best out of such dire circumstances. Tim Tebow is standing up for his beliefs and I respect him for that.
However, this situation gets clouded a bit because of CBS. If you are going to air ads from advocacy groups on one side of the spectrum, then they should be open to the other as well. CBS rejected an ad for a gay dating website. What criteria did they use to reject the commercial… I don’t know. If companies and groups can afford the commercial time and produce appropriate ads then there shouldn’t be a problem. Abortion and gay rights are highly political and polarizing issues in America and this whole commercial ordeal captures pretty well what it’s like in the U.S. right now. What is also stirring controversy is that CBS had a hand in creating the Tim Tebow commercial. They should be more neutral. Definitely added a Fox News type of stench to this whole thing.
Bottom-line? I hate hypocrisy.
Where do you stand?
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2010/02/03/2010-02-03_the_left_tries_to_intercept_tebows_message.html
Tags: abortion, commercials, football, gay rights, superbowl, tim tebow
February 2, 2010
0
Giant Squid Invade California
By Van in Design, Headlines
60-pound squid swarming through the coast of California and there is only one man who can stop them.
Tags: california, giant squid
February 1, 2010
1
Blue Whales Are Singing In A Lower Key
By Van in Design, Headlines, Life
I was pretty bummed this morning reading about Obama’s proposed budget and how it effects NASA’s Constellation Program. Manned mission to the moon by 2020? Lunar base on the moon? All scrapped. I remember being extremely excited when Bush announced such plans and vision for space exploration – however unrealistic they may be. As disappointed as I am, it all makes sense. Human space travel appeals to our sense of curiosity and desire for exploration. I’d like to think that, on some level, it’s similar to my desire to go to Japan, South Africa or Australia. However, without proper funding and finances, such things are unachievable in the short term without making significant sacrifice and rearranging priorities.
Then I read this article about blue whales and how researchers accidentally discovered that their voices have dropped half an octave since the 1960’s. We have so much to learn about ourselves and the things on our planet that need so much more funding. I remember someone told me we know more about space than we do our own oceans.
With that said, I think it’s time for me to go explore Los Angeles again and maybe even that little 60’s themed coffee shop down the street that my friend inspired me to check out.
Blue Whales Are Singing In A Lower Key
Tags: blue whales, nasa, obama, space