hello there, i'm Nettra (pronounced according to spelling: net + tra = nettra).
i'm a global nomad and digital native currently based in Paris. i was born in California, raised in Phnom Penh and loved my three years in New York City.
i am a recovering political scientist keen on helping diverse stakeholders work together towards sustainable solutions to poverty. learning about the impact of technology, entrepreneurship and creativity on society is what gives me energy.
this tumblr helps me keep track of things which have happened to me, as well as the interesting, funny, inspiring and beautiful links i find this on this internet odyssey (read more).
for something more focused and structured (i.e., without photos of cute animals), you may like to browse my online art portfolio or visit my website. you can also find me on twitter, ask me a question or feed my fish.
Kant Help Me by Nettra Pan is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. Material posted here is my own, unless otherwise stated.
If you find your content here and would like me to remove or attribute it to you, please let me know and I would be happy to oblige.
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Gas pump prank turns couple into Internet sensation
In case you haven’t seen this viral video, it is worth a watch. A couple is pranked at a gas station, play along and, in doing so, win our hearts. My theory for why it has gone viral is of course in part due to their talent but more due to their authenticity.
They were not afraid to show their passion for the songs they were singing, make funny sounds, or to dance in public. This, added to the fact that they were pranked, shows their vulnerability. Their emotions are genuine - we see the moments when the couple are surprised, plus the embarrassment of the wife at the beginning. There are no fancy costumes, make up or special effects. The husband continues singing along as he fills his tank with gas - he has nothing to prove here, he is just being his enthused self. The gas station setting is so familiar and thus very easy to relate to. The economic context in at the moment, with gas prices and unemployment still high, only adds to the couple’s likeability.
The Tonight Show got lucky with this perfect mix of ingredients. If the couple keeps on with this attitude, they won’t need luck. Their love and joie de vivre is inspiring.
Never give up on your dreams ;)
Gay marriage? No way! It’s against nature.
Love this!!
Felt a bit overwhelmed last week and so I put this classic TEDx talk from David Allen on again. I think anyone living in modern society can relate to what he describes. Thanks to @rahafharfoush for introducing me to the GTD philosophy.
I love the following image. I find it calming and motivating: David Allen quietly gazing at the moon on his unstable boat, on the raging sea, with his girlfriend at the time.
Love the ending of the video.
I don’t use a [ringtone] of any kind on my phone. This is so that I am always on offense and never defense.
Dave Morin
This interview has been mocked around the internet presumably because Morin seems extremely privileged, unaware and like he takes himself too seriously.
There are some insightful things in here though (like turning your ringtone off completely — I do that a lot and it is extremely calming. Plus, I admire those who are bold enough to state their preferences and define life by their own terms. And, I enjoy Path.
Thought via Path
I didn’t know how to react to a conversation this week.
Woman: I’d like to wear more dresses and flattering outfits but even when I wear loose, simple clothing, I get unwanted attention on the street, cat calls etc.
Man: I don’t understand why women complain about getting compliments. – Read on Path.
