Isaiah Cartoon: Truth to be Hard

Here is my latest cartoon for Isaiah.

The commentary I have for this concerns the difficulty in understanding Isaiah's words.  The idea is similar as the last cartoon, but focuses on a possible intent behind his methods, and brings some humor with it.  Isaiah might have written his revelations and visions in his manner to preserve the truth and protect it from ridicule.  Only people who have true intent, that are willing to study to understand, will.  Therefore, the wicked will not hear the truth of his words, and will therefore not be offended.  That is the joke, at least.

Isaiah Cartoon: Real Intent

Years ago, when I was a child, I would read Garfield by Jim Davis and dream of being a cartoonist.  However, being raised the way I was, that was not a good career path.  I needed something more real.  Years later, here is my small contribution with a religious perspective.

The point of this comic focuses on the fact that Isaiah can be difficult to interpret.  However, his writing is true to the teaching style of Christ.  Christ's apostles asked once why he spoke in parables.  He wanted to make sure people who wanted to learn would hear it.  If people listened hard and tried to understand, they would.  Isaiah's writings are similar.

National Health: A New Heath Care

A Few Current Problems

With the "new" Affordable Care Act, every citizen is required to have health care coverage, or pay a fine.  It is well debated if this was a good option or not.  I personally think that everyone should have some health coverage.  However, I don't like the cost.  Any type of insurance is simply a gamble.  Am I going to get sick or not?  I haven't for many years, so why pay for something that won't happen this year?  If I have great insurance one year and don't use it, I might lower my premiums for the following year.  Then I get sick and bear the brunt of the bills.

A difficulty with health insurance is who pays the bill.  The cost of health care is surrounded around the health of the individual.  It is true that more wealth grants better health.  But, this is only due to circumstance.  With more money you live in a better place, with good food, and health care when you need it.  And in most markets, if you need more of a service, you should pay more.  This is not fair for health care.  The cost depends upon health.  If you are more healthy, have good genes, and are not prone to sickness, you don't pay as much.  Sickness is not always chosen.  Sometimes it is.

Government Aid

The government has provided many programs and incentives to help people, communities, and companies grow.  The idea behind this is it supports the greater good, economy, etc.  I think this can be a great thing.  The government provides public transit that gives everyone a means of transport.  This gives the poor better access to work without the cost of owning a vehicle.  It assists people in finding and having access to jobs.  There are soup kitchens to help the poor, so they can theoretically focus more effort on contributing to society.  Many companies help in these regards as well.  Shouldn't the government focus on helping every citizen have good health?  Isn't health a human right?  Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness?

If someone is poor, they already have a higher chance of being sick.  When that individual is sick, they probably can't afford proper nutrition and health care.  Next, they can't work.  They are caught in continual downward spiral.  We cannot condemn others because of their status.

Finding A Common Factor

The only way to make health care fair is to find a common factor.  Clearly wealth and natural health complications have no relationship.  Location, birth, nationality, etc.  None of these correlate.  The biggest factors I can see have to do with diet and personal habits.  People who eat more junk food, do drugs, and smoke will likely have more health problems.  There are also other events that take place like atomic bomb testing that affects a region that will later struggle with cancer.  Cities with high pollution can affect respiratory problems.  These are the factors that will be addressed to support a new National Health initiative.  

The Solution: National Health

The government is OK to create a new health care that they own and regulate, as long as it is done correctly.  I will not discuss everything in full.  This is merely an idea that the American people should discuss and build on their own.  There are four areas that I will discuss: Who is covered, The Funding, A New Health Council, Charitable Contributions, and Acceptable Health Providers. 

Who Is Covered

Every American citizen with a social security number will be given access to these benefits.  Nobody should be excluded.  If someone lives here, and is not an American citizen, they should have a visa or green card.  These forms of identification will give them access to the national health system as well.  

If someone is living a poor diet or has bad habits, they will be required to go through a rehab program.  For instance, if someone is a heavy smoker and is battling lung cancer, they will need to stop smoking to receive full coverage.  It makes no sense for a health care system to pay for something that is preventable like this.  You cant help others that won't help themselves.

The Funding

Currently, health insurance is funded by either individuals or their employers.  The intent of this National Health system is to make health care free.  However, if someone is not willing to change their ways, or if they are not an American citizen with a form of ID, they might be required to pay a fee.  However, this fee should not be more than a typical copay of $20.  The employer will be required to pay a small portion for each employee and their family.  Again, this will amount to no more than the copay for each individual a month.  This amount may be lowered depending on how the rest of the funding pans out.  All the money for the National Health program will go into one large pool that will be used for each citizen.

The majority of the funding will come from those companies that make up the "common factor".  Cigarette companies will pay a fair amount to compensate the health complications they give to their customers.  Junk food companies will pay a certain percentage towards the fund.  Any company that affects the health of American citizens may have to face a fee to contribute to National Health.  

A New Health Council

A new health council will be organized and made up of health professionals from both the traditional and natural health practices in America.  This council will create a set of rules that will give each company a numerical score that determines how healthful they are for the nation.  This score will be converted to a percentage of revenue that company will be required to pay to National Health.  This council will apply to companies based on their size.  For example, a fast food company will be given a rating, which will be divided by the number of states it operates in.  The more widespread the company, the more influence it has on the nation's health. 
The health score will be based upon the weighted average health of the company's products.  The more unhealthy products they sell a year, the more fees.  If there is a health breach, such as E. coli, and the company does not make adequate changes, they will be fined for their negligence and health consequences.  if a company was found to have leaked hazardous waste, etc. they will be fined as well.  Any company that affects the nation's health may pay a fine.  These fines will be associated with the potential health problems that could be affected and/or created.

The benefits of these fees and ratings are great.  It matches the cause and affect of most health problems in the United States.  And, if a company wants to decrease their associated fees, they will have to change their products to be better fit for the American people.  All products will become healthful and advantageous to every citizen.  As the years go by, there might be fear that less money will be going into National Health.  This is true, but the nation's overall health should also be greatly improved, with less overall cost.

Charitable contributions

Companies love to give money to improve their image and decrease their taxes.  The National Health initiative is not exempt from this.  Any company may pay more than the required amount, per employee, to National Health.  And each company can claim the full amount paid to National Health as a tax deduction.  Companies may still pay to charities, build schools, and help the world the way they currently do.  But, wouldn't it be great if more companies put money towards something as great as National Health?  This helps every citizen, no matter what their social status is.  This builds a greater America.

Acceptable Health Providers

One of the most important things of any health insurance is who the providers are.  Where can you go to treat your illness, get your annual checkup, etc?  With National Health, you can go anywhere, as long as they are a registered health provider.  This is true for natural and holistic practices as well.  

What About The Insurance Companies

If National Health came to be, all other insurance companies may keep operating as they wish.  Nobody has to get rid of their current provider.  However, it would make no sense for anyone to stay with any provider.  For an operation such as National Health to exist, it will need countless employees to give the expertise and customer service that everyone interacts with today.  Therefore, it is expected that National Health would absorb most people that are currently working for a health insurance company today.

What Are Your Thoughts of #NationalHealth ?

I want to hear your thoughts.  I believe that National Health could change America in a profound way.  Please share this post with all your friends.  Make National Health a conversation today.  As you talk about National Health, please use this hashtag #NationalHealth

Should Lincoln Have Kept the Split-wing Grill?

2015 Lincoln MKT

Before Lincoln made their debut with the Continental concept, featuring a new grill, I thought Lincoln could resurrect their Split-wing grill.  BMW has been able to keep their grill in style while still being easily recognizable.  Pontiac also had a dual grill that worked well for them.  In Lincoln's case, however, I think most people desired a change.

2016 Lincoln MKZ

With the updated MKZ, Lincoln updated the grill.  They got rid of the waterfall look and adopted a new feathered look.  In their advertising campaigns, they called the MKZ a phoenix, the rebirth of the Lincoln brand.  I personally didn't like this look.  It was better than the past, but not enough for a new car.  The 2016 MKC adopted this look, but it translated into a much more cohesive look.

2016 Lincoln MKC

Last year, before the Continental's preview, I was forming my own ideas.  I tried my had at a few designs for a new Split-wing grill that would bring this old style into a new light for a new generation.  I think the Lincoln logo is very elegant and suited for a luxury brand.  In my concepts, I wanted the Lincoln logo to stand out more.  I wanted it to be larger, and nicely framed.

My rendering of the Lincoln MKZ before their most recent update for 2017.  So, I tried making the chrome outline different.  I find some companies overdo the chrome.  I made it only go across the top, and have the middle connect in a low overhang.  When I look at this now, I think it has a little bit of a Nissan/Renault look to it.  I think Lincoln is on a better path now that what i drew.

What do you think?  Should Lincoln have kept the Split-wing grill?

2015 MKT: http://www.lincoln.com/crossovers/mkt/gallery/photos/popup/photo:12/
2016 MKZ: http://www.lincoln.com/cars/mkz/gallery/photos/popup/photo:6/
2016 MKC: http://cars.axlegeeks.com/l/5810/2015-Lincoln-MKC 

2017 Lincoln MKC

 In my last post I created a rendering of the 2017 Toyota Corolla.  That was made using a spy shot (Autoblog) and a series of Toyota vehicle pictures.  Here, I took Lincoln's new corporate look and applied it to one of their newer vehicles: the MKC.  

When the MKZ was updated in 2013, I was not fond of the "Phoenix" styling.  I wanted to like it, but it never grew on me.  I admired their desire to resurrect the dual grill.  However, I found their efforts on the MKZ poorly implemented.  Then the new 2015 MKC came out.  I really like the look of this car.  The exterior that is.  Now I admit, although this design is a large step forward for the Lincoln brand, it still doesn't say full-out "Luxury".  

With the new 2017 Lincoln Continental revealed and MKZ following suit, the luxury automaker has a future.  The new design is elegant with presence.  Now, two questions emerge.  How long will it take for the rest of the vehicle lineup to receive the new Jaguar-esque grill?  And, what varieties will it come in?

Here, I created a rendering using the 2016 Lincoln MKC and added elements from the MKZ (grill and inner headlight accents.)  I made the grill taller and wider than on the MKZ to give this a stronger more muscular appearance, since it is a crossover.  The headlights were already very similar to the MKZ, I just really liked the inner accents and implemented those.  I also made the lower grill slightly more narrow to accommodate the larger grill.  

If I were to redo this rendering, I would make the grill a little smaller (larger space around the sides) and more angular (pointing to the bumper).  I can't wait to see Lincoln unveil the future lineup.

These are my thoughts.  Let me know what you think.

Images

2016 Lincoln MKC: http://cars.axlegeeks.com/l/5810/2015-Lincoln-MKC 

2017 Lincoln MKZ elements: http://www.lincoln.com/2017-mkz/ 

The 2017 Toyota Corolla

When spy shots of the  2017 Toyota Corolla came out, websites such as Autoblog and LeftLaneNews suggested it to be taking styling cues from the Mirai.  I never saw this.  I saw more of the Camry.  Now, I will admit, those crazy dimples that most likely hold some stylized led's hold strong ties to the Mirai.  But, I doubt they will be as prominently featured here.  Now, here is where I present you with my rendering of the 2017 Toyota Corolla.

I had to pull several images of three cars to pull this off.  The headlights and a good majority of the grill come from the Avalon (though I had to reshape these items quite a bit).  Part of the inner grill and fog lights come from the Camry (though I admit I got lazy with the fog lights).  And the faux grill that holds the Toyota symbol comes from the most current Rav4.  I pulled the same old taillight, since I have not studied the tail end yet.  All in all, I think this gives a pretty good glimpse of what is to come.

Spy Shot Image: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/01/2017-toyota-corolla-spied-will-get-mirai-inspired-look.html 

Toyota Copied Mazda

Car manufacturers have been copying each other's designs for ages.  This is not new.  Here I present my case where a company shamelessly copies another.  Toyota vs. Mazda.  The car in question: The 2011 Corolla.  For as long as anyone can remember, Toyota has been known for their unoffensive design strategy.  Make something mainstream, otherwise known as boring.  

The 9th generation model brought the Toyota's compact into the modern age.  Although it was highly successful, it's bulky design was due for an upgrade.  Yet again, Toyota wanted to play things safe with design.  Make it slimmer, but make it say "Corolla".  They took may of the same design cues and updated them for a "new" generation.

I think the design was poorly implemented, but the vehicle was still successful.  Toyota quickly made modifications for 2011 to give the Corolla a sportier look.  This is where Mazda comes in with the 2003 Mazda 6.  This shows how far behind Toyota was with their 9th generation.  Typical for a mid-cycle upgrade, Toyota kept the main structure and interior, only updating a little of the front fascia (headlights and grill) and the back end (taillights and bumper).

Above: 2011 Toyota Corolla and 2003 Mazda 6

As you can see, the headlights were mildly upgraded to give a slimmer appearance, similar to the Mazda.  The most apparent copy was adding a couple bars across the grill to imitate the 6's distinctive look.  They also opened the lower grill more to give it a sportier feel, and added a bar across the side of the vehicle to minimize door dings, both found on the Mazda.

Above: 2011 Toyota Corolla and 2003 Mazda 6

In the back, the most prominent change in the Corolla is the taillights.  Although they are not an exact copy, they give a similar impression as the 6 by adding silver accents to the middle.  The taillights were also slimmed to provide a more uniform shape, like the Mazda.  The lower reflectors on the bumper even got slimmed down similar to the 6.

Conclusion: I believe that Toyota shamelessly copied attributes of the 2003 Mazda 6 to update the poorly envisioned 2003 Toyota Corolla.  I don't see anything wrong with manufacturers learning from one another, but not in a fashion like this.  I believe automotive design to be a form of art, and therefore should not be copied.  Flattery can be great, but not for merely increasing sales.  Toyota is now creating their own distinctive, although confusing, design.  I look forward to what they produce.  Hopefully something better looking than the Mirai.

This is just my opinion, but I will let you be the judge.

Photo Credits
2003 Corolla: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E120)#/media/File:2003-2004_Toyota_Corolla_CE.jpg 
2009 Corolla front: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E140)#/media/File:09_Toyota_Corolla.jpg
2009 Corolla back: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E140)#/media/File:2007-2010_Toyota_Corolla_(ZRE152R)_Ascent_sedan_01.jpg
2011 Corolla front: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E140)#/media/File:2011_Toyota_Corolla_Altis_1.8E_in_Puchong,_Malaysia_(01).jpg 
2003 6 front: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda6#/media/File:2005-2007_Mazda_6_(GG_Series_2)_Luxury_Sports_hatchback_(2011-01-13).jpg
2011 Corolla back:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E140)#/media/File:2011_Toyota_Corolla_Altis_1.8E_in_Puchong,_Malaysia_(02).jpg 
2003 6 back: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda6#/media/File:2006_Mazda6_(GG_Series_2)_MZR-CD_hatchback_(2015-08-07)_02.jpg 

2017 Toyota Corolla

What is behind the Corolla's mask?  Camry with a touch of Mirai?  

Stay tuned to find out.

Image: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/01/2017-toyota-corolla-spied-will-get-mirai-inspired-look.html 

The All New Cadillac Sentra

Automotive design is a tough business.  Creating popular design trends and guessing the consumers needs proves difficult to achieve.  When the sixth generation of the Nissan Sentra came out in 2007, I was not sure what Nissan was thinking.  I found the car to be visually unappealing.  A small car should be small and sleek, not bulky and boxy.  This is exactly what Nissan delivered.  However, It wasn't until the latter half of 2011 that I realized what this car resembled.  Nissan, which has been trying to bring an upper class design to the middle class, had copied major design cues from Cadillac.  Every exterior feature matched.  The upper and lower grill position and shape, as well as the headlights.  The boxy, angled lines were a dead giveaway.  To better visualize things, I have provided the picture below.

Please comment below.  What car mashups would you like to see?

Photo Credits: 

Nissan Sentra: http://zombdrive.com/image-model/1647-2010-nissan-sentra-12.jpg.html 

Cadillac STS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_STS 

Starting some Photography

I have begun my hand/eye at photography recently.  I am working on finding my niche.  But, you can see some of my work in the following links.

www.muellerarts.weebly.com

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/haley-mueller.html?tab=artworkgalleries&artworkgalleryid=623004

oregon photographs

Completing the Book of Mormon

I have completed the Book of Mormon, what I believe is the fourth time.  I read it once before my mission, and understood little.  I read it during my mission as a challenge when President Hinckley passed away.  I may have read it another time during my mission, but I would need to look at my old scriptures.  I read it again after my mission as a family challenge/Christmas present.  And today, 1/6/2016, I have completed it again.

I believe the Book of Mormon to be true, and surely a book to bring you closer to God than any other book.  As you are consistent with your reading and study out the words and meanings, it will change your life for the good.  The eyes of your understanding will open, and the truth of the world around you will be better understood.  The ignorance of the world you live in is not held by the understanding of all things, but by the understanding of God.

Read, study, and write what impresses you.  This will enable and further your true progress toward God.