David Zach, futurist

Data Visualization, Data Complexity

I keep thinking there's got to be a better way than just more and more data for us to plow through. Here's an example of Visual Complexity via Gizmodo.com of fascinating data visualization that offers some hope, especially with sense that design applied to data should reveal refinement and a sense of the aesthetic. 

Can data be beautiful and give us a sense of "Ah!" as opposed the the growing sense of "Ugh!" — one can only hope and encourage the information architects to focus not just on measurement, but whimsy as well. 

Modern Times Poem by David Zach, Futurist

I keep getting request for this poem that comes near the end of my talk. I did not know it was a poem, but if they're going to call it that, who am I to resist? (Find a handout poster of this here.)

This is about the world that we give to our children. They are not fooled (like we are) and they see the world for what it is. Just as children are often not fooled by magicians, too often we are. The magicians of today are everywhere, constantly distracting us from what we once knew to be vital. 

Why do we treat unhappiness in children as the most frightening of diseases and must be treated with medications?

When everything is possible, is that a sign of a world that is vital, optimistic and hopeful - or is it a sign of a world that is tired and wants to sleep? 

We are modern, we are distracted, we are clever. 

Children are the message we send to the future. What are we trying to say?

Modern times

  Nothing can wait.

Nothing can satisfy. 

Nothing can last.  

No one can be unhappy.

No one can be judged.

No one can be trusted.

Nothing is hidden.

Nothing is forbidden. 

Nothing is certain.

Everything is a need.

Everything is a choice. 

Everything is possible. 

What Is It Like to Have a Father?

My good friend James T. Harris on Father's Day has something to say to the day and to the ages about the importance of what Dads do. What is it like to have a father? 

James is an exceptional speaker, check out his website James T. Harris. 

In the Shadows

Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars.
Henry van Dyke

We should also look at some of the shadows for what they reveal.

My brother John sent this to me. Sort of hard to stay mad at the world when we can do this sort of thing.

I don't speak any of the Chinese languages but I think what most of them were saying was, "Down in front!"

At the end, it's a car ad - before that, it's beautiful.

A quick search on YouTube reveals lots more play in the shadows.