Matt Awbrey

Storyteller, speechwriter, guy who writes the jokes. Opinions are my own. Principal and Co-Founder of Matter Strategies.

[Shawn VanDiver @shawnjvandiver]

Happy Matt Awbrey Day to all celebrate!

Cc: @Mattable

[Louis Virtel @louisvirtel]

I cannot believe Bob Barker lived as close to 100 as possible without going over.

[Shawn VanDiver @shawnjvandiver]

I’m an @iaem Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) and have worked hurricanes (Sandy and Irene).

Rule number 1 for San Diego politicians: please do not show up at EOCs this weekend / Monday. If they need you, they’ll call you.

🧵 on more tips below:

[@eyesonSDskies @eyesonsdskies]

The unthinkable is starting to look likely. It still might veer left or right, but the National Hurricane Center's latest probable path map has #HurricaneHilary arriving in San Diego as a tropical storm at 12 a.m. Monday. It IS time to make preparations. #sandiegoweather #CAw

[Jack Newsham @TheNewsHam]

my god

[Matt Awbrey @Mattable]

Alien: so this is earth? What’s its deal

Me: Yeah so those tiny flying things in the air used to be huge and rule the planet

Alien: and now?

Me: Now we’re in charge. We recently discovered the wheel and splitting atoms. But we’re super into looking at rectangles rn

[Matt Awbrey @Mattable]

Back in Sacramento after a long absence. But now that I’ve made the obligatory stop at Ella I’m back in the groove.

[Historic Vids @historyinmemes]

The concept of civilization is often associated with various tangible artifacts and advancements, such as tools, architecture, or systems of governance. However, anthropologist Margaret Mead presented a different perspective when she was asked about the first sign of civilization in a culture. Rather than focusing on material objects, she emphasized the significance of a healed femur bone.

In Mead's view, the animal kingdom provides a stark contrast to human civilization. When an animal breaks its leg, survival becomes nearly impossible. The inability to escape from danger, access water, or procure food renders the injured animal vulnerable to predators. Consequently, no animal lives long enough for a broken leg to heal naturally. Thus, the healing of a femur bone is a profound indication of civilization.

Why is a healed femur bone considered the first sign of civilization? Mead's explanation lies in the collective care and empathy demonstrated by a community. When someone breaks their leg, it is a moment of extreme vulnerability and danger. However, if the injured individual receives aid and support from others, they can overcome this critical period.

The act of caring for someone with a broken leg requires time, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards others. Mead suggests that the healing process involves multiple steps. First, someone must have witnessed the accident and recognized the injured person's distress. Then, they would have provided immediate assistance, possibly by binding the wound and ensuring the person's safety. Finally, they would have stayed by their side, offering ongoing care and support during the recovery period.

By highlighting the significance of collective care, Mead emphasizes that civilization begins with the recognition of the suffering of others and the willingness to help. It is through acts of compassion and support that a community establishes its foundations of empathy, cooperation, and social cohesion. The healing of a broken femur, symbolizing the survival and recovery of an individual within a community, reflects the values and actions that underpin a civilized society.

Mead's perspective challenges the notion that civilization is solely determined by material progress or technological advancements. While such developments are undoubtedly important, they are built upon a deeper foundation of human connection and mutual aid. The healing of a broken femur bone serves as a metaphor for the care and support that individuals provide to one another, promoting the well-being and progress of society as a whole.

In conclusion, Margaret Mead's unconventional response to the question about the first sign of civilization reminds us of the fundamental importance of collective care. Civilization, she argues, is not solely defined by tangible artifacts or structures but by the empathy and support extended to those in need. The healing of a broken femur bone represents the compassion and responsibility that underpin a civilized society, highlighting the significance of human connection and mutual aid in fostering progress and well-being.

[Patrick Fox @RealCynicalFox]

“Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the revolutionary war. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers or both, looted the properties of Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. The owner quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.

Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: ‘For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.’”

- Michael W Smith

[Lara Korte @lara_korte]

Going to need everyone to be 10x funnier. I’m not wasting my reading rations on your bad takes.

[Matt Awbrey @Mattable]

My favorite Olive Garden appetizer is exchanging a look with the server and silently say to each other, “Why am I here.”

[Matt Awbrey @Mattable]

My daughter has come up with several names for her yet-to-be-born-or-named cousin. Which should they name the baby? Results are binding of course.

[Francis Barraza @FrancisBarraza]

Starting this week strong with a win for equality. 🏳️‍🌈🇺🇸

[Assemblymember Greg Wallis @AsmWallis]

Proud to speak on the Assembly floor today as coauthor of ACA 5 to protect marriage equality in the state of California.

It is the preservation of our sacred American principles. It is an endorsement of individual freedom.
It is simply the right thing to do.

[Peter Yang @petergyang]

Tony Fadell co-created the iPhone.

In his book, Build, he explains why product management and product marketing should be the same role.

"Your messaging is your product. The story you're telling shapes the thing you're making."

I've always believed this as someone who did both.

[M. Nolan Gray 🥑 @mnolangray]

The defining feature of a civilized airport: a train to downtown.

[#AfghanEvac @afghanevac]

#BREAKING: Secretary Blinken Renews Partnership with #AfghanEvac to Continue Supporting, Resettling Afghan Allies.

Full remarks: https://t.co/mmZDYLYFIt

[Shawn VanDiver @shawnjvandiver]

I’m (nearly) speechless. Signing this @afghanevac MOU w/@SecBlinken was a huge milestone. It shows @StateDept is in for the long haul to resettle our Afghan allies. Let’s get back to work! https://t.co/gkdVaMIjbd

[#AfghanEvac @afghanevac]

“You've risen to the challenge with incredible integrity and persistence... And quite honestly, it's your expertise, it's your ideas, it's your local networks that have made all the difference."

See what @SecBlinken about the US government’s renewed partnership w/ #AfghanEvac⬇️

[#AfghanEvac @afghanevac]

WATCH NOW ▶️ @SecBlinken is signing a renewed agreement with the @AfghanEvac coalition and recognizing the everyday Americans who partner with @StateDept to relocate and resettle #Afghan allies.

https://t.co/pODuymGmiM