This document contains short quotes from various New Zealanders on a wide range of topics such as experimentation, censorship, celebrity, education, passion, sexism, teamwork, bravery, progress, journalism, freedom, and more. Each quote is attributed to the person who said it and identifies their occupation or background. The quotes offer insights but do not have a clear connection between them or an overall cohesive theme.
"No Justice in This World": David James Duncan's "The Brothers K" -- presentation, 25th anniversary meeting of the Baseball in Literature and Culture conference, originally scheduled for April 3, 2020... postponed to July 16, 2021
Be More Creative: What Is Your Self Concept?Douglas Eby
One reason for discounting our creative abilities is comparing ourselves to other people, especially well-known and successful artists. Myths about artists being "crazy" or "starving" may also influence how much we may be motivated to live a creative life.
It's zero dark thirty. The choppers are coming for a landing. You know what is coming next. You are asked by a reporter about rumors of a surgical strike. Your mom told you to always tell the truth. Do you?
Presidential press secretaries Jody Powell and Larry Speakes were both confronted with the same difficult choice.
Meet Crazyjamjam - A TikTok Sensation | Blog EternalBlog Eternal
Crazyjamjam, the TikTok star everyone's talking about! Uncover her secrets to success, viral trends, and more in this exclusive feature on Blog Eternal.
Source: https://blogeternal.com/celebrity/crazyjamjam-leaks/
From the Editor's Desk: 115th Father's day Celebration - When we see Father's day in Hindu context, Nanda Baba is the most vivid figure which comes to the mind. Nanda Baba who was the foster father of Lord Krishna is known to provide love, care and affection to Lord Krishna and Balarama along with his wife Yashoda; Letter’s to the Editor: Mother's Day - Mother is a precious life for their children. Mother is life breath for her children. Mother's lap is the world happiness whose debt can never be paid.
As a film director, I have always been awestruck by the magic of animation. Animation, a medium once considered solely for the amusement of children, has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Its evolution from a rudimentary form of entertainment to a sophisticated form of storytelling has stirred my creativity and expanded my vision, offering limitless possibilities in the realm of cinematic storytelling.
Young Tom Selleck: A Journey Through His Early Years and Rise to Stardomgreendigital
Introduction
When one thinks of Hollywood legends, Tom Selleck is a name that comes to mind. Known for his charming smile, rugged good looks. and the iconic mustache that has become synonymous with his persona. Tom Selleck has had a prolific career spanning decades. But, the journey of young Tom Selleck, from his early years to becoming a household name. is a story filled with determination, talent, and a touch of luck. This article delves into young Tom Selleck's life, background, early struggles. and pivotal moments that led to his rise in Hollywood.
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Early Life and Background
Family Roots and Childhood
Thomas William Selleck was born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 29, 1945. He was the second of four children in a close-knit family. His father, Robert Dean Selleck, was a real estate investor and executive. while his mother, Martha Selleck, was a homemaker. The Selleck family relocated to Sherman Oaks, California. when Tom was a child, setting the stage for his future in the entertainment industry.
Education and Early Interests
Growing up, young Tom Selleck was an active and athletic child. He attended Grant High School in Van Nuys, California. where he excelled in sports, particularly basketball. His tall and athletic build made him a standout player, and he earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Southern California (U.S.C.). While at U.S.C., Selleck studied business administration. but his interests shifted toward acting.
Discovery of Acting Passion
Tom Selleck's journey into acting was serendipitous. During his time at U.S.C., a drama coach encouraged him to try acting. This nudge led him to join the Hills Playhouse, where he began honing his craft. Transitioning from an aspiring athlete to an actor took time. but young Tom Selleck became drawn to the performance world.
Early Career Struggles
Breaking Into the Industry
The path to stardom was a challenging one for young Tom Selleck. Like many aspiring actors, he faced many rejections and struggled to find steady work. A series of minor roles and guest appearances on television shows marked his early career. In 1965, he debuted on the syndicated show "The Dating Game." which gave him some exposure but did not lead to immediate success.
The Commercial Breakthrough
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Selleck began appearing in television commercials. His rugged good looks and charismatic presence made him a popular brand choice. He starred in advertisements for Pepsi-Cola, Revlon, and Close-Up toothpaste. These commercials provided financial stability and helped him gain visibility in the industry.
Struggling Actor in Hollywood
Despite his success in commercials. breaking into large acting roles remained a challenge for young Tom Selleck. He auditioned and took on small parts in T.V. shows and movies. Some of his early television appearances included roles in popular series like Lancer, The F.B.I., and Bracken's World. But, it would take a
In the vast landscape of cinema, stories have been told, retold, and reimagined in countless ways. At the heart of this narrative evolution lies the concept of a "remake". A successful remake allows us to revisit cherished tales through a fresh lens, often reflecting a different era's perspective or harnessing the power of advanced technology. Yet, the question remains, what makes a remake successful? Today, we will delve deeper into this subject, identifying the key ingredients that contribute to the success of a remake.
Matt Rife Cancels Shows Due to Health Concerns, Reschedules Tour Dates.pdfAzura Everhart
Matt Rife's comedy tour took an unexpected turn. He had to cancel his Bloomington show due to a last-minute medical emergency. Fans in Chicago will also have to wait a bit longer for their laughs, as his shows there are postponed. Rife apologized and assured fans he'd be back on stage soon.
https://www.theurbancrews.com/celeb/matt-rife-cancels-bloomington-show/
"No Justice in This World": David James Duncan's "The Brothers K" -- presentation, 25th anniversary meeting of the Baseball in Literature and Culture conference, originally scheduled for April 3, 2020... postponed to July 16, 2021
Be More Creative: What Is Your Self Concept?Douglas Eby
One reason for discounting our creative abilities is comparing ourselves to other people, especially well-known and successful artists. Myths about artists being "crazy" or "starving" may also influence how much we may be motivated to live a creative life.
It's zero dark thirty. The choppers are coming for a landing. You know what is coming next. You are asked by a reporter about rumors of a surgical strike. Your mom told you to always tell the truth. Do you?
Presidential press secretaries Jody Powell and Larry Speakes were both confronted with the same difficult choice.
Meet Crazyjamjam - A TikTok Sensation | Blog EternalBlog Eternal
Crazyjamjam, the TikTok star everyone's talking about! Uncover her secrets to success, viral trends, and more in this exclusive feature on Blog Eternal.
Source: https://blogeternal.com/celebrity/crazyjamjam-leaks/
From the Editor's Desk: 115th Father's day Celebration - When we see Father's day in Hindu context, Nanda Baba is the most vivid figure which comes to the mind. Nanda Baba who was the foster father of Lord Krishna is known to provide love, care and affection to Lord Krishna and Balarama along with his wife Yashoda; Letter’s to the Editor: Mother's Day - Mother is a precious life for their children. Mother is life breath for her children. Mother's lap is the world happiness whose debt can never be paid.
As a film director, I have always been awestruck by the magic of animation. Animation, a medium once considered solely for the amusement of children, has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Its evolution from a rudimentary form of entertainment to a sophisticated form of storytelling has stirred my creativity and expanded my vision, offering limitless possibilities in the realm of cinematic storytelling.
Young Tom Selleck: A Journey Through His Early Years and Rise to Stardomgreendigital
Introduction
When one thinks of Hollywood legends, Tom Selleck is a name that comes to mind. Known for his charming smile, rugged good looks. and the iconic mustache that has become synonymous with his persona. Tom Selleck has had a prolific career spanning decades. But, the journey of young Tom Selleck, from his early years to becoming a household name. is a story filled with determination, talent, and a touch of luck. This article delves into young Tom Selleck's life, background, early struggles. and pivotal moments that led to his rise in Hollywood.
Follow us on: Pinterest
Early Life and Background
Family Roots and Childhood
Thomas William Selleck was born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 29, 1945. He was the second of four children in a close-knit family. His father, Robert Dean Selleck, was a real estate investor and executive. while his mother, Martha Selleck, was a homemaker. The Selleck family relocated to Sherman Oaks, California. when Tom was a child, setting the stage for his future in the entertainment industry.
Education and Early Interests
Growing up, young Tom Selleck was an active and athletic child. He attended Grant High School in Van Nuys, California. where he excelled in sports, particularly basketball. His tall and athletic build made him a standout player, and he earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Southern California (U.S.C.). While at U.S.C., Selleck studied business administration. but his interests shifted toward acting.
Discovery of Acting Passion
Tom Selleck's journey into acting was serendipitous. During his time at U.S.C., a drama coach encouraged him to try acting. This nudge led him to join the Hills Playhouse, where he began honing his craft. Transitioning from an aspiring athlete to an actor took time. but young Tom Selleck became drawn to the performance world.
Early Career Struggles
Breaking Into the Industry
The path to stardom was a challenging one for young Tom Selleck. Like many aspiring actors, he faced many rejections and struggled to find steady work. A series of minor roles and guest appearances on television shows marked his early career. In 1965, he debuted on the syndicated show "The Dating Game." which gave him some exposure but did not lead to immediate success.
The Commercial Breakthrough
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Selleck began appearing in television commercials. His rugged good looks and charismatic presence made him a popular brand choice. He starred in advertisements for Pepsi-Cola, Revlon, and Close-Up toothpaste. These commercials provided financial stability and helped him gain visibility in the industry.
Struggling Actor in Hollywood
Despite his success in commercials. breaking into large acting roles remained a challenge for young Tom Selleck. He auditioned and took on small parts in T.V. shows and movies. Some of his early television appearances included roles in popular series like Lancer, The F.B.I., and Bracken's World. But, it would take a
In the vast landscape of cinema, stories have been told, retold, and reimagined in countless ways. At the heart of this narrative evolution lies the concept of a "remake". A successful remake allows us to revisit cherished tales through a fresh lens, often reflecting a different era's perspective or harnessing the power of advanced technology. Yet, the question remains, what makes a remake successful? Today, we will delve deeper into this subject, identifying the key ingredients that contribute to the success of a remake.
Matt Rife Cancels Shows Due to Health Concerns, Reschedules Tour Dates.pdfAzura Everhart
Matt Rife's comedy tour took an unexpected turn. He had to cancel his Bloomington show due to a last-minute medical emergency. Fans in Chicago will also have to wait a bit longer for their laughs, as his shows there are postponed. Rife apologized and assured fans he'd be back on stage soon.
https://www.theurbancrews.com/celeb/matt-rife-cancels-bloomington-show/
Modern Radio Frequency Access Control Systems: The Key to Efficiency and SafetyAITIX LLC
Today's fast-paced environment worries companies of all sizes about efficiency and security. Businesses are constantly looking for new and better solutions to solve their problems, whether it's data security or facility access. RFID for access control technologies have revolutionized this.
240529_Teleprotection Global Market Report 2024.pdfMadhura TBRC
The teleprotection market size has grown
exponentially in recent years. It will grow from
$21.92 billion in 2023 to $28.11 billion in 2024 at a
compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.2%. The
teleprotection market size is expected to see
exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow
to $70.77 billion in 2028 at a compound annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 26.0%.
Hollywood Actress - The 250 hottest galleryZsolt Nemeth
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Skeem Saam in June 2024 available on ForumIsaac More
Monday, June 3, 2024 - Episode 241: Sergeant Rathebe nabs a top scammer in Turfloop. Meikie is furious at her uncle's reaction to the truth about Ntswaki.
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Episode 242: Babeile uncovers the truth behind Rathebe’s latest actions. Leeto's announcement shocks his employees, and Ntswaki’s ordeal haunts her family.
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 - Episode 243: Rathebe blocks Babeile from investigating further. Melita warns Eunice to stay clear of Mr. Kgomo.
Thursday, June 6, 2024 - Episode 244: Tbose surrenders to the police while an intruder meddles in his affairs. Rathebe's secret mission faces a setback.
Friday, June 7, 2024 - Episode 245: Rathebe’s antics reach Kganyago. Tbose dodges a bullet, but a nightmare looms. Mr. Kgomo accuses Melita of witchcraft.
Monday, June 10, 2024 - Episode 246: Ntswaki struggles on her first day back at school. Babeile is stunned by Rathebe’s romance with Bullet Mabuza.
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - Episode 247: An unexpected turn halts Rathebe’s investigation. The press discovers Mr. Kgomo’s affair with a young employee.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - Episode 248: Rathebe chases a criminal, resorting to gunfire. Turf High is rife with tension and transfer threats.
Thursday, June 13, 2024 - Episode 249: Rathebe traps Kganyago. John warns Toby to stop harassing Ntswaki.
Friday, June 14, 2024 - Episode 250: Babeile is cleared to investigate Rathebe. Melita gains Mr. Kgomo’s trust, and Jacobeth devises a financial solution.
Monday, June 17, 2024 - Episode 251: Rathebe feels the pressure as Babeile closes in. Mr. Kgomo and Eunice clash. Jacobeth risks her safety in pursuit of Kganyago.
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - Episode 252: Bullet Mabuza retaliates against Jacobeth. Pitsi inadvertently reveals his parents’ plans. Nkosi is shocked by Khwezi’s decision on LJ’s future.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Episode 253: Jacobeth is ensnared in deceit. Evelyn is stressed over Toby’s case, and Letetswe reveals shocking academic results.
Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Episode 254: Elizabeth learns Jacobeth is in Mpumalanga. Kganyago's past is exposed, and Lehasa discovers his son is in KZN.
Friday, June 21, 2024 - Episode 255: Elizabeth confirms Jacobeth’s dubious activities in Mpumalanga. Rathebe lies about her relationship with Bullet, and Jacobeth faces theft accusations.
Monday, June 24, 2024 - Episode 256: Rathebe spies on Kganyago. Lehasa plans to retrieve his son from KZN, fearing what awaits.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - Episode 257: MaNtuli fears for Kwaito’s safety in Mpumalanga. Mr. Kgomo and Melita reconcile.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - Episode 258: Kganyago makes a bold escape. Elizabeth receives a shocking message from Kwaito. Mrs. Khoza defends her husband against scam accusations.
Thursday, June 27, 2024 - Episode 259: Babeile's skillful arrest changes the game. Tbose and Kwaito face a hostage crisis.
Friday, June 28, 2024 - Episode 260: Two women face the reality of being scammed. Turf is rocked by breaking
Meet Dinah Mattingly – Larry Bird’s Partner in Life and Loveget joys
Get an intimate look at Dinah Mattingly’s life alongside NBA icon Larry Bird. From their humble beginnings to their life today, discover the love and partnership that have defined their relationship.
Experience the thrill of Progressive Puzzle Adventures, like Scavenger Hunt Games and Escape Room Activities combined Solve Treasure Hunt Puzzles online.
Tom Selleck Net Worth: A Comprehensive Analysisgreendigital
Over several decades, Tom Selleck, a name synonymous with charisma. From his iconic role as Thomas Magnum in the television series "Magnum, P.I." to his enduring presence in "Blue Bloods," Selleck has captivated audiences with his versatility and charm. As a result, "Tom Selleck net worth" has become a topic of great interest among fans. and financial enthusiasts alike. This article delves deep into Tom Selleck's wealth, exploring his career, assets, endorsements. and business ventures that contribute to his impressive economic standing.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
The Foundation of Tom Selleck's Wealth
Born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Tom Selleck grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. His journey towards building a large net worth began with humble origins. , Selleck pursued a business administration degree at the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. But, his interest shifted towards acting. leading him to study at the Hills Playhouse under Milton Katselas.
Minor roles in television and films marked Selleck's early career. He appeared in commercials and took on small parts in T.V. series such as "The Dating Game" and "Lancer." These initial steps, although modest. laid the groundwork for his future success and the growth of Tom Selleck net worth. Breakthrough with "Magnum, P.I."
The Role that Defined Tom Selleck's Career
Tom Selleck's breakthrough came with the role of Thomas Magnum in the CBS television series "Magnum, P.I." (1980-1988). This role made him a household name and boosted his net worth. The series' popularity resulted in Selleck earning large salaries. leading to financial stability and increased recognition in Hollywood.
"Magnum P.I." garnered high ratings and critical acclaim during its run. Selleck's portrayal of the charming and resourceful private investigator resonated with audiences. making him one of the most beloved television actors of the 1980s. The success of "Magnum P.I." played a pivotal role in shaping Tom Selleck net worth, establishing him as a major star.
Film Career and Diversification
Expanding Tom Selleck's Financial Portfolio
While "Magnum, P.I." was a cornerstone of Selleck's career, he did not limit himself to television. He ventured into films, further enhancing Tom Selleck net worth. His filmography includes notable movies such as "Three Men and a Baby" (1987). which became the highest-grossing film of the year, and its sequel, "Three Men and a Little Lady" (1990). These box office successes contributed to his wealth.
Selleck's versatility allowed him to transition between genres. from comedies like "Mr. Baseball" (1992) to westerns such as "Quigley Down Under" (1990). This diversification showcased his acting range. and provided many income streams, reinforcing Tom Selleck net worth.
Television Resurgence with "Blue Bloods"
Sustaining Wealth through Consistent Success
In 2010, Tom Selleck began starring as Frank Reagan i
As a movie director, I am often asked about the process of creating an indie film. It's a journey of passion, perseverance, and planning, and today, I'm going to take you through it.
Scandal! Teasers June 2024 on etv Forum.co.zaIsaac More
Monday, 3 June 2024
Episode 47
A friend is compelled to expose a manipulative scheme to prevent another from making a grave mistake. In a frantic bid to save Jojo, Phakamile agrees to a meeting that unbeknownst to her, will seal her fate.
Tuesday, 4 June 2024
Episode 48
A mother, with her son's best interests at heart, finds him unready to heed her advice. Motshabi finds herself in an unmanageable situation, sinking fast like in quicksand.
Wednesday, 5 June 2024
Episode 49
A woman fabricates a diabolical lie to cover up an indiscretion. Overwhelmed by guilt, she makes a spontaneous confession that could be devastating to another heart.
Thursday, 6 June 2024
Episode 50
Linda unwittingly discloses damning information. Nhlamulo and Vuvu try to guide their friend towards the right decision.
Friday, 7 June 2024
Episode 51
Jojo's life continues to spiral out of control. Dintle weaves a web of lies to conceal that she is not as successful as everyone believes.
Monday, 10 June 2024
Episode 52
A heated confrontation between lovers leads to a devastating admission of guilt. Dintle's desperation takes a new turn, leaving her with dwindling options.
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
Episode 53
Unable to resort to violence, Taps issues a verbal threat, leaving Mdala unsettled. A sister must explain her life choices to regain her brother's trust.
Wednesday, 12 June 2024
Episode 54
Winnie makes a very troubling discovery. Taps follows through on his threat, leaving a woman reeling. Layla, oblivious to the truth, offers an incentive.
Thursday, 13 June 2024
Episode 55
A nosy relative arrives just in time to thwart a man's fatal decision. Dintle manipulates Khanyi to tug at Mo's heartstrings and get what she wants.
Friday, 14 June 2024
Episode 56
Tlhogi is shocked by Mdala's reaction following the revelation of their indiscretion. Jojo is in disbelief when the punishment for his crime is revealed.
Monday, 17 June 2024
Episode 57
A woman reprimands another to stay in her lane, leading to a damning revelation. A man decides to leave his broken life behind.
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
Episode 58
Nhlamulo learns that due to his actions, his worst fears have come true. Caiphus' extravagant promises to suppliers get him into trouble with Ndu.
Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Episode 59
A woman manages to kill two birds with one stone. Business doom looms over Chillax. A sobering incident makes a woman realize how far she's fallen.
Thursday, 20 June 2024
Episode 60
Taps' offer to help Nhlamulo comes with hidden motives. Caiphus' new ideas for Chillax have MaHilda excited. A blast from the past recognizes Dintle, not for her newfound fame.
Friday, 21 June 2024
Episode 61
Taps is hungry for revenge and finds a rope to hang Mdala with. Chillax's new job opportunity elicits mixed reactions from the public. Roommates' initial meeting starts off on the wrong foot.
Monday, 24 June 2024
Episode 62
Taps seizes new information and recruits someone on the inside. Mary's new job
2. BUT FIRST:
“I need your WIFI password to Skpye with my dad.”
—Jesus H. Christ (raconteur)
3. ON EXPERIMENTATION:
“I mean, the general rule is if you're not prepared to make
a mistake, you're not going to make much progress.”
—Maurice Wilkins (physicist & biologist)
4. ON CENSORSHIP:
“For your own good is a persuasive argument that
will eventually make a man agree to his own destruction.”
—Janet Frame (author)
5. ON HOAXES:
“I wish I had Wonder Woman's magic lasso
like her to make people tell the truth.”
—Kylie Bax (model & actress)
6. ON GEEK CULTURE:
“To me, Darth Vader is the epitome of evil.”
—Manu Bennett (actor)
7. ON AMERICAN EXPORTS:
“Tell people you're a Canadian or a Kiwi
when you travel and they'll adore you.”
—Daniel Gillies (actor)
8. ON DIGITAL DIETS:
“It's just a matter of understanding what's
necessary and discipline yourself to do it.”
—Arthur Lydiard (runner & coach)
9. ON ACTIVISM:
“The quest for peace begins in the home,
in the school and in the workplace.”
—Silvia Cartwright (former Governor-General)
10. ON PUBLISHING:
“A lot of writing's going down
dead ends that don't go anywhere.”
—Andrew Dominik (director & screenwriter)
11. ON CELEBRITY:
“People do not decide to become extraordinary.
They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.”
—Edmund Hillary (explorer)
12. ON FINDING YOUR TRIBE:
“I was a kid who didn't have a lot of self-esteem.”
—Melanie Lynskey (actress)
13. ON ANONYMITY:
“I was able to grow up and do silly things
and have a life with only a small amount of public scrutiny.”
—Keisha Castle-Hughes (actress)
14. ON NARRATIVES:
“Writing is a passion I have never understood,
yet a storyteller is all I have ever wanted to be.”
—Ruth Park (author)
16. ON PASSION:
“Love has the quality of informing
almost everything - even one's work.”
—Sylvia Ashton-Warner (writer, poet & educator)
17. ON SEXISM:
“I'm a writer first and a woman after.”
—Katherine Mansfield (modernist writer)
18. ON ONLINE DATING:
“It makes it very exciting don't you think to live in an age of,
of discovery of human personality this way?”
—John Money (sexologist & author)
20. ON CHALLENGES:
“That's always an interesting concept when you try to make your dream
into a reality and you come up against the facts of exactly what it is you're
attempting to do.”
—Karl Urban (actor)
22. ON COMMENT THREADS;
“Treat everyone the same until you find out they're an idiot.”
—Lucy Lawless (actress & activist)
23. ON TEAMWORK:
“Collaboration is the best way to work. It's the only way to work, really.
Everyone's there because they have a set of skills to offer across the board.”
—Antony Starr (actor)
24. ON MODERATING:
“Peace is a fragile thing.
It takes courage to secure it.
It takes wisdom to maintain it.”
—Jenny Shipley (former Prime Minister)
25. ON SEARCH:
“This sounds an extraordinary statement to make,
but in fact all truth is very ordinary.’
—Brian Perkins (broadcaster)
26. ON FREELANCING:
“Sometimes I think, 'Oh, I wish I just had a nice job
where you're getting a salary.' Just sometimes.”
—Temuera Morrison (actor)
27. ON BRAVERY:
“How do I take a step?
How do I lift my foot off the ground, move it through the air
a little bit and then bring it down?
I had to teach myself to walk again.”
—Jonah Lomu (rugby player)
28. ON SELFIES:
“All you need is a bad angle and
suddenly you're 30 pounds overweight.”
—Rachel Hunter (model & actress)
30. ON HATERS:
“I was bullied and regarded as little bit of an oddball myself.”
—Peter Jackson (Groundskeeper, Middle Earth)
31. ON PROGRESS:
“A huge change has taken place in my lifetime.”
—Michael King (historian)
32. ON CONTENT:
“People are consuming more than ever,
but I think they want a bit of honesty and depth.”
—Kimbra (recording artist)
33. ON CONNECTIVITY:
“The world, whether we like it or not,
will become more and more borderless.”
—John Key (Prime Minister)
34. ON OPPORTUNITY:
“I always thought I'd go to university and then get a real job, you know.
Now I want to do stuff that really makes me happy.”
—Martin Henderson (actor)
35. ON JOURNALISM:
“With any good story, you need the adversary, the heroes
and villains. You need a good mixture to make it work.”
—Phil Keoghan (television personality)
36. ON FREEDOM:
“I'm completely in charge of my own life now. Sometimes there's
no one there to slap me on the hand and say: 'Stop being so
bullish and bossy,' and things like that.”
—Kiri Te Kanawa (opera singer)
37. ON MANUFACTURED OUTRAGE:
“We used to say that he who threw the biggest tantrum won the day.”
—Neil Finn (recording artist)
38. ON CURIOSITY:
“A good education should leave much to be desired.”
—Alan Gregg (musician)
39. ON CAT VIDEOS:
“Dumbing down takes many forms: art that is good for you, museums
that flatter you, universities that increase your self-esteem. Culture,
after all, is really about you.”
—Denis Dutton (philosopher & web entrepreneur)
I wondered, when I was first invited here, what I should talk about. Well, I’m a cartoonist, so I should cartoon something. Right? Well, how about the internet? I mean, this is a conference about just that very thing! But It’s such a big topic. So many layers—it’s a giant digital onion. Hmm. Anyway, I ended up setting up you New Zealanders to explain the internet, in your own words. It’ll be rapid fire, and rather tangental—as if I were the voice in your head while you surf around online.
But before I go any further: I must issue a disclaimer. The internet is great at taking quotes out of context, misattributing them, and turning them into social objects that render the original commentary utterly irrelevant to the reader. It’s often amazing and frequently annoying, but it’s rarely done maliciously. And so today I’ll carry on that tradition of taking things entirely out of context and using them for my own, narratively motivated ends. And now that THAT’S out of the way—
Not sure if your idea has merit? Throw it up online and see if anybody shares it, agrees with it, hates it, or loves it. Repeat until something sticks and gets some momentum behind it. This is “why the hell not” method works for everybody from tech start-ups to artists. And with the cost of trying ideas out is so deliciously low, and the possible rewards are astronomically high, the internet is a great place to try just about anything. Try anything—don’t censor your ideas. Which brings us to the next quote—
The internet is fast becoming less of a free and open platform and more of a regulated medium. Online privacy is pretty much a thing of the past. Big business is deciding what we can find through search, and our feeds are edited by advertising algorythims. And, of course, it’s all being spun that it’s for our own good. For our own safety. And perhaps the most Orwellian, ‘to optimize our experience.’ It’s frightening stuff. And it’s real. Unlike a lot of OTHER things online—
If it’s not creepy pasta—the urban legends of the internet, then it’s faked blooper reels, fictional girlfriends from Canada, phishing scams, link-bait headlines, or a “current” photo that’s decades old. As the saying goes, on the internet, nobody knows you’re a dog—but nowadays, we all suspect every story has a few fleas anyway. And if you aren’t harboring any fleas of deception, you probably have some other embarrassing, geeky thing going on. And that’s cool—
Because things that were nerdy and geeky and previously niche are now recognized and accessible for everybody. Geekery is has transformed from the realm of perpetual virgins into something cool, somehow. This is the interent’s doing. The popular kids have taken over the geek spaces, and the geeks are surprised, horrified, flattered, and confused by the gentrification of their favorite things. But nothing, and nobody, stays in one spot for long anymore—
When I was living in London, I heard someone say the word NEBRASKA from roughly two blocks away. Amazingly, he wasn’t yelling. He was just being an American abroad. Americans tend to be loud and bossy presumptuous, and our loud and bossy and presumptuous culture, oddly enough, is our biggest export. Thankfully, time zones mean that at least for a few hours a day, the internet is mostly free of us, and there’s much less yelling in all caps. And speaking of spending time offline—
How many times do we refresh our feeds in an hour? Check statuses? Inboxes? Notifications? Too many times. When it comes to media consumptions, less is more, I think, because most of what we read and see and subscribe to is addictive, digital junk food. It’s digital crack we all consume in vast quantities. Weaning ourselves form our blue screens is difficult, but it’s amazing what you can learn when you unplug for a while. The real world needs you as much as your digital one does.
Which brings us to the idea of activism. Is it enough to grant a microfinance loan of twenty five to a woman half a world away? To click like? To text a few bucks every time there’s a newsworthy disaster? What does it mean to be an online activist? I like this quote because it answers those questions—it says to do your good deeds in the real world, where they’re needed most. But not all needs are desperate—sometimes, people just need a little poetry.
So let’s talk publishing. There are eleventy gazillion blogs and twitter accounts and facebook timelines and linkedin profiles and abandoned homepages out there. And most of them are only read by the person who wrote them. The internet is a blank sheet of paper, an block of uncut marble, a clean slate. We can all write whatever we want practically anywhere we want—and even if no one reads it, the exercise enriches us. Quality and fame aren’t always linked anyway—
What is extraordinary anymore? Summiting Everest? Getting 20 million hits? The most memorable people online aren’t the ones who wanted to “get famous” they’re the ones who wanted to make something, do something, share something. Online, there’s room for all types of famous—from nerdy to sexy and from brilliant to jaw-droppingly stupid. But the lasting fame, the historical kind, belongs to the doers, not the wannabes. And online, fame can be macro, and it can be micro—
And anymore, micro is where people are finding themselves, and their tribes. Alone? Depressed? Trapped in a room but nothing but your virginity and an internet connection? The internet can help! Love little kittens and want to snuggle them all? There are many places for you! Hate little kittens and want to on stomp them? Fewer places, but still, even kitten stompers have a tribe! Whatever it is you love, hate, wonder about, or feel, there is a place for you online.
But are there any places left to hide? In one big and scary and brand new way, it sucks to be young today. Practically every action they take goes on their permanent record. And by permanent record, I mean Google. I cannot imagine having instagram in college. I never would have gotten any sort of respectable job. Nobody I know would have. Maybe that’s why sketchbooks are so trendy lately. Analog = privacy. But what stories are we putting into our pages?
The internet is being written in visual, verbal, auditory, and coded languages. You don’t have to be a wordsmith to tell a story. You don’t have to write a 100,000 word novel to be a published author anymore—you can tell a story with an image, or a currated collection of them. It’s the not format of the work, it’s the story it tells. You can even tell a life story in a tweet, like the famous line “For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn.” And inspiration comes in so very many forms—
Almost every brilliant, fun, helpful, wonderful person, living and dead, is just a click or so away from you at all times. AT ALL TIMES! Everyone you admire (or their work, at least) is right there to inspire you. And when you’ve got the world in your pocket, writer’s block can be vanquished with a quick sip from the information fire-hose. Just don’t get stuck wandering around in amazement, or you’ll never get your work done. Still, to get anything done, you still need—
Passion. And lots of it. You may not be enthralled with the administrative tasks, but if those chores support your wild ideas, it’s worthwhile drudgery. You may not be overly enthusiastic about your desk job, but if it makes spending evenings with happy, well-fed children possible, the job takes on a new meaning. The internet connects us not only to each other, but to our motivations, and that’s encouraging. But you know what’s the opposite of encouraging?
This is the oppoiste of encouraging. I’m dismissed, argued with, scolded, and invited to molest angry strangers on a regular basis online. Gross. But all I can do is delete the garbage and keep working, and encourage other lady people to do the same. Every woman on the internet knows what I’m talking about, and every man on the internet needs get used to us, because we are not getting offline to go and make you a god damn sandwich. Not to say that the sexes are in total opposition online—
You can now, for the first time in human history, carefully choreograph your first romantic impressions. You can tweak your profile to sound like the fascinating creature you wish you were, instead of the lumbering dork you are. You can photoshop away blemishes. Meet thousands of people you never would have otherwise, and even fall in love. It’s a new world out there. And not sut for people looking to hook up.
Nothing online is ever the same, moment to moment. From fashions to business models, the cycles are spinning faster and faster and it’s a job in and of itself to keep up. When we can get comfortable with the page of change, and adopt a rather Buddhist mindset to our work and our place in the world, we can surf the Zeitgeist instead of getting pummeled by constantly crashing waves of information and technology. And that is so much easier said than done.
A thousand tiny adjustments are needed to navigate to pretty much anywhere—those aren’t mistakes, they’re adjustments to challenges. That’s bending instead of snapping. I have seen a lot of angry people explain why they gave up on an idea, and heard a lot of successful people explain how they changed their idea to work. That’s not failing fast, that’s just paying attention. Now, paying attention is one thing. Paying the bills is something else entirely.
Why do we create? Why do we share what we make? The internet is showing us that art for arts sake is still a valid human motivation, and that while we sometimes have to work for money, we build for something greater, and a lot of times, the money does follow the motivation. So much skill and time and talent is out there—now, to get the guys with the checkbooks to see it. But for every payday, there are weeks of people bitching.
The expectation online is that everyone is opinionated, set in their ways, belligerent, judgmental, and tedious. That’s because those voices are the loudest, not because they’re the majority. Subtly and nuance and thoughtfulness tend to get lost in the shouting matches. So listen for the quiet grey ideas between the loud black and white arguments. I think there’s a lot we can learn by tuning out the bores. And by looking for collaborators instead of trading barbs.
There is a huge difference between a bunch of people assigned to a project and a group of people who came together from all corners of the world to make something happen. One is forced and awkward, the other feels natural and healthy. The internet facilitates this sort of lovely serendipitous collaboration. So share contact information freely today—speed up the digital cross-pollination. And while we’re on the subject of rewarding collaborative experiences—
Let’s talk about moderation. There is no limit to the horrible things that can be said to strangers across the screen. And while a lot of terrible things can and do happen online, it’s amazing to me that most discourse isn’t horrible. Isn’t disgusting. Isn’t cruel. For every headline about bullying, there are thousands of friendships made online. I like to think people are good. And I hope we can even better. But we have to seek out knowledge, not just information.
How to spell a word? What is the main ingredient in Nutella? Show me a map of the north pole. Where is my package in transit? What’s my bank balance? Google can tell you in a split second, and suddenly, knowledge feels cheap and instantly forgetable. The real discoveries continue to be the things we discover on our own. The answers google can’t find: like, What does it feel like to kiss him? And, What does home smell like at dawn on Christmas morning? And sometimes, how can I find my next gig—
Which brings us to the land of the the funemployed. I work for myself, and for dozens of clients at once. Lots of deadlines. Lots of chores. Lots of puzzles to solve. Sometimes it’s scary, but mostly, it’s energizing. I get to come to events like this and think about so many things—and not once, not ever, do I have to listen to a boss tell me how one day, if I behave myself and work hard and pay lots and lots of dues, I can be as pathetic and miserable as he is. So on one hand, it’s easy, and on the other hand, it’s brave.
And bravery is mandatory, not just for freelancers, but for anyone working in pixlels. Sometimes it’s hard to hit send. It takes bravery to ship. It takes gumption to reach out across the digital chasm and connect with a stranger. It’s daunting to look at a massive project and not feel small in its shadow. And the only way, as they say, to eat an entire elephant is one bite at a time. Being online is being brave, working there takes serious mental effort. Thank god we don’t have to go it completely alone—
We’re always performing online. Selfies are portraits painted for an audience. Want to take a really good one? Think of the person you love most in the world, who motivates you to lurch out of bed every morning, the person who loves you just as you are, in spite of yourself. Snap what that memory does to your face, and, if you want to, end it to them with a note of thanks. Because you are never just yourself, who you love is a big part of you, and it shows on your face.
Another way to get your eyes to light up is to learn a new trick. We can learn practically anything online. Lectures by great professors. Wisdom of the ancients. Information is flooding over us, all the time. Advanced calculus? You can find your way to mastering it, even if you dropped out in the ninth grade. Do we get grades for this learning? Credit for the courses we choose? Not in the forms we did in school, but knowledge always has a way of paying off—remember, geeks are cool now.
No matter what you do, someone will hate it. Someone will rant against it. Or worse, dismiss it without a second thought. No matter how you look, someone will find you repulsive, ghastly, undesirable. No matter how you behave, someone will think you’re a horrible person. No matter what, don’t reply to these people. Just remember, when you get on stage to accept your wards, they’ll be watching, and fuming. That’s more than enough revenge. And it’s the only way to accomplish anything.
But is all progress, well, good? Science may find the cure for cancer, but it also helped us build the nuclear bomb. I read a theory that the only reason alien beings (bear with me here) haven’t contacted us is because by the time a species can communicate beyond its own planet, it’s figured out how to destroy itself, and it has. Bummer. So yes, progress is happening, a lot of it digital, and it is up to us collectively to decide what that means. What we make today makes tomorrow.
And we are making tons and tons of content. I’m going to read you meta-headline you’ll probably recognize:, Inside this simple package are 50 heartwarming ways to solve your all worries with simple life-hacks using household objects, and you won’t believe what happens next, Yeah. We all want content that’s deep and real and powerful—but good luck finding it out there amid the click bait. We want so much more than listicles. We really do want depth.
And we’re finding purpose by actively aligning with others, and not just the people we know—we’re making friends everywhere. Arab Spring. Alibaba. Google translate. Imports and exports sometimes feel like quaint ideas when we can practically Skpye with anyone practically anywhere. At least most of the Americans go to bed for a few hours a day—otherwise, this borderless stuff would be completely insufferable.
But connection is opportunity—The internet makes our career paths a lot more circuitous, a lot more interesting, and a lot more fun—because we can more easily see that there are more options than nurse, teacher, or housewife (if you’re a feminine) and tough guy or tougher guy (if you’re a masculine). We can see so many people doing so many awesome things—we have virtual mentors we’ve never met, but their examples guide us nonetheless. Instead of excuses, we want to make headlines.
Even if instead of 15 minutes of fame, we get 15 seconds on a good day. With our limited attention spans and insatiable desire for news, history is quickly becoming a disposable commodity. Monumental news is forgotten within days. Journalism has never felt more like reality television.The heroes, villains, and plot points—no matter how artfully their characters are drawn and the stories told, and all feel like bit players in our newsfeeds.
So we have to make our stories, and our characters, even more compelling, even more interesting, than ever before. Who do you want to be online? You can be bigger than your job descriptions. Bigger than your hometown. Smarter than your school transcripts. Kinder than your arrest record. You can be brilliant. Amazing. Iconic. Pivotal. Then again, you can also be a complete asshole, but the choice is always yours.
And speaking of assholes, behind every innocuous opinion is a mob of easily offended netizens. Remember, just because the angry voices are the loudest, does not mean they speak for all us, nor should they stifle the real, useful conversations. Try not to dismiss prickly topics just because they don’t fit into a politically correct linguistic format. Less knee-jerk rage. More healthy curiosity. Because if there’s one thing we could definitely us emore of, it’s healthy curiosity—
One of the wonderful features of life online is that you can slip down a rabbit hole of information. An hour of Wikipedia hopscotch can illuminate and educate, taking you into areas of information you’d never considered before. When you allow yourself to be curious, you never know who, or what, you might find online. Most of it is wonderful, some of it is disheartening, but all of it is interesting. And some of it is sickeningly, disturbingly ADORABLE.
Yep. It’s time to discuss cute shit. You can find enough diversion online to spend your entire life not thinking, just absorbing, not doing, just viewing. When you’re not thinking about anything serious, you’re not dangerous. You’re not changing the world. You’re a non-threatening opiated member of the mob. But the cats will still be here for us, after we break some things and do some work, and earn our playtime. Don’t let the cats eat up all of your time.
And, speaking of time, on this quote, I think I’ll call this business done for the day. We’ve covered plenty of ground. And I hope you had as much fun as I did. Thank you for all your helpful words, New Zealand.