Barbie Over Oppenheimer

September 11, 2023 Lehan Edirisinghe

A “woke/not” meme and a wokeness-vs-profit chart framed a simple view: story quality mattered more than labels. Later, “One Way or Another” played over bin Laden research and raid imagery

The image is a screenshot displaying a collage of movie posters arranged in a grid format. The top left section of the grid is labeled "WOKE," and includes posters for films such as "The Little Mermaid," "Barbie," "Star Wars," "Wakanda Forever," and "Elemental." These posters feature vibrant colors and iconic characters, indicating recent releases or well-known franchises. The right side of the grid is labeled "NOT" and includes posters for movies like "Puss in Boots," "Indiana Jones," and "Guardians of the Galaxy."
The background of the image is a light teal color, and the collage is displayed within a web browser window, indicated by the visible browser tabs and toolbar at the top of the image. The text "WOKE" and "NOT" is prominently displayed in bold white letters against a black background, clearly categorizing the movies into two sections. The posters are colorful and dynamic, showcasing a variety of genres and styles, from animated features to superhero blockbusters.
- Title: "WOKE | NOT"
- Site / app: "Chrome"

Preferring Barbie to Oppenheimer Without Seeing Oppenheimer

11:45 a.m.

I much prefer Barbie to Oppenheimer

I haven't seen Ope, but I don't want to

The video frame presents a data visualization graph titled "Is Going Woke Killing Disney... we ran the maths." The graph is a scatter plot with the x-axis labeled "TLDR WOKENESS INDEX" and the y-axis labeled "BOX OFFICE PROFIT/LOSS (M)." Various colored dots are scattered across the graph, representing different film studios or franchises. The color key on the right identifies Disney (blue), Marvel (red), Star Wars (yellow), Pixar (light blue), Universal (green), Dreamworks (dark blue), and Warner Bros (orange).
The graph seems to depict a relationship between a "wokeness index" and box office performance, suggesting an analysis of how perceived cultural or social messaging in films correlates with financial success. The dots are spread over quadrants, with some appearing in areas of positive profit and others in negative regions, indicating varied financial outcomes relative to their wokeness index score.
The overall scene is analytical, with a clean, minimalist design emphasizing data points and grid lines. The video timestamp shows 10:32 minutes into the content, and a subtitle at the bottom reads "Go Broke?" This suggests a critical or questioning stance on whether social messaging affects profitability.

Arguing Story Sense Matters More Than Political Correctness

12:00 p.m.

If the story makes sense, these concepts like political correctness to the sensibilities of the present times, wouldn't matter.

The image is a screenshot of a Wikipedia article titled "Killing of Osama bin Laden." The article discusses the events surrounding the death of Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011, in Abbottabad, Pakistan, by United States forces. The main text describes the operation, code-named Operation Neptune Spear, orchestrated by the Joint Special Operations Command. The top-left section shows the contents list with sections like "Search for bin Laden" and "Aftermath," while the right side features a photograph of Osama bin Laden's compound and a map detailing the operation's location.
Overlaying the Wikipedia article is a music player displaying an album cover of the band Blondie titled "The Platinum Collection." The music player shows a song currently playing, with a progress bar indicating 32 seconds into the track. The interface is typical of digital music players, showing play/pause and skip controls.
The screenshot captures a dark-mode interface of the website, with white text against a black background, creating a high-contrast visual. Tabs and a search bar are visible at the top of the browser window, indicating a typical web browsing environment.

Blondie’s “One Way or Another”

2:00 p.m.

Blondie - "One Way Or Another" (Audio)

https://youtu.be/_zBwRDEFMRY

[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1]

One way or another, I'm gonna find ya

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The image depicts a residential area with a prominent two-story building surrounded by a tall boundary wall. The structure appears to be made of concrete, with a flat roof and several windows. It is situated in a lush, green area with trees scattered around, adding to the secluded feel of the location. In the background, rolling hills or mountains are visible, giving a sense of isolation and tranquility. The lighting suggests that the image was taken during the day with natural light illuminating the scene.
In the foreground, a few people can be seen walking or standing near the wall, suggesting casual movement or interaction. Their clothing appears to be traditional, likely indicative of the local culture or climate. The overall atmosphere is quiet and somewhat serene, with no visible signs of urban hustle and bustle. There are no recognizable signs, advertisements, or other textual elements in the image, keeping the focus on the building and its natural surroundings.

A Lyric Fragment Saying Maybe Next Week

2:00 p.m. (b)

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The image is a composite of a map and a satellite view. The inset map highlights a section of northern Pakistan, indicating major cities such as Islamabad and Abbottabad. This map is simplified, showing national borders with neighboring countries like Afghanistan, India, and Iran. It features a legend for distance, marked in kilometers and miles, and oriented with north at the top.
Adjacent to the map, a satellite image provides a detailed aerial view of a neighborhood in Abbottabad. The area is outlined in yellow, marking a specific property. The satellite view displays urban and rural features, with multiple buildings and fields visible. The contrast in the image suggests it's from a grayscale satellite photo, possibly indicating a time before widespread color satellite imagery. Roads and pathways are visible, connecting the outlined property to the surrounding area, with a mix of open fields and densely built structures indicating a blend of agricultural and residential use. The overall tone is analytical, likely serving a purpose of geographical identification or planning.

A Standalone Chorus Label

2:00 p.m. (c)

[Chorus 1]

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The illustration depicts an architectural layout of a building compound, showing detailed measurements and features. The design is presented from an angled, aerial perspective, showcasing a series of structures enclosed by varying wall heights. The northern side features opaque windows, ensuring privacy and security. Various walls are labeled with their respective heights, ranging from 10 feet to 18 feet. A privacy wall is marked at 7 feet high, indicating an area designed for seclusion. Gates are visible, suggesting controlled access points within the compound. Additionally, a designated "Trash burning location" is marked, indicating waste management practices within the layout. The illustration uses a neutral color palette, with beige and brown tones dominating the scene, enhancing the technical and functional aspects of the architectural design. Shadows and lighting are used to give depth and dimension, emphasizing the structures' spatial relationships.

A Standalone Verse Label

2:00 p.m. (d)

[Verse 2]

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In this image, a group of officials are gathered in a conference room, focusing intently on something off-camera. Notable figures include Tony Blinken, who is standing towards the back. The setting appears to be a high-stakes meeting, indicated by the somber expressions and intense focus of those present. The room is filled with several laptops on the table, suggesting a briefing or monitoring of an ongoing situation. The participants are dressed in formal and semi-formal attire, with one military officer in uniform, adding to the serious and professional atmosphere. The lighting is bright and neutral, keeping the focus on the individuals and their expressions. Papers and disposable coffee cups are scattered around, hinting at a long or ongoing session. The overall mood is tense and concentrated, reflecting the gravity of the moment being captured. No specific on-screen text or titles are visible in the image.

A Blank 2:00 p.m. Entry

2:00 p.m. (e)

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The image depicts a formal meeting taking place in a conference room. The room is filled with several individuals seated around a long, polished wooden table, indicative of a high-level discussion. At the center of the room, a notable seal is mounted on the wall, adding a sense of officialdom to the setting. Most attendees are wearing business attire, such as suits and ties, which suggests a professional context. There are a variety of materials on the table, including notebooks, documents, and telephones, emphasizing the serious nature of the meeting.
The lighting is bright, originating from ceiling fixtures, and the walls are paneled with wood, enhancing the formal atmosphere. Several individuals are taking notes or attentively listening, indicating a focused and engaged environment. A few people appear to be speaking or leading the discussion, while others listen intently. The mood in the room seems serious and concentrated, reflecting the importance of the topics being discussed. The presence of military uniforms suggests that defense or national security might be among the issues on the agenda.

A Standalone Chorus Label

2:00 p.m. (f)

[Chorus 2]

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This illustration depicts a night-time military scene with a focus on a large, damaged helicopter in the foreground. The helicopter appears to have crash-landed, with its tail section prominently visible, including a bent rotor blade. The setting is outdoors, under a dark blue night sky with scattered clouds, which adds a somber and tense atmosphere. In the background, there is a two-story building with a flat roof and several windows, some of which are broken. The structure is surrounded by vegetation, and the perimeter wall is topped with barbed wire, indicating a secure and fortified location.
In the mid-ground, several soldiers are visible, dressed in camouflage uniforms and tactical gear. They are equipped with weapons and are in various states of movement, possibly indicating an ongoing operation or mission. The scene conveys a sense of urgency and action, with the soldiers appearing focused and alert. The use of dark, muted colors enhances the clandestine and tense nature of the scene. Overall, the image captures a dramatic moment of military action and the aftermath of a helicopter incident.

An Instrumental Bridge Label

2:00 p.m. (g)

[Instrumental Bridge]

This illustration depicts a nighttime covert military operation reminiscent of "Operation Neptune Spear." The scene is dominated by four armed soldiers in tactical gear, advancing strategically along a barbed-wire perimeter. Each soldier is equipped with modern rifles and night-vision goggles, indicating a high-alert mission. Their body armor and gear are detailed, showing pouches and equipment, suggesting readiness for any scenario. The lighting is dim, with shadows cast from an ominous gray sky, setting a tense, suspenseful atmosphere.
In the background, a helicopter hovers, silhouetted against the cloudy night sky, adding to the sense of urgency and high stakes. The building they are approaching is fortified, with barred windows and surrounded by barbed wire, suggesting a well-defended target. The soldiers' postures are dynamic and focused, clearly in a coordinated effort, reflecting discipline and precision.
In the bottom right corner, there is a logo related to "Operation Neptune Spear," complementing the overall military theme of the illustration. The color palette is primarily dark and muted, enhancing the covert, secretive nature of the mission.

A Standalone Verse Label

2:00 p.m. (h)

[Verse 3]

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The image depicts a tactical operation scene at night, showing a group of six soldiers dressed in military gear. They are positioned against a weathered, textured wall, possibly part of a building, suggesting an urban environment. The soldiers wear helmets and tactical vests, equipped with firearms, indicating a high-alert situation. Their postures are alert and strategic, suggesting a coordinated entry or surveillance operation. The lighting is dim, with shadows cast dramatically on the wall, adding to the tense and secretive atmosphere. The color palette is muted, dominated by shades of gray and black, enhancing the scene's stealthy and covert nature. The composition captures a moment of anticipation, with the soldiers ready for action, highlighting the themes of military precision and preparedness. No identifiable text or branding is visible in the image, focusing solely on the tactical activity. The overall mood is intense and suspenseful, characteristic of night-time military maneuvers.

A Blank 2:00 p.m. Entry

2:00 p.m. (i)

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The illustration depicts a tactical military operation in an indoor setting, presented in shades of green reminiscent of night vision. Four soldiers are advancing through a dimly lit corridor, each wearing tactical gear that includes helmets, body armor, and night-vision goggles. They are armed with rifles, held in ready stances, indicating a high-alert situation. The soldiers move in a coordinated manner, demonstrating precision and discipline. The lead soldier is crouched near a doorway, signaling the tactical approach of the team.
In the background, a figure peeks from behind a stairwell, suggesting a potential target or civilian, highlighted by the soldiers' laser sights trained on them. The green hue adds to the tense, covert atmosphere typical of night operations. The composition is dynamic, capturing the movement and focus of the soldiers as they clear the area. The illustration style is detailed, with careful attention to the soldiers' gear and posture, enhancing the realism of the scene.

A Lyric Fragment Saying Trick Ya

2:00 p.m. (j)

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The image depicts a news ticker on the exterior of a building displaying breaking news headlines. The prominent text reads "OSAMA BIN LADEN DEAD," indicating a major news announcement about the death of Osama bin Laden. This text is in blue, making it stand out against the black background of the ticker. Below, in red text, a sports update reads, "BRUINS UP 2-0 ON P," which likely pertains to a playoff series involving the Boston Bruins.
The building is identified as part of ABC News, with their logo visible on the ticker. The setting appears to be outdoors, possibly in a bustling urban area, given the architectural style and the presence of large windows reflecting the surrounding environment. The structure suggests a modern media center, likely in a well-known city location, such as Times Square. The lighting is natural, and the image captures part of a street sign or traffic light pole in the bottom right corner, adding to the urban context. The overall mood is serious and urgent, typical of breaking news scenarios. The design and placement of the ticker are intended to attract public attention quickly and convey important information efficiently.

A Bridge Fragment Asking Who You Call

2:00 p.m. (k)

[Bridge]

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████████████████████████████████who you call

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The image is a screenshot of the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted" webpage. The page prominently features the FBI's official logo and navigation options at the top, including "Contact Us," "About Us," and "Most Wanted." The central section displays a grid of images featuring the ten most wanted fugitives, with each name listed beneath their photograph. The image of Usama Bin Laden is highlighted on the right side, marked with a red "Deceased" banner. The text next to his image provides information about his crimes, including murder and conspiracy charges, and details about the substantial reward once offered for information leading to his capture. The layout is structured and formal, with a blue and white color scheme typical of official government websites. The page aims to inform the public and solicit tips regarding these individuals.

A One Way or Another Outro Fragment

2:15 p.m.

[Outro]

One way or another I'm gonna ██████

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█████████████████████████get ya████████████████

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This image depicts a large group of people gathered outside a multi-story building surrounded by a tall concrete wall. The building appears to have several barred windows and a flat roof. The crowd is composed of individuals wearing traditional clothing, with a few in more Western attire, suggesting a diverse gathering possibly for an event or a newsworthy occasion. Some people are standing and observing, while others are engaged in conversations, indicating a sense of curiosity or alertness in the atmosphere. The sky is clear with a few clouds, indicating it's a sunny day. The setting appears to be rural or on the outskirts of a town, with mountains visible in the background. The overall mood seems to be one of interest and attention, possibly pointing towards a significant event linked to this location.

A Blank 2:15 p.m. Entry

2:15 p.m. (b)

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The illustration is a detailed aerial view of a compound, depicting a military operation. The scene is composed of several buildings surrounded by high walls and topped with barbed wire, indicative of a secure location. A helicopter hovers above the largest structure, suggesting an air insertion of personnel. Silhouettes of figures are scattered throughout the compound, signifying a tactical team moving through various points marked with numbers. These points are likely key entry or strategic locations within the operation. The numbered sequence suggests a planned progression through the compound.
One of the buildings features multiple floors with balconies and satellite dishes, indicating a well-equipped facility. The presence of a red pathway likely represents the team's route or area of focus. In the foreground, more figures are moving towards the main entrance, emphasizing the coordinated effort. The illustration uses black and white, with minimal shading, focusing on clarity and structure. The overall mood is tense and strategic, reflecting the nature of a covert operation.

A Blank 2:15 p.m. Entry

2:15 p.m. (c)

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