Welcome to Students Incorporated. I'm your host,
Mr. Jason. Join me weekly as my team and I produce
content that's informative, positive, fun, and
uplifting. This podcast is created and produced
with the help of students from the International
Community School of Bangkok. Hey everyone, and
welcome back to another exciting episode. Today
we're diving into a topic that affects everything
around us, the power of good design. From the
products we use every day to the brands we love,
design plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences.
We'll be joined by our special guest, Mr. Tim
Mills, to explore what makes design truly great
and how it impacts everything from functionality
to emotions. I'm also joined by co -hosts Mia
and Frank. Then stick around as we jump back
into the thrilling adventure of Legends of the
Yucatan Part 5. We're in the middle of the story
and it's getting intense and exciting for our
heroes. But first, let's hear our quote of the
day and get some headline news. Our quote of
the day comes from Dieter Rams, a legendary German
designer. He's quoted to have said, a good design
is as little design as possible. The quote is
all about keeping things simple, clean, and useful.
He's basically saying that good design shouldn't
be clouded with unnecessary things. It should
be clear, straightforward, and actually makes
life easier. Rahm's minimalist approach is all
about cutting out the fluff and focusing on what
really matters, making designs that are efficient,
durable, and timeless. It's like saying less
is more, but in a way that's thoughtful and intentional.
And that's our quote of the day, now onto some
headline news with Mia. Thank you for our quote
of the day, Frank. For today's headline news,
here are the top stories making waves in the
design world. Number one, Milan Design Week sees
fashion brands stealing the spotlight. At this
year's Milan Design Week, renowned fashion houses
such as Loewe, Louis Vuitton, and Dior have taken
center stage, transforming historic locations
into immersive exhibitions that blend fashion,
design, and art. This trend highlights the growing
synergy between the fashion and design industries
as brands expand into home decor and create theatrical
experiences for attendees. Number two, Interior
Design Masters renewed for two more series. The
popular BBC show Interior Design Masters, hosted
by Alan Carr since 2021, has been renewed for
two additional series following its fifth season.
The upcoming sixth series is set to premiere
on April 10th on BBC One. Producers are currently
seeking 10 new aspiring designers to compete
for the grand prize which this year includes
a collaboration with john lewis for a new homer
collection number three vintage design trends
making a comeback in 2025 interior designers
predict a resurgence of vintage aesthetics in
2025 with trends such as gilded mirrors painted
wood furniture and elaborate trimmings like tassels
and fringes returning to the forefront additionally
semis inspired colors bold floral patterns and
art deco styles are being reimagined for modern
interiors, blending nostalgia with contemporary
design elements. And that ends our headline news
for this episode. Thank you for the quote in
the headline news. For this first segment, we'll
be talking about something that affects everything
from the products we use to the brands we love.
Good design. Mia and Frank are joining me, and
we do have a special guest as well. We'll introduce
him in just a minute. Mia and Frank, how are
you both doing? Thank you for asking. I'm doing
really well, and I'm really excited about this
topic. We know that design is everywhere, and
I don't think people always realize just how
much it shapes our lives. Same here. I'm doing
really good, and I think we take good designs
for granted until we come across something with
bad design. And then it's all we can think about.
Exactly. And to help us unpack the power of good
design, we have a fantastic guest with us today,
a friend of mine and a well -known local artist,
Mr. Tim Mills, who knows a little something about
good design. So thank you, Mr. Tim, for joining
us. Thanks so much for having me. It's great
to be here. I love this topic. I love speaking
about design. And yeah, looking forward to this
conversation. Okay, let's start with the big
picture then. This question is for Mr. Tim. How
would you describe the role of design in shaping
how people interact with products and brands?
Why is it so crucial for a product's success?
That's a great question. Design, I think it's
really a bridge, if you will, between people
and the products that they create, the products
they use. A well -designed product should be
intuitive. You understand how to engage it, how
to use it. functional, right? You understand
how to use that tool. And then a bonus would
be that it's aesthetically pleasing. When a product
is designed well, you know, people don't even,
they may not even think about how they're using
it. It just works and they use it. But I think
it really stands out, right? We see when they're,
and we experience poor design. That's when you
really notice it, right? You're frustrated. It's
confusing. You don't know how to access something.
And yeah, I mean, it could lead to thinking like
this just doesn't work. I'm going to look at
what else is out there, maybe switch to a competitor's
brand. So good design, you know, it creates an
emotional connection. There's a relationship
that's being built with users and those who are
creating these products. It's incredibly powerful
for businesses to tap into that, to build a relationship
with their clients. Yeah, I agree, because I've
definitely stopped using specific apps or websites
just because they were too confusing. And it
makes me wonder, when you're designing everyday
products, what are the key elements that you
consider to ensure both functionality and aesthetics
are balanced? So could you share an example,
Mr. Tim? Sure, absolutely. You know, yeah, one
key element is usability, right? I mean, it's
absolutely essential. How easily can someone
interact with the product without needing instructions
even? Does it make sense? You know, perhaps you've
worked on an app before from a particular company
and then you switch to another app that they
also create and you know some of the keystrokes,
you know some of the hotkeys, you know the functions
because they had that continuity of design. You
know, another aspect within design is visual
appeal, right? So is it something that we're
drawn to? But it has to serve a purpose, right?
It has to be in conjunction with that utilitarian
aspect of it. I think, you know, of course, the
iPhone is a wonderful example of this. Apple
has spent many years, a lot of resources, mastering
the balance between simplicity, beauty. functionality,
usability, engagement of the user, the user experience,
if you will. So from the way the phone feels
in your hand, the way it's even it's beveled,
right, to the way the interface works, every
aspect of this device, every aspect of the iPhone
is designed with intentional user experience
in mind. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. And
so speaking of well -designed products, is there
a simple product you love that has a brilliant
design? Well, you may be familiar with the kitchen
utensil company, OXO. They make a range of implements,
a range of tools for use in and around the kitchen,
you know, the culinary arts. There's one particular
tool that comes to mind, the OXO, what they call
the Good Grips Peeler. Now, interesting, there's
a story behind this tool. The founder of OXO,
his wife actually suffered from arthritis. I
mean, just really painful arthritis. And so he
was pushed by that fact of actually seeing her
try to use a kitchen tool that was painful. I
mean, you talk about frustration of user experience,
but it was painful and it was hard for her to
even... to cook, right? To prepare food. And
so that pushed him as a designer to think about
how they could make a better product. So the
Oxo Good Grips Peeler, I mean, it's a basic tool,
right? But the design is fantastic. And the story
behind it really shows how it pushed the designers
to think, how can this be better? How can this
be different? The handles are ergonomic. It's
larger, right? So it's more comfortable to use.
The blade is actually positioned at this optimum
angle for efficient peeling of vegetables. You
know, it just shows, it's proof that even small
improvements in design can make everyday tasks
much easier. And so I just love the story behind
what OXO has done. Hmm, the OXO Peeler. I like
that. I can appreciate a well -designed kitchen
tool. Okay, now on the flip side, is there a
product you think could use some serious design
improvements? Well, if you've ever, you know,
if you've ever traveled, you're in a hotel room,
you pick up the remote and you just you're like,
oh, my goodness, like, how do I turn this TV
on? Right. There are so many buttons and you
don't know where to start. Half the time you're
you're turning the volume up or you're switching
channels when you didn't mean to. Right. Or someone
else's house. We have this. So anyway, the TV
remote is clunky object, but it doesn't have
to be right there. There are companies that have
taken that concept and they've refined it. So
they've brought it down with user experience
and interface and usability functionality in
mind. They've simplified the experience, which
actually makes it better. So good design in this
case, pushing towards a better user experience.
So some examples would be Roku, the Apple TV
remote. Very basic. Some of the buttons, some
of the aspects used for multiple parts of accessing.
But those would be some examples. But that's
one thing I think that needs some serious help,
TV remotes. And actually, yeah, it's an inspiring
way to better design, better remote design, right?
Yeah, really true. And honestly, it's crazy how
something as simple as a remote can be frustrating
when the design isn't intuitive. So switching
gears a little and my next discussion question
is, how do you think design impacts a brand's
identity? And how does it influence consumer
perception or behavior? Okay, that's a great
question, Mia. You know, design plays an enormous
role, I mean, a massive role in branding. Think
about some companies just that stand out. Nike,
Starbucks, Apple, right? Like we've already talked
about Apple computers, their designs and even
their logo, their brands instantly recognizable,
right? You see the swoosh on anything and you
know, it's Nike. You don't even need to see the
logo type. You see the swoosh and you know, or
the Apple, right? You see the Apple and you know,
you know. what that company is about, what it
stands for. So their design, their brand, their
story, their identity, instantly recognizable.
Yeah, so it ranges from their logos to their
packaging. I mean, you open an Apple product,
the box is beautiful, right? You hate to throw
it away, right? You save this box forever because
there's such a clear... intentionality behind
the why of how they design that box it's beautiful
so yeah packaging delivery the way the stores
are laid out right you walk through an Apple
Store and there's a story to it it's an unfolding
story great design so good design it helps like
create trust creates a relationship creates loyalty
brand loyalty between these brands and their
customers. And, you know, what they want to do
is create this lifelong relationship, right?
Think about if you're an Apple person, think
about all the Apple products they have available
for you, right? They want to keep that story
going, keep that relationship going. So consumers
are drawn to brands that show and exhibit great
design. They build that brand identity. They
build that relationship. It's intentional. Their
design choices are all woven in within that.
So it's, yeah, it's pretty incredible how it
comes together. Right. Yeah, definitely. Now
I want to bring up a different topic, the topic
of sustainability. With sustainability being
a huge focus now, how do you see it influencing
the product designs? And like, what are like
some challenges does it bring? Yeah, that's great,
Frank. That's a good aspect of this. Certainly
a big part of it. You know, Sustainability, I
guess we could even think of it as kind of a
game changer in the realm of design. A lot of
companies now are incorporating recycled or even
upcycled materials, reducing packaging waste.
They're creating products that last longer instead
of being disposable. Even some companies offering
the ability to repair, right? So parts that can
be used to repair some overall products instead
of just casting them aside, throwing them out.
and buying something new. So we're seeing all
that happen. I think there's a consumer push
for that too, which is encouraging. But the challenge
will always be, at least right now it is for
sure, and may remain, that you have to balance
sustainability with cost, usability. Sometimes
the most eco -friendly materials aren't the most
practical or affordable. So those are some considerations
that designers have to make. And then, but...
that also leads to just creative options, right?
Looking for other materials that are more eco
-friendly and available, right? So I think those
problems within design, those problems can always
lead to creative solutions. And that's when we
find new and exciting ways forward. Yeah, I like
this topic of sustainability and it reminded
me of something I actually had to do this week.
So I had to replace the ink in my inkjet printer.
And years ago, we had to always buy new complete
cartridges, right? Yes. And we change those out
and we throw them away. There wasn't even a recycling
type situation. So they came out with a new solution.
Why not put refillable ink wells inside the printers
themselves? So now you can buy ink bottles and
refill it yourself. Which saves us a lot of money,
consumers a lot of money, but also, even more
importantly, saves the environment from throwing
all this stuff out all the time. So just something
simple like the inkjet printer, I feel like,
is a great example of sustainable design. Okay,
can you walk us through a design or creative
project you're particularly proud of? And what
was that process? What did it look like? Yeah,
sure. Yeah, so okay, I'll take us back a number
of years, number of decades, actually. So I'm
a ceramic artist, visual artist, but primarily
working in clay. So a lot of my past design experience
has been in the realm of craft. So I'll take
us all the way back to my senior year in college.
And my senior thesis actually combined two areas
that I'm passionate about, clay and percussion.
So I actually spent my senior year designing
and creating ceramic percussion instruments.
I had to learn how to weld. So I had my professor
teach me how to weld. I needed to weld tuning
rings. I acquired a new skill in this process.
Also learned how to do what's called a molly
weave, so a tuning system for drums. Learned
how to do that. Learned how to source. goat skin
used for heads, for drum heads. They learned
how to soak and stretch and apply drum heads
to ceramic shells. There's a lot to consider,
a lot to learn and implement in the design of
these drums and in the exhibition itself. So
thinking about kind of how the process rolled
out and even kind of what it led to. So the intention
behind the design of these objects And really,
I mean, they were pieces of sculpture in a sense.
So they were at the same time works of art and
instruments to be played. I mean, there was a
utilitarian aspect to them. There was an aesthetic
value on the piece itself, right? The individual
drums themselves, but then also a functionality,
right? This is an instrument to be played, to
make music with. So I guess the culmination of
that year and that effort really came together
on the opening night of the exhibition. The gallery
space on campus was scheduled up full with other
shows. And so I actually had to do my show in
the city where I was studying and at a local
bank of all places. And so they had this really
nice, large, open atrium within the bank. And
so my drums were on pedestals kind of throughout
the bank and all my friends and people coming
from the community. and showed up on opening
night. And after a few words of introduction
about the show and the concept behind the work,
I encouraged everyone to grab a drum and try
it out. And so it was really encouraging to me
as an artist and as a musician. And also people,
it loves to gather people to see that all across
this bank in this city, little drum circles were
breaking out. People were making music together,
creating art together, a communal art project.
So, yeah, I just think I love kind of seeing
what came together. Through that year for me,
the different things I learned, different aspects
of design that went into the instruments themselves,
the pieces themselves, but then also seeing what
it led to. It was sort of this generative effort
within the community to allow people to come
together and to create music, to create art together.
So it was fantastic. Good memory for me. And
yes, thank you for sharing. So finally, looking
towards the future, how do you see design evolving,
especially with digital tools and AI, especially
becoming more prevalent? Yeah, that's a great
thing to think about. Just kind of looking at
what is now and what's next and as we move. into
the future i mean i'm encouraged i'm excited
about possibilities you know i mean design is
evolving rapidly right i mean ai is evolving
rapidly we're still learning and just on the
cusp of possibilities in fact i'll just say as
a ceramic artist there are artists that are using
3d printers to create works of art with clay
you know as the medium so pretty fantastic so
yeah Design's evolving at a rapid pace. AI, digital
tools, all of that. So, you know, AI is a tool.
I mean, it's helping designers test ideas, right?
Be able to put something into a physical embodiment
of an idea, to be able to test it and personalize
user experiences, to really see, you know, talking
about form and function, like to bring ideas
into reality. You know, websites, apps, now we
can, you know, adapt. We're seeing where, you
know, within the user interface, apps can actually
adjust their layouts based on devices, based
on user behavior even, which is really fascinating,
right? We think about sort of these apps and
other tools being tailor -made for us and our
user experience. 3D printing is, you know, to
go back to that, as I mentioned just a second
ago. It's making great strides, right? All these
different materials that can be used to print.
You've probably seen not just small 3D printed
models, but also even in the architectural realm.
I mean, concrete is being used, being printed
in 3D printing. I like to think of the log cabin
as kind of like the early 3D printer, laying
logs on top of each other layer by layer. But
now we're seeing concrete. And so, yeah, just
fascinating things happening, right? It's an
exciting time to be a designer, exciting time
to be an artist, harnessing different tools,
being inspired to create new things. So, yeah,
the future of design, it's going to continue
to be about personalization, adaptability, smarter
user experiences. But I think we'll always, always
be connected to us humans. And so it's going
to be neat to see what happens in the next 10,
20, 30 years. Talking about 3D. printing we did
a new segment I think a few episodes ago about
the SpaceX suits and how they were specifically
redesigned from the old NASA clunky I forget
how many pounds the old ones were but the helmets
of the new SpaceX suits were actually 3D printed
which was super fascinating that is fascinating
Well, this has been a great conversation and
I hope our listeners have learned a thing or
two about the power of good design and about
how much it influences our daily lives. From
the phones we use, the chairs we sit on, and
the kitchen utensils we put to use. Yeah, I agree.
It really makes me appreciate all the little
things that we use every day or like the things
that make a product or brand work so well. And
also the things that don't work so well. Overly
complicated. Exactly. Mr. Tim, thank you so much
for joining us today. Before we go, any final
advice for students or aspiring designers out
there? Yeah, I think for students, whatever the
creative endeavor is, or for aspiring designers,
designers out there, I think look for story.
You know, we are human. We have a lived experience.
And there is story out there, as I mentioned,
the founder of OXO. Kind of seeing his wife struggle
with, yeah, just something as simple as peeling
vegetables, right? And it led him to think of
how something could be better. So as you're designing,
think about that. What is the story? What's the
why behind this? And push yourself through that
story. When you observe something that is poorly
designed or you're frustrated or you're confused
about something, ask yourself, how could this
be better? And actually, maybe you're the one
to set out to make it better, to change something.
Going back to Apple's remote and just as a partying
shot, you know, it's a wonderful little remote,
but it's kind of tough when you have to enter
your password and you're zooming around on the
alphabet and kind of going back and forth. Could
there be a different layout? Could there be something
different? Anyway. keep your eyes open um find
those points of awe and wonder look for the story
and then maybe you're to help write some of the
story too so just anyway a few parting thoughts
for you i really like that thank you so much
yes design with purpose and this could go out
to all of the upcoming seniors at ics the idea
of maybe using design in their capstone projects
right And that ends our first segment. Stick
around as we bring you our continuing adventure
story titled Legends of the Yucatan right after
this short PSA. Now for our PSA, we will be introducing
and gearing you up for Songkran break. Songkran
season is just around the corner. As you listen
to this episode, don't forget to make plans to
celebrate Songkran with your friends and family.
Songkran is the Thai New Year's national holiday
and one of Thailand's most famous festivals,
which marks the beginning of the new traditional
year. Water fights and the splashing of water
is undeniably the most famous aspect of Songkran.
Nam Dam Hua tradition. Rotnam Dam Hua is a tradition
of pouring scented water on elderly family members'
palms to receive blessings and pay respect to
welcome the new year. So don't forget to go out
and enjoy Songkran. And we are back with our
second segment, and we will continue with part
five of our story, Legends of the Yucatan. Part
five is titled The Cenote. If you missed parts
one through four, you can get caught up by listening
to episodes 87 through 90. Legends of the Yucatan
is a sequel to our season two story, The Secrets
of El Dorado. We released last year during episodes
55 through 64 in audio narration. It's also available
in book form as a downloadable PDF from our website.
or in paperback version on Amazon .com. Just
visit studentsincorporated .com to find out more.
Now, moving on, Camden will give us a quick recap
before we jump into Part 5. Recapping Part 4,
The Incident. The artifacts were stolen and the
villains escaped. Some of our heroes visit Anthony,
who's in the hospital with a concussion. The
group's schedule has changed and they decide
to take a trip to Chichen Itza instead. And without
further ado, let's jump back into our story where
we join our eclectic group of characters and
their continuing adventure. After the group gets
checked in at one of the local hotels, drops
their overnight bags off and gets oriented to
the schedule, they all meet in the lobby where
Hawthorne gives the students a quick history
lesson about where they are, Merida, Mexico.
Hawthorne explains to his students as they wait
for Tommy, who can sometimes be late. He says,
the city of Merida is the provincial capital
of the Yucatan Peninsula and its population is
close to one million. It sits about a half hour
drive inland from the coast. It's the financial
and cultural center of the Yucatan and is known
as one of the safest cities in Mexico. In fact,
it's been ranked as one of the three best cities
in Mexico on three different occasions. Hawthorne
looks down at his watch and then continues. The
city has a deep and rich history dating back
to its founding by the Spanish conquistadors
in the 1500s. The local Mayan population has
remained resilient and strong despite the colonial
influence and integration from Spain hundreds
of years ago. Hawthorne then finishes with his
last statement as he watches Tommy come down
the narrow hotel staircase and make his way to
the lobby. Needless to say, this city, its history,
its location, and its close proximity to the
heart of the Mayan culture and people is a deeply
significant place. Prof. Tommies walks up to
the group, who are now all standing there and
look at him. He then says with a smile, Good
morning, everyone. What I missed? Miranda, who
was standing next to Professor Hawthorne, is
the first to respond with a funny comment. Well,
we thought about leaving, but then we thought,
how would we find the best mid -morning brunch
spot in all of Merida if you aren't with us?
David laughs slightly and then adds, Well, I
know a good spot, but Professor Tommy will need
to be the final word since he usually knows all
the best food spots in these towns. Tommy clicks
his throat and then says, Alright everyone, sorry
I'm late. I've got a bad habit of being on Mexico's
time when I'm off campus. He then continues as
you look at Hawthorne with a slight grin and
says, Now that good professor here has given
you all a free history lesson. I think it's time
to show you the best place to get one of my favorite
locals, Huevo Ranqueros. Or for those of you
who want a lighter option, avocado toast or a
small pastry with coffee. All right, let's go.
And with that, the group loads up on the small
touring bus. After enjoying a mid -morning brunch
together at one of Prof Tommy's favorite cafes
in Merida, The group are on a tour bus and heading
toward the famous and ancient ruins of Chichen
Itza. The bus ride from Merida to the sprawling
site is about an hour and a half long. During
the ride, the students surround Miranda and David
and pepper them with a variety of questions about
their personal journeys into their careers and
everything in between. Professor Hawthorne and
Prof. Tommy sat up close to the driver and were
discussing the day's agenda. Ava and Lily were
sitting together talking about life and the variety
of things from the past year. As the bus arrives
at Chichen Itza, as you would guess, the area
is very populated with tourists. And, one of
the first things to do as a tourist is to visit
the Grand Museum of Chichen Itza. Then, after
gaining knowledge about this ancient Mayan location,
it is advised to go see some of the old structures
such as the Great Step Pyramid, known as El Castillo,
or the Temple of Kukulkan. There is also the
Balcourt, Temple of the Warriors, and the Wall
of Skulls, all popular among tourists. The tour
bus parks and the group gets started with a visit
to the Grand Museum together. After spending
what seemed like an hour in the museum, Hawthorne
and Prof Tommy rounded up the group and made
their way toward the exit. As they were exiting
the building, Hawthorne mumbled to Tommy, who
was walking next to him, Well, I'm glad this
museum visit was uneventful, unlike our last
museum experience a few nights ago. Tommy looked
at Hawthorne out of the corner of his eye and
nodded his head in agreement and then said, Thanks
for the reminder. I'm going to check on Anthony
and see how he's doing. Hawthorne replied, good
idea. The group gets back on the bus, which then
takes them to another large parking area situated
closer to El Castillo, the large and famous step
pyramid. As the group gets off the bus and makes
their way to the large open area surrounding
the step pyramid, Hawthorne, wanting to take
advantage of a teachable moment, motions for
the group to gather around him and Prof. Tommy
before letting the students wander around and
explore. Hawthorne begins with describing the
temple itself. The step pyramid is known by the
name El Castillo or the Temple of Kukukan. Kuku
Khan was a Mayan deity and was represented by
a feathered serpent. Hawthorne continues, the
temple's height and presence dominates the flat
landscape around here and was one of the main
structures in all of Chichen Itza. Prof. Tommy
and I did some work here way back in the day,
so it's fun to be back. Tommy jumps in with a
few more details. The temple has four sides and
each side has 91 steps. It used to be open to
the public until a tourist was hurt climbing
the thing. It's close to the public ever since.
And since has been, I think, 2006. We're not
allowed to climb the thing or go inside. That's
unfortunate, but there are a lot of cool small
rooms inside. He continues, Anyway, you can walk
around the temple if you feel like it, and then
go explore any of the other structures you see
here. Just be mindful and obey the signs. Even
though UNAM has a partnership with the local
government officials, we're not allowed to take...
students beyond the designated tourist areas
without a pre -approved permit, which we didn't
have time to get before we left. After about
30 minutes or so of walking around different
sections of the site, Miranda, who had been here
before on numerous occasions, went and sat down
next to Ava, who was relaxing under a shade tree.
Miranda asks Ava, so our interview from the other
day, when will that be published? Ava smiles
and responds, well, the interview will be part
of a larger set of stories, which one of the
editors at Reuters will need to approve. But
if I had to guess, I would say it'll be ready
for release within a week, she continues. I'm
still working on some other parts of it, though,
so now they're waiting on me. Miranda then says,
oh, I see. I've always admired journalists for
their ability to tell a story and sometimes in
real life as it's happening. Miranda then noticed
Ava looking at her digital camera screen and
asked, do you take that everywhere you go? Yeah,
pretty much, Ava responds. Miranda then asks,
did you have it at the museum the other night?
As a matter of fact, I did, Ava answers. Ava
could tell Miranda wanted to ask her another
question and felt a little hesitant. So Ava jumped
in and responded. And if you are wondering, I
had my camera going during the incident at the
museum. And the morning before we went to visit
Mr. Garcia at the hospital, two investigators
came up to you now and met with me about the
photos I took. I turned over several images that
hopefully will help them find the thieves. Ava
pauses for a moment, then continues. I'm not
sure why I'm telling you all this, but if I were
in your shoes... I would want to know if the
police and authorities were trying to get to
the bottom of what happened at the museum the
other night and find the two artifacts, not to
mention the people they hurt in the process.
Miranda sat nodding her head in agreement and
then asked, Do you still have those images on
your camera? If so, could I take a look at them?
Maybe there's something or someone I would recognize
from that night that could help. Yes, I do actually,
Ava answers. Look here. Eva says this as she
points to the small camera digital screen. You
can cycle through the images by pushing this
button here and go back by pushing this button
here. Eva says this as she hands the camera to
Miranda and then points to the button to use.
Miranda sits quietly next to Eva and slowly cycles
through the photos on the camera, studying each
one as if she was trying to solve the mystery.
She then says, hmm, wow, there are several hundred
images on here. Miranda then stops for a moment
and stares at the small screen, squints, and
then says, Whoa, wait, you captured several images
of the thieves. I know they are a bit blurry,
but... At that moment, and as Miranda was mid
-sentence with the camera close to her face,
Professor Hawthorne and David walk up behind
where Ava and Miranda are sitting. Hawthorne
looks down and notices that Miranda is looking
through Ava's photos and asks, So Ava, did you
hear back from the investigators about your photos
yet? Before Ava can answer, David jumps in and
says, Wait, what? You have photos from the incident
the other night? Do you mind if I take a look
as well? Ava, feeling a little nervous now that
David wants to see the photos and hoping her
promise to Professor Tommy the other night is
not getting broken, very reluctantly says, Okay.
Ava says, Sure. And just to let you know, the
lead investigators have all my photos and they
told me that they'd be looking into it. David
sits down next to Miranda and says, Do you mind
if I look over your shoulder? And then he replies
to Ava and says, I wouldn't bet on the investigators
being able to piece it together. I mean, they
are probably legit, but it's been my experience
to not put much faith in the authorities being
able to figure this out fast. Hawthorne then
replies, With your background and experience,
there are a few photos Ava captured that you
may want to look at. Maybe you'll see something
we missed. David looks intently at the digital
camera screen as Miranda clicks forward on each
photo slowly. He then says, stop. He then points
to the screen and says, it looks like these three
images were taken the moment after the flashbangs
went off. Ava replies, yes, those were taken
automatically, and the two people in the images
seem to be the thieves, and maybe the ones who
injured the museum staff and Mr. Garcia in the
process. One of the images caught David's eye
particularly. He then asked Miranda to try to
zoom into what looked like the arm of one of
the persons. He then said, There, look. Do you
see it? There on the wrist of one of the persons
is a small tattoo. And I know that tattoo. I've
seen it before. The tattoo is a cross with two
small dots over the top. The image was blurry,
but when zoomed in on one of the forearms of
the thief, There was a small gap between the
glove and the sleeve of the hoodie, which revealed
part of the thief's wrist. There, as plain as
day, well, a little blurry though, was the tattoo.
A cross with two dots over the top of the cross.
David then says, I've seen this before from a
few of my police and military friends back in
Mexico City. Anyway, it's a popular tattoo that
one particular gang uses. He then adds, I can't
say that I'm surprised though. His gang is known
to work with the cartels. Miranda then says,
don't you think the investigators have seen this
too and are working their contacts? Well, probably,
but I wouldn't want to assume that. And the authorities
are quite slow in these matters, so who knows
what they know. Hawthorne jumps in and asks,
besides the obvious answer of for money, why
would the cartels support or initiate such a
high stakes heist? At that moment, Tommy walks
up to where the adults are sitting. Still in
the shade of now crowded around Ava's camera
and says, well, the students are all still out
exploring. And what do we have here? He says
that with the last bit with a slight smile. Hawthorne
answers with a little sarcastic tone. We're playing
detective here while we wait. At that moment,
David feels his cell phone vibrate in his side
pocket and hears it ding. He grabs his phone
out of his pocket and turns it over to see the
screen. He's holding his phone in a way that
any of the others could see the screen if they
wanted to. He looks down at the screen, which
is a bit hard to see because of the bright sun.
He squints to get a better look at what looks
like an image that was just texted to him. He
gasps. What? Wait, what is this? David's surprised
reaction to what he was looking at on his phone
made Miranda look over and then down at his phone,
which she was holding by his side, and right
next to where she was seated. Whoa, David! Miranda
exclaimed, what is that? Who is that? Miranda's
questions caught the attention of everyone there,
Hawthorne, Tommy, and Ava. Someone through an
anonymous number had just sent David a photo
of a person kneeling down on the ground with
two individuals standing behind him. The individuals
were holding weapons and were masked. One of
the masked individuals had their hand under the
chin of the man kneeling on the ground and was
forcibly holding his head up and pointing at
the camera directly. The man who was on the ground
was quite upset and his face showed both anger
and fear. David recognized the man kneeling on
the ground immediately and said, That's my younger
brother. What? I don't understand. Moments later,
a short text message followed the image that
was sent and it read, Instructions to come. Follow
exactly if you want to see your brother ever
again. Maria motions to Renata and Carlos to
load up in the car again. She says, grab your
things and let's go. Renata asks as she and Carlos
were packing their bags and getting back into
the same car they had come in. So we're into
kidnapping now? Maria then responds, just do
as I say and we'll be fine. We need that final
payout and this is the only way to get it. Plus,
the cartels guys are in charge now and we're
just along for the ride, at least until it's
done. As the now two cars pull out of the small
dirt turnoff next to the safe house, Carlos asks,
So, what does our driver have to do with this?
I mean, why is the cartel interested in him and
why throw him in the trunk? Maria responds, You
ask too many questions, nephew. Just go along
with the plan and follow my lead, and hopefully
this will be over by the end of today. And, if
you need to know, our driver from last night,
well, he's related to the guy who discovered
the golden mask. So, if you're wondering, the
cartel is hoping to make an exchange. Our driver
for the location of where the golden mask was
found. Maria then looks over at the new driver,
one of the two cartel members who is now driving
the car they're in. Their car is following the
other cartel members who is driving an old pickup
truck that looks like it's been hit with bullets
on a number of occasions. Renanta then adds,
So if we drove to Merida last night and this
was the cartel's plan from the beginning, we
must be heading towards Chichen Itza since that's
the general location the mask was found. Maria
glances over at the driver, hoping her niece
and nephew's flurry of questions doesn't upset
him. She then answers, Yes, Renata, you're a
very observant. We've got about an hour and a
half car ride, so let's keep our questions to
a minimum, okay? Tommy looks at David with a
very serious and concerned face and asks, David,
what are you looking at? And tell me you're not
mixed up in this whole thing. David answers,
his voice tone changing, more deliberate, focused
and angry. He says, This is my brother, and,
well, I haven't spoken to him in, well, over
three years. We had a falling out about some
of the work he was involved in. I didn't agree
with it, as it was a borderline criminal at that
time. After our argument, he just disappeared.
I had no idea what he was doing or where he went.
Hawthorne then asked, so, in your opinion, is
this real or just a ruse? I mean, this could
just be a setup for something bigger. You and
Miranda are quite popular now. What do they want,
money? At that moment, another text message comes
into David's phone. David looks down, reads silently,
and then answers Professor Hawthorne's question.
It's not a ruse. My brother's not capable of
something this elaborate, at least not without
help. He then reads the following text message
out loud. It reads, Give us the exact location
of the cenote or where you found the mask, and
upon confirmation, we'll release your brother
unharmed. No exceptions, no negotiations. You
have one hour. If we see any federal or local
police officers anywhere near the location, you
tell us. Your brother disappears. Remember, we
have eyes and ears everywhere. Tommy then says
softly and quietly, well, the demands are quite
clear and straightforward. I may know a guy at
the police precinct by UNAM campus. We could
trust with this information. Miranda, who has
stayed quiet, now speaks up. There's no time,
David. Why can't you just send the location of
where you found the mask? I don't think anyone's
life is worth losing over that information. David
replies, there are only four of us who know the
location, and I suppose I was the easiest to
get to. The other three, one of whom is an American
diver, a buddy of mine from the military. Well,
he's back home in the U .S. right now, and the
other two, they're both lower -level politicians
that have nothing to gain by giving this information
to the cartel. He continues, And you're right,
Miranda. No one's life is worth losing over this
information. Tommy looks at David and then says,
You stated before that you and your dive partner
discovered the golden mask near here. That part
is public knowledge, right? Tommy goes on, Well,
my guess is that the guy's on the other end of
the text message. all the way here. They give
you a one -hour time limit to respond. Hawthorne
jumps in and says, I'd like to get these students
out of here. I'm going to find Lily and have
her accompany them back to the bus and then go
back to the Grand Museum. They can rest there,
grab some food, and wait while this gets sorted
out. Professor Hawthorne's feeling of stress
and anxiety was now starting to rise. The responsibility
of keeping the students safe was solely on his
shoulders, and he had thought the worst of the
events were over. Ava responds to Hawthorne's
comment. She says, If you don't mind, I'm going
to stick around here and see what happens. And
don't worry, I'll keep out of trouble. Hawthorne
steps away from the group to go find Lily and
the students in order to give them some instructions
about the change in plans. He won't, however,
tell them what all just transpired with David,
the photo, the text message, and David's brother.
The less he shares with the students, the better.
He thinks the students will be better off hanging
out at the Grand Museum compound with Lily for
the time being. There are a lot of tourists and
other officials there. It's a good public area
and safe for the group. Maria looks back at Renata
and Carlos as the car they're riding in pulls
up to a gas pump and right behind the small pickup
truck they were following. She then says, one
of you needs to stay in the car while the other
grabs us some water and snacks. There's not another
shot between here and our destination, so let's
stock up. We're only stopping for a few minutes
so we can get back on the road. Renata looks
at Carlos and says, I nominate you. Here's some
pesos. You know what I like. Don't talk to anyone.
Carlos replies back, fine, whatever. The only
people here are tourists anyway. They don't know
us and don't care. I'll be right back. After
a few minutes, Maria feels a blank stare from
the driver of their car glaring at her as if
to say, come on, let's go. Maria looks over towards
a small convenience store waiting for Carlos
to exit with several water bottles and some snacks.
She says under her breath, come on, come on.
She then sees him emerge from the store and walk
toward the car, smiling and humming. She shakes
her head and says to Renata, who's been waiting
in the car with her and the driver now, Jeepers,
that kid lives in his own world. Renata laughs
softly and then replies, I've been saying that
for years, Aunt Maria. At that moment, Carlos
opens the door and gets into the backseat and
says, I think you'll like the snacks I got. Some
of the stuff we can't get in Mexico City. They
probably have it here because of all the tourists
that come this way. Maria rolls her eyes and
then looks at the driver and then says, Okay,
we're ready. Sorry about that. She even turns
around and says to Renata and Carlos in the backseat,
We've got about 45 more minutes before we reach
Chichen Itza. And give me a bag of those dried
tamales and a water bottle. After about 15 minutes
of getting the students back on the bus and telling
the driver to take them back to the Grand Museum,
the same museum they had spent an hour at earlier,
Professor Hawthorne makes his way back to the
others who are still sitting in some shade close
to the main step pyramid. He walks up to the
group and then asks, so what's the plan? Hawthorne
waits for someone to answer. Everybody just sits
there, not saying a word. David then breaks the
awkward silence and says, We got into a small
argument a few minutes ago and I think we've
come to an agreement. My brother's life is far
more important than keeping location the cenote
confidential. I don't really care about that
stupid gold mask. It means nothing to me. David
continues as the others listen. Most people assume
I discovered the mask at the bottom of the cenote
when in fact I found it in a different location.
I can tell by the looks on your faces that you
are surprised, maybe even a bit angry at why
I led everyone to think it was at the bottom
of a deep secret cenote. Truth is, however, my
dive partner and I did dive the cenote, but we
found nothing. It wasn't until we had finished
our dive and then were taking off our tanks and
securing our gear that we made the discovery.
Anyway, we can assume that the thieves who took
the artifacts the other night during the gala
event are working with the cartel. And I recognized
a small tattoo on the wrist of one of the thieves
from a photo that Ava has. Miranda looks at David
with a very puzzled look on her face and then
says, What? Really? Why would you keep that a
secret? Tommy jumps in as well and says, Alright.
I'm intrigued and you have my attention, David.
I assume there's a good reason for this. David
responds, Okay, here it is. The secret cenote
is actually the cenote, which is located on the
inside and at the base of this temple right here.
This temple, Hawthorne says as he points to El
Castillo, located a mere 50 meters from where
they are huddled under a tree for shade. Yeah,
that's correct. David responds, I know what you're
going to say. You're going to say that it's common
knowledge that there's a cenote located at the
base and inside the temple. It's true. We explored
it and found nothing. It wasn't until we were
done and putting our gear away that we discovered
a hidden small passageway off the main chamber
next to the cenote. He continues. It was hidden
and we found it by accident. One of my heavy
oxygen tanks tumbled over and hit the wall behind
it. As soon as this happened, a small hole opened
up inside the wall, revealing a narrow corridor.
Tommy is intently staring at David as he tells
the group what happened and then says, So, only
four people knows about this? Well, not really,
David answers. Only my dive partner and I know
about this. The other two guys with us had already
exited the cenote chamber and were outside the
pyramid when this happened. And, out of curiosity,
my partner and I then broke some more of the
wall opening. Enough so we could squeeze through
it and check it out. David continues to explain
what happened as the others were listening intently.
We then squeezed through the small opening in
the wall with our flashlights and slowly, in
a crouching position, made our way through this
small corridor, which led to a medium -sized
interior chamber, which we could stand upright
in. This is where we found the golden mass, just
sitting there, resting against one of the walls
inside the chamber. Tommy jumps in and interrupts
David and says, Wait, what? Do you have any idea
how groundbreaking this discovery is? Tommy looks
over at Hawthorne and says, This is amazing.
Hawthorne replies, Oh yeah, David, go on, please.
David continues with somewhat of an anxious voice
now, and I have to tell you that the mask was
not the only thing in that hidden chamber. There
were a lot more items in there, a stash of other
artifacts that seemed sacred to this temple and
place, and yes, much more gold. Other gems and
stones and pottery, which I assume would be full
of other important and valuable things. We were
both shocked and amazed knowing that this was
an undiscovered chamber beneath one of Yucatan's
most visited tourist destinations. We thought,
how could this still be hidden? David then finishes
with his explanation. I was being pressured by
the politicians and UNAM to bring back something
of value from our cenote dive and exhibition.
And the mask, which was located right inside
the chamber, was easy to grab and carry out.
I thought this would satisfy our sponsors in
the college. I also led them to believe that
we found the mask at the bottom of the deep cenote
we were diving in. My dive partner and I did
not want to reveal at the time that this hidden
chamber existed. We knew it would be extorted
by the politicians back in Mexico City. It's
just too special and significant, especially
to the indigenous people living here. Miranda
then says, And maybe that's why her and David
had connected so well together. They shared much
of the same values. Miranda then said, so what's
next then, your brother, for the location? David
replies, yes, I'll give them the location of
the cenote under the pyramid as to where we found
the golden mask. This could buy us some time
since they would have to figure out how to confirm
it by hiring their own divers to investigate
it while trying not to get caught by the park
security guards. Also, David continues, my partner
and I covered up the hole in the wall with the
stones that have fallen so the entrance to the
corridor is hidden once again. A person would
have to know that it's there in order to discover
it. Tommy then adds, yeah, park officials don't
really go down in the pyramids anymore. Anyways,
since it's been closed off to tourists years
ago, it's just kind of a time capsule down there
now. As Tommy is talking to the group, he's dialing
Anthony on his phone who he had just talked to
earlier. to see how he's doing. Tommy then says,
I'm hoping for a miracle here, but I'm going
to ask Anthony if he could make a call to the
lead park ranger down here and see if we get
a special permission to enter the pyramid. I
mean, if what David is saying is true, which
I believe him to be, then we need to get into
that chamber and document as much as possible
before we have to leave. It's an undisturbed
treasure trove of valuable artifacts, history,
and culture. Hawthorne looks over at Tommy with
a smile and says, hmm, just like old times, buddy.
I'm in. That's if Anthony can help make it happen
in the next 45 minutes. Miranda then says, I
just had an idea, David. She continues, in return
for giving them the location where you found
the mask, why don't you ask them to return the
jade jar they stole as well? They already have
a golden mask, which is worth far more than the
jar. I wonder if they'd compromise. While Tommy
is on the phone with Anthony, who's still in
the hospital back in Mexico City, but doing better,
David sends a text back to the number that sent
him the photo of his brother, demanding that
not only do they give him his brother back, but
also the jade jar they took. Of course, he's
assuming they have it on them. He then says to
Miranda, I hope this works and doesn't backfire.
The cartel can be quite cruel if they think you're
changing the details of the agreement. I mean,
their message did say no negotiation. At that
moment, Tommy turns back around and faces the
group again, having been on the phone for about
five minutes and then says, okay, I've got good
news. Anthony got hold of the lead park ranger
here and got us permission to enter El Castillo
accompanied by one of the on -site workers. Anyways,
I guess the lead rangers felt sorry for what
had happened to Anthony, and well, he was easily
convinced we had got verbal permission. He continues,
Hawthorne jumps in and says, does anyone have
a flashlight on them? Well, besides your phone
flashlight? None of them had a proper flashlight.
However, they all had their phones, and Ava did
have her camera as well. Eva, who had been quite
silent listening to all the events unfolding,
then says, Professor Tommy, I've got my camera
with me and I can help take photos once we get
inside. It could help since you're wanting to
document what we find. Tommy responds to Eva.
Good idea, Eva. This would be helpful. Oh look,
there's the sight ranger now. Looks like he's
motioning us to follow him around the back of
the pyramid. Tommy then says in a somewhat sarcastic
voice, I hope you're ready to walk up 91 steep
steps to the top. We need to enter the structure
from the top. And with that, Tommy, Hawthorne,
Ava, David, and Miranda disappear around the
backside of the pyramid, led by the young park
ranger who looks to be not even 20 years old.
Following the young park ranger who seemingly
bound up the 91 stone steps to the top of the
pyramid, rather quickly, Hawthorne and Tommy
were the last to make it to the top of the temple
structure where the others were already waiting.
The pyramid structure stood 79 feet tall off
the ground, or 24 meters. The temple which sits
on top of the pyramid is 20 feet tall, or 6 meters.
Altogether, the entire structure, pyramid, and
temple have a height of around 98 feet, or 30
meters. The temple is a square stone structure
and would be the group's entry point into the
pyramid. After catching their breath and wiping
the sweat from their faces, The group of five
looked to the young park ranger for some instructions.
The young man didn't say anything. He just looked
back at them. It was midday and the sun was quite
hot, so the group was anxious to get into some
shade. So Hawthorne asked, so can we enter the
structure now? There was a long pause and then
the young park ranger, not really wanted to do
this in the first place, replied by telling the
group that he was just going to go wait for them
down at the bottom of the structure outside.
and on the ground level just to make sure no
other tourists attempted to climb the pyramid.
He told the group that they could take as long
as they want and just to come back out the way
that they came and to make sure they are not
in there too long because the quality of the
air is not good for long exposure. After the
young park ranger unlocked a small metal gate
which would allow the group to enter the structure,
he then started walking back down the 91 stone
stairs toward the base of the pyramid. While
standing at the top of the pyramid and as the
group was getting ready to enter, David gets
a text message from the cartel and it reads,
We agree. We will exchange your brother and the
J .H .R. for the location. No more changes. Instructions
to follow. David reads the text message to the
group and then says, Wait, they are sending another
text. Just a moment. The next text message David
receives then says, The J -jar will be dropped
off at the Grand Museum's front reception desk
at Chichen Itza as a sign of good faith once
we have received the location of where you discovered
the golden mass. Then, we will release your brother
when we confirm the location you sent us is legitimate.
No games, no authorities, or your brother disappears
forever. David then says to the group, Okay,
let's do this. I know the way and we don't have
a lot of time. By this time, the young park ranger
had made it to the bottom of the pyramid and
was already resting on one of the benches under
a tree some 30 yards away from the base of the
structure, just sitting there and chilling out.
As the group of five funneled into the stone
temple structure at the top of the pyramid, some
had feelings of worry and some had feelings of
excitement. or a mix of both. Hawthorne was the
last to enter. He stood in the small stone entranceway
of the temple, looked back over his shoulder
and toward the horizon and thought, wow, what
a view. And what have we gotten ourselves into?
And that ends part five. Stay tuned for next
week as we bring you part six in our continuing
story, Legends of the Yucatan. As we end this
episode, let's not forget the power of good design
and the good it brings to our world. Thanks again
to Mr. Tim Mills for joining us and adding his
insight. Also, keep up with our adventure story,
Legends of the Yucatan, as we bring you part
six next episode. And as always, this podcast
would not be possible without the hard work and
support of our international student production
team. All music and sound effects are courtesy
of Pixabay .com, a vibrant community of creatives
sharing copyright -free images, videos, and music.
And we are signing off until next time. We are
Students Incorporated, because your voice matters.