Learning the Rules of the Game

Each game has its rules, from boardgames to Hollywood to the publishing industry to jobhunting, bridge, baseball and even blogging.

The more complex the game, the more challenging.... some people thrive on challenges. For others the slightest resistance to an easy solution results in resignation. The external circumstances may be the same, but the internal commitment or lack thereof leads to different outcomes, whether in relationships or life.

Mindset makes a difference. The fatalist sees everything as rigged and some kinds of games are useless to even try to learn. The old adage of half-full optimist and glass half empty pessimist truly holds true.

* * * *

"Made Ya Look"

In the Jersey high school I attended some of the guys played a game that went something like this. They would form a zero with their thumb and forefinger and hold it on their knee or on the school bus seat or someone's shoulder, and if they could get one of their buddies to look at it, then they were permitted to give them a noogie. The noogies were as much a part of the game as the various techniques for placing the zero within someone's line of sight. If you look, you must suffer.

This game comes to mind when I see those multifarious banner ads that promise content, but deliver nothing more than a waste of time. 15 celebrities you will not recognize today, 23 child actors who are now dead and gone, 18 places you'll wish you could have visited before you die, etc. The noogie you receive is now replaced with a boot as you kick yourself for wasting more time you never had in the first place. (This assumes you have more things to do than you have time for.) Hereare some real life examples.

She Had No Idea Why The Crowd Was Cheering
I don't know either and I don't think I want to know.

The Walk Of Shame (27 photos)
The lure shot shows a woman who initially appears to be naked as she walks toward people with clothes on.

What These Lions Did Next Will Shock You
Sex? Cocaine? Break dancing?

50 Cringeworthy Photos From The 20th Century That They Couldn't Show
Who is "they" and why couldn't they show them? Could it be because they were from the 21st century? Or something more insidious?

They Found This In A Lake And Couldn't Believe Their Eyes 
A flying saucer? A mini-donut machine from China?

* * * *
Television itself is a variation on this game of "Made Ya Look." Except that the aim of television is to make you look and keep on looking. It's a game, and Hollywood has become quite skilled at it.

* * * *
NORTHLAND ART HAPPENINGS 
Courtesy Esther Piszczek

Friday - Sunday, September 23-25, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Lake Superior 20/20 Studio Art Tour, 20 Artists in 20 Miles: "Glass, ceramics, woodwork, painting, printmaking, jewelry, sculpture, and photography, will be shown, demonstrated, and offered for sale on this tour. The tour is well-marked along Highway 61 and the many adventurous side roads between Gooseberry Falls and Duluth." Learn more here.

September 23-October 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; Crossing Borders Studio Tour
"The public is invited to participate in a FREE self-guided tour of a select group of professional Artist Studios located along the Minnesota North Shore of Lake Superior. The Crossing Borders Studio Tour offers a unique opportunity to visit the home studios of the artists and view and purchase artwork. Learn about the artists’ processes and how this environment influences their aesthetic decisions. Featured this year are stone sculpture, Ojibwe art work, pottery, weaving, glass, print making, wood turning, metal works, jewelry, bead work, fiber art and leather. While traveling between the studios, visitors will enjoy the amazing fall colors and panoramic views of Lake Superior." Details here.

Friday, September 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., "Art for Ed's Sake" Fundraiser for Duluth Public School programs, Zeitgeist Arts, 222 E. Superior Street Music by Georgeanne Hunter- harpist. Food from local restaurants. Silent Auction Suggested donation: $25 per person; A fun evening for adults!! Cash bar open.

Saturday, September 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Lester River Rendezvous, Lester Park, Corner of Lester River Road and Superior Street in Lakeside "A living history attraction devoted to reliving the days of the fur trade." "Voyageur Village - Arts & Crafts - Live Music - Food" RAIN DATE: Sunday, September 25 Learn more here.

Friday, September 23, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Through Our Eyes, Photo Exhibit and Community Feast at Trepanier Hall. Details here.

* * * *
Meantime, art goes on all around you. Get into it.