Toyoda, Toyota- Tomato, Tomato

The most interesting story in the news last week, for me, has been the Toyota story. No, I don't own a Toyota and I'm not an expert on cars. But with the massive political coverage has caught my attention. And with interest in the technological world today, I find myself wanting to know the specifics.

Last week, Akio Toyoda wrote an op-ed piece for the Wall Street Journal (click LINK to read). His response has been slower than desired for most- and has been noted to be the "Japanese way," but still in some ways, I find that his approach has been methodical, despite the fact that he is known to shy away from PR. Perhaps in this instance, the slower response has not necessarily been all negative- as all consumers (and non) want an appropriate apology or solution.

He later testified in Washington, answering questions as to why he & his company failed. The whole debacle was criticized as too political and the U.S. Government, once again getting involved in private-sector matters, as it did so with large investments in GM and Chrysler.

After a few conversations over the issue-I went back to the Op-ed piece.Toward the end, he states, "This advanced "Smart Pedal" braking system will automatically cut engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are pushed simultaneously."

Ultimately, my initial thoughts were wondering how suddenly cutting the engine would make the drivers & passengers of the car safer. To me, physics trumps the car- thinking in terms of traction, velocity & speed, or even torque. So, what else would the smart pedal have to do- in order to prevent injury due to jolting the car? One professor's thoughts were fairly simple, not to say they were gospel by any means, but it opens the discussion. When one pulls off of the accelerator pedal, and shifts to the brake, the car seems to pause- it's often too quick to notice, but taking your foot off the gas immediately slows down the car. Wouldn't the smart pedal on the brake work the same way should one accidentally put their foot/feet on both pedals at the same time- pause & "coast" until the driver decides to what to do- keeping everyone safe.

Of course, I'm wondering, however, if one takes their foot off the accelerator to switch to the brake- and the car immediately slows down- doesn't the brake also slowly start moving when one takes their foot off the brake to press the accelerator? SO then, what is the purpose of the smart pedal, if the car already does this? And what of the brakes on the Toyota vehicles that were simply not working?

It was brought to my attention however that perhaps such and "extra" feature may reassure the driver, so that they may respond without a panic. Of course, panic is a psychological state of mind, and regardless of Toyota's error, that is not something they can necessarily control. 

Either way, the potential improvements on Toyota vehicles will continue to press on- and it will be interesting to see if the car provides any innovative additions for the sole purpose of customer satisfaction or whether the statement itself was the PR move to make "fast-food" Americans happy.

The Essence of Great Love

"When we are inside of Great Love, we have a much stronger possibility of surrendering our ego controls and opening up to the whole field of life.  Great Love makes us willing to risk everything, holding nothing back. The feeling of fusion with or acceptance by, another or The Other temporarily overcomes our terrible sense of aloneness, separateness and fear. The ecstasy of this union allows us to let down our barriers and see things inside of a new kind of wholeness and happiness, at least for a while. But as we all know, the honeymoon cannot last.  To remain permanently "in love" something else is needed—some level of mysticism, whether nature-based or consciousness-based or God-based." 

-Richard Rohr

What is it that you love? Who is it that you love? Ironically, this concept, this idea of "Great Love" applies for that which is exalted above us, and for that which stands in front of us. We were given two commands to live this life and for both- one word completes them- LOVE.

It is innate in all of us to love something or someone. This was Created in us- as we live, and move and have our being. We long for it and we long to give it- the kind of relationship that is for the greater good. What I find most fascinating about Rohr's statement is that there must be some sort of "mysticism" in order for it to continue, to be successful- to "remain" intact. There must be a sense of mystery that we experience when we see that other human being, when we look to the Heavens.

Mystery draws us, entices us to what is beyond the obvious- and with every twist and turn we want to know until we solve the puzzle. Truly it takes a lifetime to really know the heart of one man, and an Eternity, to know the One above. And when we play to seek - we savor the moment of small discoveries and we are convinced there is more. Is this not the essence of real love?

How sad it is in our world today that people say they have lost their interest in love- I do not believe that is ever the case- b/c no one loses their interest in mystery. Everyone asks the question "Why?" whether they receive an answer or not. What occurs is a person's lack of satisfaction with the answer they are given- and instead of pursuing the next discovery, they give up and look to find another mystery ...and another. "IT" becomes a case of control- and even self indulgence. I find that there are times- that it is ok, not to have all the answers- and live each day for itself, continuing the love I was created by, and for.

To me, the mystery, the thriller, never stops- therefore, as my mouth waters for more, how can I not give or receive the Great love that follows?

"Meet Me in Montag..."

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one my all-time favorite movies. If you've not seen it, well the video may not make sense...but it's a love story, backwards. As it begins w/ two people who are fed up w/ one another on a quest to erase each other, and along the way, they re-ignite why they fell in love in the first place. Two of the most diverse characters finding each other...again, through memories. We all have moments when we need to be reminded of who we are, and people we love, and why we love them- and sometimes, we even get a second chance. To erase one's memory is to erase a purpose. Enjoy...

The Boy, The Tiger- The Man

Recently, I received the entire collection of Calvin & Hobbes as a gift. The other day, I read through the first 10 or so pages, in which Bill Watterson, the author, dictates his journey to the two witty characters of his infamous comic strip.

What struck me the most was his passion to be a comic strip writer in the first place. And he tried everything. He admits that he was never the greatest cartoonist or artist for that matter, but he figured that was much simpler than, say, any formidable drawing. He wrote comics for school papers and tried a few political cartoons, but they were never that successful and they weren't really what he was after.

The fact is that Watterson's Calvin & Hobbes started as secondary characters in a comic he was submitting to various agencies and papers. Finally one syndicate that picked him up mentioned that perhaps he should expound on those two secondary characters as they seemed to have the most depth. Watterson agreed, and what he really saw in Calvin & Hobbes was himself.

He was finally drawing and forming characters that developed as he did and with college background in political science (which by the way, he had no real interest or knowledge of until college), he was able to communicate his thoughts, questions, and ideas to the world. What's even more intriguing was the fact that he had no desire to ever be in the lime light. He frequently backed away from interviews and the most well known picture of Watterson is a picture taken in 1985 is his office. He also defended his artistry and other than the books themselves, never officially authorized any other type of merchandise, such as plush toys or animated films.

Watterson as a man, we saw through the eyes of a little boy and his stuffed tiger. He was doubtful that his characters would succeed, esp. b/c Peanuts had already taken children to a whole new maturity level. Nevertheless, he found an audience, he made his wife laugh and he was good at it...

To me? Watterson was about quiet passion and hard work and that is really amazing.