Reflections: Social

Life vs. Afterlife Part 1

ebakst — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:53:33 -0700

This much delayed episode comes to you all the way from China, where I am now, invited here as a Professor & KoGuan Chair of Digital Arts & Design @ Peking University.

The Promised Land: Part 5

ebakst — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:16:14 -0800

Edward's final post on his travels and search for artistic and spiritual enlightenment in Israel.

The Promised Land: Part 3

ebakst — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:33:47 -0800

To join all of the walls of the past, a yet another, vast and enormously tall wall, has recently been constructed by Israel to protect itself against terrorist attacks and suicidal bombers.

The Promised Land: Part 2

ebakst — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:47:35 -0800

Unquestionably controversial for its relationship with its neighbors, for numerous other economic reasons, and for its so compelling history and stamina, this petite state has become an envy of so many others.

Imagination Part 2

ebakst — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:04:55 -0700

These days, when technology plays such a significant role in all aspects of our lives, and in much of what we do, there is a strong relationship between “IT” and our imagination: when they are not in balance, technology itself can overshadow imagination and seemingly become the ultimate answer to all. But when they are, technology empowers us, acting as our “magic wand”.

Imagination Part 1

ebakst — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:26:09 -0700

To share ideals and bring about meaningful transformations one needs a voice. Coming from a country where artists were the heralds of freedom and the voices for change against an oppressive system shaped by single-minded and intolerant ideology and resulting government, I have found mine through the power of imagination.

Encounter with Japan Part 5

ebakst — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:56:24 -0800

Political correctness, fear of being painted as insensitive, a chauvinist, a racist, or being too this or too that, or “I’ll sue you”, is killing our free spirit, our sincere openness, ability to dialogue or differ with others on a deeper emotional level.

Encounter with Japan Part 4

ebakst — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:45:54 -0800

There are many impressive aspects of and qualities I now associate with Japanese people, their ways of lives and their culture with. However, what sets them apart in minds of those who have had a limited exposure to, or those who have never been there, are Anime and Manga, and to a lesser extent a mysterious Geisha.

Encounter with Japan Part 3

ebakst — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:09:56 -0800

Now, having observed Japanese society, the way it was taught to control their emotional and physical demeanor, I am un-startled by their adamantly unshaken, orderly, ongoing trust in authorities. It leads to a polite, restrained, reverently subdued reaction to what ensued due the corporate negligence, and a secretive, cunning cover up that continues to define what is being done to them.

Encounter With Japan Part 2

ebakst — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:54:19 -0800

As I reflected in my previous blog, Japanese are true perfectionists, in all they do. Thus, when it comes to political correctness, over centuries, and elected isolation from the external world, they turned it into an art form, a nature, but at what cost? Bowing projects a wonderfully charming sense of politeness and respect, but it does not end on just one bow, it goes on, and on. It is very carefully and skillfully choreographed and, as such, not spontaneous.