Friday, July 7, 2017
By:
“Genius is one percent inspiration, and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” – Thomas Alva Edison.
I have always thought that there are two kinds of people in the world. Those who driven by passion, creativity, and imagination, can think of the unimaginable. On the other hand, there are those capable of materializing a variety of ideas. They can keep track of the facts and means required for an idea to be real. In any of those cases, hard work is something they can’t lack to succeed. There will always be some aspect to improve, minor details to cover, and huge leaps to overcome. No matter the project or the team, there is always more that can be done.
This week I have been testing the trivia cards around the office. The fun part about the game so far is that the less you know, the more you learn! From optic fiber cables to Emma Noether, there is a variety of facts and answers that will surely surprise the players. Some of these might even help the players identify with famous physicists. You never know if you are sharing the same birthday or the same hobby with that of an influential figure.
Besides the fact that almost half of the week was off due to the 4th of July, I have been able to find some of the minor details before the printing of the alfa version. The content concepts seem to be ready, but a little rewording wouldn’t do any harm. Apparently, I have a thing for changing fours for nines. Like that time, I took the 104 bus instead of the 109 bus and ended up in the university of Maryland. There is more difference between them than just numerical value.
Outside the office, some of the interns and I went for a hike at Rock creek park. After a while, we accomplished our goal of finding the old Capitol Ruins. It turns out that some of the pieces of the original Capitol where kept in the woods after its remodeling. This place is one more of the hidden treasures of Washington D.C.
Speaking of treasure, I stopped by the National Museum of American History. I was impressed by the historical collection that the museum possesses. From the first Ladies Gowns to Abraham Lincoln’s hat, the exposition surely display the concepts and morals that were held back in the day.
Back to our own age, I also stopped by the Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. The main exposition was leaded by Ai Weiwei’s latest tribute to the right to stand for your beliefs. Using more than 1 million LEGO bricks, the pixelated images of the imprisoned thinkers perfectly resembles the images taken by low definition cameras. With a deep interpretation and a huge message, this is surely one of the most impressive works done with LEGO bricks.
It is also possible to build things without physical objects. One example is how the right use of words can build a nation that holds together up to this day. I am talking of none other than the Declaration of independence. I had the opportunity to visit the national archives on the 4th of July which is the perfect day to do so.
A couple of hours later, I was granted access to the staff only section of the capitol for the 4th of July concert and fireworks show. I must admit that it was the perfect way to spent my first 4th of July in the US. It was filled with dancing, singing, and concluded with a spectacular firework show. This was for sure, one night I will never forget.
The next day, I concluded my explorations by attending to the concert of one of my favorite bands: Caravan Palace. As a modern tribute to jazz and swing music, this French band knows how to take the best out of the classics and merge it with modern sound techniques. Dancing, jumping, music and coordinated light displays covered the room in one legendary night of fun. I couldn’t ask for more in what I considered to be the spring break of the summer.
From music to politics, a concept is nothing more than a concept unless we work to make it happen. That is what differs a smart person from a genius, the effort taken to see those ideas come true. It might not be easy, and you will never know if it would work unless you try. So, think, write, speak, dream, build, and inspire as the best of life itself is still out there waiting to be found.
Francisco Ayala Rodriguez