The Think Tank ~ My Creative Meltdown

Posted by Bryan J Zimmerman on Jul 22, 2010 in opinion | 0 comments

I suppose this could be part two of my previous Think Tank article, as it ties in with unemployment and all of the negativity that goes along with it, however, this is a horrible feeling that can strike anyone at anytime, which establishes this as an article unto itself.

Whether you are a musician, painter, actor, author, or any of the thousands of creative professions across the globe, I am sure you can all relate to “the blank slate syndrome” as I like to call it, but what happens when the antagonist, played by “creative meltdown,” renowned actor and major pain decides to take up residence for a few weeks or months?

Sir Ken Robinson interviewed by TED & Reddit

Posted by Bryan J Zimmerman on Jul 13, 2010 in opinion | 0 comments

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Sir Ken Robinson. His philosophy on children & creativity is a subject I am extremely passionate about, which I have been drilling into the powers that be within my son’s school district for twelve years.

My son has since graduated, and unfortunately nothing has changed. I went as far as to email Mr. Robinson’s talks to the entire staff and faculty with not even one response, which was very sad, as it sent a very clear message that the school district had no time for its student body and what they could become.

I came across an interview with Sir Ken Robinson recently that is truly inspiring, and I encourage you to read it when you have a few minutes.

The interview was conducted by TED and Reddit, and can be found in its entirety on the official TED blog.

The Think Tank ~ Unemployment; The New Face of Identity Theft

Posted by Bryan J Zimmerman on Jul 12, 2010 in opinion | 2 comments

I made my way from the bedroom to the kitchen as I do every morning, however, things seemed out of place. Physically nothing had changed. The pictures of family adorned the wall leading down the staircase, and the back pain I experience upon rising in the morning was definitely there, however, mentally things were out of place. The carpet under my bare feet didn’t feel the same, and my journey to the altar of java was somehow slowed down as if time itself were tugging at my shirt.

I thought to myself it was just lack of sleep or allergies, but the invisible force continued to nag at me all the way down the stairs. I started the coffee maker, and headed to the bathroom for my normal morning download. I took care of business, and as I was washing my hands stole a peek of myself in the mirror. This is normally enough to either wake me up or cause a sickness in my gut, however, today was different. I stared for what seemed like an eternity, but no matter how hard I concentrated, the face staring back at me was a complete stranger. I knew that physically I was still the same person, yet simultaneously I didn’t, which is down right creepy.

After the mirror incident I made my way back to the kitchen for some breakfast and coffee, the entire time thinking about the experience with the mirror. The more I thought about it there were other oddities over the past month that led up to this moment. I was not sleeping normally, days and weeks seemed to melt into one another causing me to forget birthdays and other special events. As I continued to ponder, like a bag of bricks over the head, it hit me. I no longer knew who I was or what my purpose was. It was as if someone or something had stolen my identity. Suddenly, I felt like the last person on earth; alone and frightened; A rebel without a cause, or something like that.