Art of JZ Murdock: Unlocking Beauty in Greeting Cards & More, More, More...

Welcome to my world of creativity!

I’m very excited to share that my artwork is now available as beautiful greeting cards and other unique products on platforms like Zazzle and Redbubble.

Original Photo, Frank Ruman, 1914, my grandfather

My initial reason for starting a media catalog on Redbubble was about my film posters and books. My reason for starting a store on Zazzle was about my grandfather's photos of early racing cars he had been a mechanic on. He died in 1974. 

When my mother died a few years ago, I received some of her old photo albums. Some included her dad's old photos and negatives. I was fascinated by his photos of old racing cars from the 1910s in Brooklyn, New York. 

Photo as a greeting card on Zazzle

So I looked for the best venue for greeting cards as I thought they might be most accessible to the public. Redbubble was lacking in that but Zazzle, though the platform is not as well thought out as I'd like (in making it easy to use I think they made problems for creators), it does work out better than Redbubble.

When I first bought my Cannon 80D camera in 2016, I had to learn to use the camera in order to shoot my own films. Which I wanted to do toward turning my writings into independent films. I've now done that with films like "The Rapping", shot with my oldest adult child. "Gumdrop", a short horror, my first narrative film with a cast of actors. I also used pieces of "The Rapping" in that film. This film is a prequel to my previous true crime fictionalized story, "Gumdrop City". 

My most successful project to date is a "filmic poem" and historical WWI documentary, "Pvt. Ravel's Bolero" (a film I shot to help me recover from long covid). The "Bolero" film, based on "Bolero" composer, Maruice Ravel's experiences in WWI, exceeded my greatest expectations at now over 60 national and international film awards.

From my screenplay

First I had to learn my camera. As I looked for things to shoot, I discovered that my new city of Bremerton, Washington, had amazing sunsets and photo opportunities. After fifteen years of raising my kids while living on some idyllic acreage in the forest behind Suquamish, Washington (where Chief "Seattle" is buried), on the waters of Puget Sound, I moved to Bremerton, a Navy town. 

I thought shooting still photos was a good beginning so I spent months shooting pictures. I saved them all thinking that one day perhaps, they could be useful. I was pleasantly surprised recently when I reviewed all those photos to find some were very professional. My youngest child, now in their early 30s, is a photographer and was an intern to several professional photographers (one who shot the first world-famous "Marlboro Man" photos). 

Whether you're looking for the perfect card to express your feelings or a one-of-a-kind item to brighten your day, there's something special waiting for you. I've been on Redbubble for a while. I found Zazzle has far better capabilities for creating greeting cards. I may create other products on there over time, but for now, it's mostly greeting cards. And some very interesting ones.

My cover artist for my books and other things, Marvin Hayes has been there for a very long time now. He is the greatest artist I have ever even met. While my covers are very interesting, his own art is far beyond those.

Warren Avenue Bridge to East Bremerton with an legal from my backyard

Why Choose My Art?

1. Original Designs: Each piece reflects my passion for art, bringing unique and heartfelt creations directly to you.

2. Versatility: My designs aren't just limited to greeting cards. Explore them on a range of products, from home decor to accessories.

3. Quality: Both Zazzle and Redbubble ensure high-quality prints and materials, so your chosen items look stunning and last.

Seagull over Silverdale, WA headed to the Olympic Mountains

Greeting Cards for Every Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, sending holiday cheer, or simply saying "thank you," my collection has the perfect card for every occasion. Choose from vibrant illustrations, serene landscapes, or whimsical designs to match the mood you want to convey.

What I like about Zazzle is, when you purchase one of my cards, you can edit it to add your own message inside, or delete my area for your heading and message and simply writing in my hand what you wish to say.

Taken from my home front window

Beyond Greeting Cards: Explore the Possibilities

• On Redbubble: Discover my art as movie posters, on tote bags, t-shirts, stickers, mugs, and more. These items make fantastic gifts or can be a fun way to treat yourself.

• On Zazzle: Customize my designs on calendars, planners, or even invitations to make your special moments unforgettable.

How to Support My Art

1. Visit My Zazzle Store collections.

2. Explore My Redbubble Collection

3. Share With Friends: Spread the word by sharing my work on social media or recommending it to others who love art.

Stay Connected

Follow me on social media for updates on new designs, special promotions, and a behind-the-scenes look at my creative process.

Thank you for supporting independent artists. 

Every purchase not only brings joy to you and your loved ones but also fuels my passion to create more. Let’s celebrate the beauty of art together!

Bremerton Sunset

Compiled with the aid of ChatGPT

Turning Tragedy Into Strength: Building Homes for a Safer Future

It's time.

Rebuilding homes going forward...in flood zones, in hurricane/tornado zones, in wildfire zones, all of which have expanded, needs to be re-evaluated and standards rectified so homes remain viable after disasters.

Or we continue to suffer the consequences.

In this aerial view taken from a helicopter, burned homes are seen from above during the Palisades fire in Malibu, Los Angeles county, California on January 9, 2025

It's long passed time for a major shift in how we approach building homes in disaster-prone areas. As climate change intensifies, the risks from floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires have grown, making it critical to rethink construction standards, urban planning, and rebuilding strategies. Here's why and how this should happen:

Why Change Is Necessary:

1. Increased Risk Areas: Flood zones, wildfire-prone regions, and hurricane paths are expanding due to rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and sea-level rise.
2. Economic Costs: The repeated cycle of rebuilding after disasters drains resources, increases insurance premiums, and often leaves families in financial turmoil.
3. Safety Concerns: Lives are at greater risk when homes are not built to withstand extreme weather events.
4. Environmental Impact: Rebuilding without proper planning often leads to further deforestation, habitat destruction, and increased carbon footprints.

Solutions to Reevaluate and Rectify:

1. Stricter Building Codes: Require disaster-resistant materials and designs (e.g., hurricane straps, elevated foundations, fire-resistant materials).
2. Smart Zoning Laws: Restrict rebuilding in the most hazardous zones or mandate significant safety upgrades.
3. Incentives for Resilience: Offer tax credits or subsidies for homes built to higher resilience standards.
4. Community-Level Planning: Invest in resilient infrastructure like flood barriers, firebreaks, and sustainable drainage systems.
5. Relocation and Buyouts: For areas at extreme risk, consider voluntary buyout programs to move residents to safer locations.
6. Green Building Practices: Incorporate renewable energy, water catchment systems, and eco-friendly designs to adapt to and mitigate climate change.

Long-Term Benefits:

• Reduced loss of life and property.
• Lower long-term costs for governments, insurers, and individuals.
• Greater environmental sustainability.
• Stronger, more resilient communities.

The key lies in shifting from reactive rebuilding to proactive, resilient planning. Without these changes, the consequences will only grow more severe.

Cost Considerations in Disaster-Resilient Construction

1. Upfront Investment:

   • Building disaster-resistant homes typically costs 10-30% more than standard construction.
   • Features like elevated foundations, fire-resistant materials, hurricane shutters, reinforced roofing, and floodproof basements add to initial expenses.

2. Long-Term Savings:

   • Insurance Premium Reductions: Homes built to withstand disasters may qualify for reduced premiums.
   • Fewer Repairs: Resilient homes avoid repeated reconstruction after disasters, saving tens of thousands of dollars per event.
   • Energy Efficiency: Many resilient designs incorporate energy-saving technologies like solar panels and better insulation, lowering utility bills.

3. Cost of Inaction:

   • Rebuilding repeatedly due to destruction leads to higher cumulative expenses.
   • Delays in rebuilding affect livelihoods, housing availability, and community stability.

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Making Resilient Rebuilding More Affordable

1. Scaling Costs:

   • Focus on cost-effective measures like fire-resistant siding, impact-resistant windows, and storm-proof roofs rather than luxury finishes.
   • Modular construction and prefabricated homes can significantly cut labor and material costs.

2. Government Incentives:

   • Expand grants, tax breaks, and low-interest loans for rebuilding to higher safety standards.
   • FEMA and HUD programs can subsidize resilience upgrades in disaster-prone areas.

3. Community Planning:

   • Cooperative housing projects and community-wide resilience programs (like flood barriers or fire breaks) can reduce individual costs.
   • Group purchasing of materials can drive down costs for neighborhoods rebuilding together.

4. Innovative Materials and Technologies:

   • Use affordable, durable materials like concrete, metal roofing, and treated wood.
   • Explore recycled and locally sourced materials for cost efficiency and sustainability.

5. Educating Homeowners:

   • Raising awareness of long-term benefits can encourage homeowners to prioritize resilience over aesthetic upgrades during rebuilding.

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Examples of Affordable Resilience Measures

• Flood Zones: Elevating homes just 2-3 feet can drastically reduce flood risk at a relatively low cost.
• Hurricane/Tornado Zones: Installing hurricane ties and reinforced doors/windows can be done for under $5,000.
• Wildfire Zones: Clearing defensible space and installing metal roofing costs less than a luxury kitchen remodel but provides priceless safety.

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The Bottom Line

While the upfront costs of building resilient homes may seem high, they are a necessary investment in safety, longevity, and community stability. With better planning, government support, and cost-efficient measures, it’s possible to make disaster-resistant homes affordable for everyone. In the end, the cost of preparedness is far less than the cost of repeated rebuilding or loss of life.

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

Contending Stupidity Harms, Absurdism Delights...

 I would contend, stupidity harms, but absurdism delights...and indeed, I DO contend that!

Stupidity Harms, Absurdism Delights: A Reflection on Human Experience

In the tapestry of human behavior, two forces often stand out for their profound impact: stupidity and absurdism. Though they may seem like distant cousins in the realm of irrationality, their consequences could not be more different. Stupidity, often rooted in ignorance or the rejection of reason, leaves a trail of harm in its wake. Absurdism, on the other hand, revels in defying logic, bringing joy and wonder to the world.

Stupidity: A Dangerous Indifference

Stupidity is not merely the lack of intelligence. It is a state of willful disengagement—a refusal to question, learn, or think critically. It clings to simplicity in a complex world and often becomes the catalyst for harm. Consider the spread of misinformation, fueled by individuals too complacent to verify facts. Or think of the societal divisions exacerbated by an unwillingness to empathize or understand another’s perspective.

History offers ample evidence of stupidity’s destructive power. Wars have been waged on faulty premises, environmental crises ignored due to short-sighted greed, and innovations stifled by those who feared change. Stupidity, in essence, thrives on neglect—neglect of responsibility, curiosity, and collective well-being.

Absurdism: A Celebration of the Unexpected

Absurdism stands in stark contrast to the harm of stupidity. While stupidity stems from a refusal to engage, absurdism is deeply engaged with the peculiarities of existence. It invites us to laugh at the chaos and embrace the nonsensical aspects of life. Rooted in philosophy and art, absurdism challenges the rigidity of logical structures and finds beauty in paradox.

Think of the works of Albert Camus, who suggested that life’s inherent lack of meaning does not lead to despair but to freedom. Or recall the surreal humor of Monty Python, whose sketches remind us that the world’s oddities can be a source of joy rather than frustration. Absurdism encourages us to see the unexpected not as a threat but as an opportunity for delight.

The Key Difference: Intent and Impact

What separates stupidity from absurdism is both intent and outcome. Stupidity harms because it ignores the consequences of inaction or poor decisions. Absurdism delights because it acknowledges those same consequences and responds with creativity and humor. Stupidity closes doors; absurdism opens windows to new perspectives.

Why This Matters

In an increasingly polarized world, understanding this dichotomy is more important than ever. Stupidity often thrives in echo chambers, where ignorance is reinforced and critical thought discouraged. Absurdism, however, can act as a bridge, using humor and unexpected insights to challenge assumptions and bring people together.

To combat stupidity, we must foster a culture of curiosity and learning. To embrace absurdism, we must allow ourselves the freedom to play with ideas and revel in the unexpected. Together, these approaches can transform how we navigate the complexities of modern life.

Conclusion: A Call to Delight in the Absurd

If stupidity is the shadow that darkens progress, absurdism is the light that illuminates new paths. By rejecting ignorance and celebrating the whimsical, we can create a world where harm is minimized, and delight abounds. In this, the choice is ours: to let stupidity harm or let absurdism inspire.

So, let us laugh at life’s absurdities, challenge its injustices, and find joy in the unexpected. After all, as the saying goes, “Stupidity harms, absurdism delights.”

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

Tell me about when things are arbitrary and people think their choice isn't...

As an adjunct to my last blog post: United We Stand: Bridging America's Divides...

A talk my son had this week with an AI:

Tell me about when things are arbitrary and people think their choice isn't.

AI:

Ah, the fascinating world of human decision-making! There are many instances where people believe their choices are based on solid reasoning, but in reality, they might be more arbitrary than they think. Here are a few examples:

1. Brand Loyalty

People often stick to certain brands, believing they offer superior quality or value. However, studies have shown that brand loyalty can be influenced by arbitrary factors like advertising, packaging, or even the order in which they encountered the brands.

2. Voting Behavior

Voters might think their political choices are based on careful consideration of policies and candidates. Yet, research suggests that many voters are influenced by factors like a candidate's appearance, name recognition, or even the weather on election day.

3. Consumer Choices

When shopping, people might believe they are making rational decisions based on price and quality. However, factors like product placement, store layout, and even background music can subtly influence their choices.

4. Personal Preferences

People often have strong preferences for things like food, music, or hobbies. While they might think these preferences are deeply personal, they can be shaped by arbitrary factors like cultural exposure, peer influence, or even random experiences.

5. Risk Perception

Individuals often believe they are making rational decisions about risk, such as in financial investments or health behaviors. However, cognitive biases like the availability heuristic (relying on immediate examples that come to mind) can lead to arbitrary risk assessments.

6. Social Conformity

People might think they are making independent choices, but social conformity can play a significant role. The desire to fit in or be accepted by a group can lead to decisions that are more about social dynamics than personal preference.

In many cases, our brains are wired to seek patterns and make quick decisions, which can lead to arbitrary influences creeping in. It's a reminder of the complexity and sometimes unpredictability of human behavior.

Ever noticed any of these in your own life?

What's the name for a political viewpoint that includes both liberalism and conservativism situationally instead of just one or the other.

The political viewpoint you're describing is often referred to as "centrism" or "moderate". Centrists or moderates tend to adopt positions from both liberal and conservative ideologies, depending on the issue at hand. They aim to find a balance between the two extremes, advocating for pragmatic and practical solutions rather than strictly adhering to one ideology.

Centrism can vary widely, as it depends on the specific context and the individual's personal beliefs. Some centrists might lean more towards liberal policies on social issues while favoring conservative approaches to economic matters, or vice versa.

It's a flexible and situational approach to politics, focusing on what works best for a given situation rather than sticking to a rigid ideological framework. Does this align with what you had in mind?

How do you compare progressive and moderate in relation to these political points?

Progressives and moderates often differ in their approach to political issues, even if they might share some common goals. Here's a comparison:

Progressives

• Social Issues: Progressives typically advocate for rapid and significant changes to address social inequalities. They support policies like universal healthcare, free college education, and strong environmental regulations.

• Economic Policies: They often favor higher taxes on the wealthy and large corporations to fund social programs and reduce income inequality.

• Government Role: Progressives believe in a more active government role in regulating the economy and providing social services.

• Change: They push for transformative changes and are often seen as more radical in their approach.

Moderates

• Social Issues: Moderates tend to support incremental changes and seek a balance between progressive and conservative views. They might support some social programs but prefer more gradual implementation.

• Economic Policies: They often advocate for a balanced approach, supporting both market-driven solutions and some level of government intervention.

• Government Role: Moderates believe in a limited but effective government role, focusing on practical and achievable solutions.

• Change: They prefer pragmatic and incremental changes, aiming to find common ground between different political ideologies.

In essence, progressives are more likely to push for bold and sweeping reforms, while moderates seek a middle path, balancing progressive and conservative ideas to achieve practical solutions. This situational approach allows moderates to adapt their views based on the specific issue at hand, rather than adhering strictly to one ideology.

 Compiled with the aid of AI

United We Stand: Bridging America's Divides

Just an observation about the rhetoric and branding strategies of political parties in the U.S. today...The Destructive Politicization of American Liberalism vs Conservatism Today:

Democrats and the Avoidance of "Liberal"

The Democratic Party has often distanced itself from the term "liberal" due to decades of conservative framing that cast it in a negative light. Starting in the 1980s, figures like Ronald Reagan and media personalities worked to equate "liberal" with ideas of excess government spending, moral permissiveness, and elitism. Consequently, Democrats have leaned on terms like "progressive" or "moderate" to avoid the baggage attached to "liberal," even when advocating for traditionally liberal policies such as expanding healthcare, environmental regulation, or civil rights.

This rhetorical shift allows Democrats to sidestep cultural stigma while still appealing to broad coalitions. However, it also risks obscuring the ideological core of liberalism—emphasizing individual rights, equality, and the role of government in mitigating societal inequities. Some critics argue this avoidance dilutes the party's identity, leaving it open to accusations of inconsistency or opportunism.

Republicans and the Embrace of "Conservative"

In contrast, the Republican Party has embraced "conservative" as a badge of honor. Historically, conservatism in the U.S. meant preserving traditional values, maintaining a limited government, and adhering to fiscal responsibility. Over time, however, the term has been adapted to align with a broader populist and nationalist agenda, often emphasizing cultural issues, deregulation, and opposition to perceived liberal overreach.

This evolution has led to contradictions within the label. For example:

• Fiscal conservatism is often sidelined by massive federal spending under Republican administrations.
• Traditionalist values coexist with an embrace of disruptive populist rhetoric and policies.

Despite these shifts, the term "conservative" retains a powerful unifying effect for the Republican base. It invokes a sense of continuity and resistance to change, even as its practical application has strayed from its historical roots.

Why the Contrast?

1. Cultural Framing: Conservatives have successfully framed "liberal" as a pejorative, while keeping "conservative" as synonymous with patriotism and stability. This asymmetry in framing gives Republicans a rhetorical advantage.

2. Ideological Cohesion vs. Coalition Building: The Republican Party tends to emphasize ideological purity, reinforcing the conservative label even when its policies shift. The Democratic Party, by contrast, is a broader coalition, requiring flexibility in rhetoric to appeal to diverse constituencies.

3. Media Influence: Right-leaning media has kept "conservative" central to its identity, reinforcing its appeal to Republican voters, while left-leaning media often avoids "liberal" in favor of issue-specific language or "progressive."

Implications

• For Democrats, avoiding "liberal" might help short-term political branding but risks eroding a clear ideological identity.
• For Republicans, clinging to "conservative" despite ideological shifts may foster internal contradictions but strengthens external unity.

In sum, these linguistic strategies reflect broader dynamics of how the parties define themselves and appeal to voters in a polarized political landscape.

Modern conservatism in the U.S. has evolved significantly from its historical roots, becoming a more complex and, in some ways, contradictory movement. Similarly, the way conservatives often frame and critique "liberalism" today reveals deeper anxieties and frustrations that go beyond the term itself.

Why Conservatism Today Is Different

1. Shift Toward Populism: Modern conservatism has incorporated populist rhetoric, focusing on the grievances of "ordinary people" against elites. This shift often emphasizes cultural identity, nationalism, and opposition to perceived threats, diverging from the classical conservative focus on order, tradition, and restraint.

2. Emphasis on Culture Wars: Many contemporary conservatives focus heavily on cultural issues—abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and education—rather than traditional economic conservatism or small government. This marks a departure from the classical conservatism that prioritized stability and economic restraint.

3. Expansion of Government for Preferred Goals: While conservatism historically advocated for limited government, modern conservatives often embrace strong government intervention when it aligns with their cultural or political priorities, such as border security, law enforcement, and restrictions on social issues.

4. Anti-Globalization: Current conservatism reflects resistance to globalist policies and institutions, favoring protectionism and nationalism over the free-market principles of classical conservatism.

5. Alignment with Authoritarian Tendencies: In some factions, there’s a willingness to accept or even embrace authoritarian approaches if they serve conservative goals, which stands in stark contrast to the original conservative skepticism of concentrated power.

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Why "Liberalism" Is a Target

Conservatives often criticize "liberalism" not as a coherent ideology but as a catch-all term for the things they oppose. The criticisms are often directed at modern progressivism or leftist movements that advocate for social change, environmental protections, and diversity. The anger is not necessarily at "liberalism" in its philosophical sense but at what it represents to them:

1. Fear of Social Change: Many conservatives view liberalism as a force driving cultural and moral changes that threaten traditional values. This includes issues like gender roles, racial equality, and family structures.

2. Perceived Elitism: Liberals are often framed as out-of-touch intellectuals or urban elites imposing their values on "ordinary" people in rural or conservative areas. This perception fuels resentment and resistance.

3. Economic Anxiety: Policies often associated with liberalism—like higher taxes, regulation of industries, or climate change initiatives—are perceived as threats to economic stability, especially in regions reliant on traditional industries like fossil fuels.

4. Globalization and Multiculturalism: Many conservatives see liberalism as promoting globalism and multiculturalism at the expense of national identity and sovereignty, exacerbating feelings of displacement.

5. Weaponized Language: Conservative leaders and media have weaponized "liberalism" as a term to galvanize their base. It’s less about the actual philosophy of liberalism and more about rallying against a caricature of left-wing excess and progressive overreach.

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Who Are Conservatives Really Angry At?

1. Cultural Elites: Conservatives often feel alienated by cultural shifts driven by academia, Hollywood, and progressive activism. These groups are seen as dismissive of traditional values and lifestyles.

2. The Federal Government: There’s longstanding mistrust of federal overreach, which conservatives often associate with liberal policies. Ironically, this mistrust persists even as some factions of conservatism embrace strong federal action for conservative goals.

3. Social Justice Advocates: Movements advocating for racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equality are often perceived as threats to traditional societal structures.

4. Global Institutions and Corporations: Conservatives may resent multinational corporations, international agreements, and global organizations for their perceived prioritization of global agendas over national interests.

5. Themselves (to a degree): Some anger comes from internal contradictions. Many conservatives advocate for traditional values while facing a rapidly changing world where these values are increasingly challenged. The tension between wanting stability and resisting inevitable change fuels frustration.

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Conclusion

The anger conservatives direct at "liberalism" is less about liberalism as an ideology and more about a symbolic opposition to change, diversity, and a sense of cultural displacement. The evolution of conservatism into a movement centered on cultural and identity politics, rather than its original focus on restraint and tradition, reflects deeper insecurities about the future and a struggle to reconcile these changes with their vision of America.

Bringing America together despite vastly different worldviews requires intentional efforts to foster mutual understanding, rebuild trust, and find shared purpose. Here are some strategies to help bridge divides and rekindle a sense of shared national identity:

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1. Encourage Respectful Dialogue

• Promote Active Listening: Create forums, both online and offline, where people can share their perspectives without fear of judgment. Encourage listening not just to respond but to understand.
• Model Civility: Public figures, educators, and community leaders should emphasize respectful debate and discourage inflammatory rhetoric.
• Seek Common Ground: Focus on shared values such as family, freedom, and the desire for safety and opportunity, even when the means to achieve them differ.

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2. Build Local Connections

• Community Projects: Encourage collaboration on local initiatives, such as rebuilding parks, addressing homelessness, or improving schools, where people with different views can work together.
• Civic Education: Reinforce knowledge of American history, civics, and democratic principles in schools and communities to foster a sense of shared heritage.
• Cultural Exchange: Organize events that celebrate diverse cultures, helping people appreciate differences while recognizing shared humanity.

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3. Address Economic and Social Inequalities

• Invest in Communities: Strengthen struggling communities with access to quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities. Economic insecurity often exacerbates divisions.
• Encourage Shared Prosperity: Advocate for policies that ensure fair economic opportunities, bridging gaps between urban, rural, and suburban areas.
• Focus on Inclusive Policies: Craft policies that are solutions-focused rather than ideologically polarizing, demonstrating that government can work for all citizens.

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4. Combat Polarization in Media

• Support Responsible Journalism: Encourage news outlets to prioritize fact-based reporting and offer diverse viewpoints without sensationalism.
• Media Literacy Education: Teach people how to critically evaluate information, distinguish fact from opinion, and avoid echo chambers.
• Hold Social Media Accountable: Push for transparency and responsibility from platforms that amplify divisive content and misinformation.

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5. Reform Political Processes

• Electoral Reforms: Promote ranked-choice voting, independent redistricting commissions, and campaign finance reform to reduce hyper-partisanship.
• Encourage Bipartisanship: Recognize and reward leaders who prioritize cross-party collaboration.
• Increase Voter Engagement: Make voting more accessible and emphasize the importance of civic participation in bridging divides.

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6. Rekindle a Sense of Shared Identity

• National Service Programs: Introduce voluntary programs that bring people from different backgrounds together to work on national or community projects.
• Celebrate Shared Achievements: Highlight moments in history where Americans united to achieve great things, such as the moon landing, civil rights advancements, or public health victories.
• Reaffirm American Ideals: Focus on the foundational ideals of liberty, justice, and equality while acknowledging and addressing past and present challenges.

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7. Focus on Generational Change

• Educate Future Generations: Teach children and young adults about empathy, compromise, and constructive conflict resolution.
• Encourage Civic Participation: Inspire younger generations to engage in community service and leadership, fostering a culture of contribution rather than division.

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8. Acknowledge Differences Without Demonizing

• Normalize Disagreement: Remind people that differing opinions are natural and healthy in a democracy. Conflict doesn’t mean disloyalty or enmity.
• Focus on Humanity: Encourage people to see each other as neighbors and fellow citizens first, not as political adversaries.

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Final Conclusion

Reuniting America requires patience, humility, and a shared commitment to building trust. It’s not about erasing differences but about embracing the idea that diverse perspectives can coexist under a common banner. By focusing on shared values, addressing inequities, and fostering empathy, Americans can rebuild a sense of national unity while respecting the diversity that makes the country strong.

As an adjunct to this blog, the one I published next, same day... 

Compiled with the aid of ChatGPT

Happy New Year 2025!!

 Wishing all and everyone a very...

Happy New Year in 2025!

When my two kids would leave the house, I would tell them:

"Be Happy. Be Well. Be Productive. Be Brilliant!"

Wishing even for those wishing us ill, to find peace and love themselves, and to leave us the Hell alone!

Happy New Year from the absurdist philosophy and Satirical "Religion", Purpleism.org!

On that note, Quantum Bacon anyone?

"From Terry Kim @projectkim
This was the most brutal insult Steve Jobs ever received:
In 1997, a man publicly insulted Steve Jobs at the Worldwide Developer Conference in front of thousands.
Jobs' response changed Silicon Valley forever..
Here's what happened (and how this defined his legacy forever):" MORE...

Cheers! Sláinte!

The Avant-Garde play, "Ubu Roi", by Alfred Jarry

Ubu Roi (1896), by Alfred Jarry, the first modern play in a theatricalist avant-garde tradition.

I was first introduced to Ubu Roi ("King Ubu") on MTV in pieces shown on Liquid Television, a groundbreaking experimental animation and variety show that aired on MTV in the early 1990s, known for its eclectic and avant-garde programming, often featuring animated shorts and strange, disjointed sequences. 

My niece, an actress, who has been on various TV shows and in plays, once performed in Manhattan in a play by Jean Genet, "The Balcony" (Le Balcon), written in 1956. Genet’s "The Balcony", influenced by the Theatre of Cruelty, is often associated with absurdist and surrealist theater, much like Jarry’s work, and explores themes of power, authority, and performance.

First off...today’s blog is brought to you by Purpleism—the one-and-only absurdist philosophy and satirical religion that asks the big questions like, ‘Why not purple?’ and ‘Is this life real, or just a poorly budgeted sitcom?'

Dive into the Purpleverse on Facebook and X (formerly known as a bird thing)! Because let’s face it: life’s better when it’s absurdly purple.

Alfred Jarry Ubu Roi 1965 Experimental Theatre

Ubu Roi ([yby ʁwa]; "Ubu the King" or "King Ubu") is a play by French writer Alfred Jarry, then 23 years old. It was first performed in Paris in 1896, by Aurélien Lugné-Poe's Théâtre de l'Œuvre at the Nouveau-Théâtre (today, the Théâtre de Paris). The production's single public performance baffled and offended audiences with its unruliness and obscenity. 

Considered to be a wild, bizarre, and comic play, significant for the way it overturns cultural rules, norms, and conventions, it is seen by 20th- and 21st-century scholars to have opened the door for what became known as modernism in the 20th century, and as a precursor to Dadaism, Surrealism and the Theatre of the Absurd.

In English

A shocking political satire about a pompous, megalomaniacal tyrant who uses deceitful means to seize the reins of power in the country of… Poland?

iDiOM Theater joins the Bad Hombres and Nasty Women’s Theater Resistance Movement producing a number of performances and readings of this controversial absurdist satire across the country on February 20, 2017: Presidents’ Day. 

UBU ROI originally debuted in Paris on December 9, 1896 and closed the next day amid riots, walkouts, and threats of violence (some of which may have been staged by the plays producers). 

The show tells the story of a power-hungry buffoon of a ruler who lays waste to his newly-conquered kingdom thanks to his greed and self-indulgence, and is considered influential on the Dadaist, Surrealist, and Theatre of the Absurd movements.

On King Ubu

by Pericles Lewis

Alfred Jarry’s King Ubu was the first modern play in a theatricalist avant-garde tradition that deliberately called attention to the artificiality of theatrical conventions, in order to celebrate them. At its first performance, in Paris, on December 10, 1896, the audience broke into factions after the main character, Father Ubu, uttered the first word of the play: “Shite” (“Merdre”). In a grotesque parody of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Ubu, a dimwitted bourgeois based loosely on Jarry’s high school physics teacher, is convinced by his wife (a “hag”) to declare himself king of Poland. Father Ubu repeats the word “shite” over and over (along with a range of other obscenities), and slaughters 300 nobles and 500 magistrates by shoving them down a trap door. The play’s obscenity and violence may have been enough on their own to cause a riot. What made the play particularly bizarre, however, was its rejection of most of the nineteenth-century methods for creating the illusion of reality on the stage. Jarry described his ideal staging of the play as follows:

A mask for the chief character, Ubu… A cardboard horse’s head, which he would hang around his neck, as in the old English theatre, for the only two equestrian scenes, both these suggestions being in the spirit of the play, since I intended to write a “guignol” [Punch and Judy puppet show]… A suitably costumed person would enter, as in puppet shows, to put up signs indicating the locations of the various scenes… Costumes with as little specific local color reference or historical accuracy as possible.[1]

In addition, Jarry wanted to do away with realistic sets, have crowds of soldiers represented by a single soldier on each side, and have Ubu speak with an unusual accent or voice. All of these innovations, drawn from the early modern stage or from puppet shows, were intended to break with theatrical realism, to call attention to the artificiality of the play. Yeats, who attended the first performance (though he did not speak French well), later wrote: “The players are supposed to be dolls, toys, marionettes, and now they are all hopping like wooden frogs, and I can see for myself that the chief personage, who is some kind of King, carries for Sceptre a brush of the kind that we use to clean a closet [toilet].” Although Yeats supported the play, preferring to stay on the side of the avant-garde, he wondered later that night what experiments would come after his own symbolist generation. His answer: “After us the Savage God.”[2] The avant-garde tradition established by Jarry was developed during and after the war by futurists, dadaists, and surrealists.[3]

↑ Michael Benedikt and George E. Wellwarth, ed. and trans., Modern French Theatre (New York: Dutton, 1966), pp. x-xi.

↑ Quoted in Benedikt and Wellwarth, eds., Modern French Theatre, p. xiii. See also Oscar G. Brockett and Robert R. Findlay, Century of Innovation: A History of European and American Theatre and Drama Since 1870 (Prentice-Hall, 1973), pp. 136-39.

↑ This page has been adapted from Pericles Lewis’s Cambridge Introduction to Modernism (Cambridge UP, 2007), p. 197.

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