Category Archives: Inspirational

This Autistic Genius Realized His Full Potential Only After Being Pulled From “Special Ed”

Jacob Barnett was diagnosed at two years old with autism.  Specialists told his mother (Kristine Barnett) that he was going to have to work hard to be able to achieve life’s basics like tying his own shoes or reading. Naturally his concerned parent followed the advice of the specialists and ‘experts’, enrolling him into a special education program designed to teach and develop the young man’s short comings.MAC35_SPARK_KIDMERGE

Upon entering him in this program Ms. Barnett noticed a dramatic change in her child’s behavior.  He was quickly withdrawing from everyone and speaking less and less.

It takes a strong person to break off from social norms and do whats best for them and their’s. Ms. Barnett  did exactly this, took her son out of the states care and prepared him for kinder garden herself. This bold action would spell unforeseen success for Jacob.

She catered to his interests and watch him develop with an unheard of speed. His intellectual progress and thirst for knowledge continued to build as he advanced past anyone his age. An IQ test showed him to be at 170 higher than Einstein’s (165)! Continue reading

11 Documentaries Currently On Netflix That Will Change Your Life

Find yourself staring at the home screen of Netflix more often than you watch movies or shows? Well have no fear, you are not alone! The diverse and plentiful collection of visual media can be overwhelming! Psychologists have shown that when people are offered more than seven choices, the individual as a marked increase in difficulty making a choice. These options are not only big deals in building awareness about problems but very entertaining. Educate yourself while passing away an afternoon!

Hungry For Change

Revealing the truth behind the diet, weight loss and health food industry, this film reveals the trap set by  corporation and marketing teams to keep you in a vicious cycle. Few of the plans and products are in earnest pursuit of health or fitness. Hungry For Change will show you the way to the body you deserve.

Fed UP

Everything about the last three decades of food and exercise is a lie, that director Stephanie Soechtig ( Oscar winner of An Inconvenient Truth) uncovers. This film focuses on the lack of healthy practices and products found in today’s ‘health crazed’ society. It also covers the lack of oversight in the products people use to lose weight. The body reacts to many of these as it would a poison or steroid.

Tiny

The idea of home is a constantly shifting term as social pressures change and terms of ‘wealth’ flux. This film showcases a couple building a small house from scratch. Diverting from the couple periodically we get to see families that have successfully downsized their homes to be able to fit inside an average parking space. This film raises questions about what good design could mean, the nature of an home in the 21st century and how it all relates to the American dream.

Cosmos

A reboot of Carl Sagan’s award winning and iconic Cosmos, this one takes my vote as my favorite.  This docu-series takes viewers through out the universe exploring scientific theories in fantastic detail. It’s like Planet Earth for the stars. Science buffs and those not scientifically inclined will enjoy this series. All the information is clearly explained in very simple layman’s terms by famed astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson. Tyson’s unique insight makes him a prime guide to revealing our universe’s mysteries. The creative collaborator for the original Cosmos, Ann Druyan, is an executive director. Seth McFarland is also an executive producer which marks an interesting break from his accustomed work.

Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead

Joe Cross suffers from a rare auto immune deficiency, and the treatment looks like a collage of steroids that only help in short term and the cost of his health.  Years after his diagnosis Joe looks up from his heavy regiment of pills to see he has turned into a 310 pound depressed version of himself.  He starts exercising and looking for applicable replacements to the pills. This documentary is part road trip, part self help as Joe travels the country talking to people about nutrition. Along the way he meets people in similar situations. The film showcases how these people take back their lives.

Forks Over Knives

This film has a profound claim with far reaching implications. Most if not all degenerative disease can be controlled if not stopped. Focusing on you are what you eat, the move away from meat based and processed foods could save lives. The protagonists in this journey are pioneering researchers: Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn.

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret

Follow director Kip Anderson as he travels to uncover secrets of one of the most ecologically damaging indurties of today. A very comprehensive film that covers everything to GMO’s, malpractice in farming and processing of food, to the implications and why world leaders are afraid to address these problems head on.

In Plane Sight

This 2004 documentary focuses on ‘conspiracy’ theories surrounding the 9/11 attacks. Thoroughly dissecting available information (eye witnesses, photographs government reports and scientific research), this films points out holes in the ‘official’ story.

Pump

If you aren’t aware of the extent of America’s fuel addiction or how we got to this point in history as famed codependents this film is for you. This film provided eye opening information about the politics, monopolies and various illegal tactics that control the oil industry. The film finishes saying how to end this vicious cycle with some very plausible ideas.

The Human Experiment

Be careful when you watch this one. If your anything like me, I got very upset over the cruelty of corporations and the ignorance that allows them to negatively effect us. Award winning writers and journalists Sean Penn, Dana Nachman and Don Hardy reveal not only the thousands of mystery chemicals found in common everyday products but shed light on the connection to the hundreds of diseases plaguing the average person. Follow the ins and outs of researchers trying to find answers and activists trying to make a difference to the people who have fallen ill.

Zeitgeist

This documentary is an eye opener for anyone watching it. Confronting widely agreed upon social constructs;  religion , the 9/11 attacks, and the financial system. A well thought out film, it provides new view points on life’s general truths. Everyone can walk away from this experience with new information.

 

The Connection Between Color & Chakras: What’s Your Favorite Color?

Colors affect us in major but subtle ways. The way that color affects human behavior and mood is harder to test than the the other senses, such as taste and feel. Color psychology is the study of the way the visible spectrum affects us. Sadly the information gathered by studies is used mainly in marketing, branding and fashion. The potential use for this type of study is much higher than that.

Cities are installing blue lights in certain areas to reduce suicide, crime and depressions rates. Such a simple and cheap solution to such complex and deeply personal problems. In placebo studies red and yellow pills thought to be stimulants had a higher and more long lasting ‘effect’ than any other color.

While there are general trends in chromatic manipulation, how a person is affected depends greatly on age, gender and a touch of personal preference. Throughout the ups and downs, ins and outs of your life, you have sought out different colors for different reasons. Many people feel calmer and better adjusted around blue and green.shutterstock_359210279

These colors would have meant to presence of attainable water and food to our ancestors, so through the ages we still subconsciously see these necessary elements for survival. Marketing campaigns have also enforced and created associations of their own. Rather than try to uncover corporate master plans or means of manipulation, I’d like to focus on the emotional and spiritual content of the major colors.

As your read forward I would like to share my own example as a template. These are statistical trends and probabilities; not all cancers like orange. I’m a cancer and I have never liked orange because I attribute it to ambulances and caution tape. I do however tend to my sacral chakra ( represented by shades of orange) the most readily of any of my chakras.You will come across anomalies to these suggestions.

Black, Red, Brown Or Gray

These colors are used to represent your root or base chakra. The base chakra connects you to the world around you and fears that you have within. Capricorn, Virgo and Taurus might be especially drawn to these colors. Anyone drawn to these colors are trying to mask their pain with a tough exterior.

Orange

The go to color for the sacral chakra, it represents relationships, creativity, money and sexuality. These are all right up the alley for Pisces, Cancers, and Scorpios. Those seeking or loving orange are naturally creative and tend to cultivate a healthy sex life. They enjoy adventures, new information, and try to be down to earth.

Yellow

Yellow is regarded as a passive and calming color. While that may be true for certain people, yellow is the color of the solar plexus chakra. Associated with breathe, energy and personal power, constantly fueling the body and spirit, this formation is most easily accessible to Leo, Aries and Sagittarius. These people make great natural leaders and sensible business people. They are action oriented  and influential.

Green

Sometimes thought to be the color chosen by geniuses, it is certainly well suited to Aquarius, Gemini, And Libra. Green is tied to the heart chakra, the gate to all ‘higher’ chakras and understanding. This chakra holds the spark of the divine and is where we receive our sense of intuition. Agreed as a good choice by individuals with strong emotional ties, they make for great listeners and healers.

Blue

Relating to the throat chakra, it represents and houses will power and choice. Those who feel great in blue are excellent communicators. This breaks down to thorough listening and speech, high levels of empathy and may be more extroverted.

Purple

The third eye chakra governs intuition, divine wisdom and recognition of the truth. If you dig this color you are intuitive, spiritually capable, and experienced in the world of the dreams and the subconscious

Pink

The crown chakra is represented by pink. Characterized as the gate to God or the universe the crown chakra is where unseen forces provide help, intentions, and sometimes test our resolve. Pink lovers delight in making others happy. They are naturally joyful and extremely positive.

A Solar Powered Automatic Water Condenser For Under $100!

Fontus is a revolutionary water collection device that will be within most budgets. A solar powered water condenser, this light and portable device will pull water right out the air and put it into a water bottle.

That’s right, a solar powered self filling water bottle!

On average the device can gather half a liter of water in an hour (depending on humidity) and will work in any climate including deserts. Adventurous explorers will now be given more leeway in the distances between water sources. It is built to strapped to a bike, but that isn’t the only method of its use. Attached to a bag or car or a boat this simple contraction uses a heating/cooling unit (called a Peltier Element) to speed up and direct natural condensation rates.’

Kristof Retezar invented this device with the people in mind. While very cool, it could seriously benefit the 2 billion people all over the globe who experience water scarcity. That many people and countries are experiencing water scarcity currently. This cheap and easy to use device could be a game changer for so many people trying to survive.  On average 3,100 cubic miles (mi3) or 12,900 cubic kilometers (km3) of freshwater is untapped in the atmosphere. That will put a serious dent in many country’s water needs.

Production, costs, and shipping arrangements are still being worked out. The device is expected to be under 100 American dollars.  Keep an eye out for the release of Fontus for yourself and be ready to participate in the expected Fontus donation programs!

These Eco Friendly Mushrooms Turn Your Home Into A Magical Forest!

Unbelievably cool lighting options are a cornerstone of this era in technology and ecological awareness. The good people at  Great Mushrooming, a Japanese photography and design company, brings attention to mushrooms. Mushrooms are more than the topping you take off your pizza. This underrated fungus is known to help keep forests healthy and detoxify polluted elements in nature safely.

These lights are made of handcrafted glass, reclaimed wood and LED lights. These features received a roaring international welcome in 2010’s international art and design event: Design Festa.  I know the next question you want answered is, ‘Where can I buy one?‘. Yukio Takano ( a.k.a Mr. Mushroom) says that the works of art are too delicate to be shipped.

Mr. Takano, the founder of Great Mushrooming, admits this was meant only as a side project to get attention. His photography and ecological work takes precedent. If you want one of these treasures you’ll have to go to one of the design shows and festivals that the lights are frequently featured at.  The scarcity certainly does wonders for this projects publicity. There are no current plans to up production or perfect shipping methodologies.

H/T: inhabitat

 

 

A Man Filmed The Earth For 7 Days, What He Captured Filled My Heart With Joy

‘Mr. TSO’ is a Norwegian photographer that delights in showcasing nature’s beauty. The vibrant hues and stark contrasts of his videos and photos make me seriously reconsider why I choose to live a city! This video is no exception. Mr. TSO spent 7 days a top and around Spain’s highest mountain El Teide capturing what I’m sure was an amazing experience. El Teide summit reaches 3,718 meters (12,198 ft) and is the highest point in the islands of the Atlantic. This noted scenic region is a frequent stomping grounds for anyone trying to photograph the stars.

As you watch this beautiful BBC-esque video I would love to share an intention and a quote I came across. We are all one no matter visible distances or differences. You are your neighbor,even your dog shares atoms with a sun going supernova somewhere in a distant universe. With love and acceptance we can allow these connections to devour our sense of self. When there are no separations we can operate as the most diversified community the universe has ever seen.

Famed astrophysicist Dr Neil Degrasse Tyson aptly shares this thought,

“Yes we are part of this universe, we are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts is that the universe is in us. When I reflect on that fact, I look up, many people feel small because they are small and the universe is big. But I feel big, because my atoms came from those stars. There’s a level of connectivity. That’s really what you want from life, you want to feel connected…”

Enjoy!

Video Credit: TSO Photography