Creating Images

Our world is inundated with images, icons, and embedded visuals meaning.

In the recent media blitz following the Virginia Tech tragedy I've been thinking about how individuals have the power to highjack the cultural and media imagination with self-generated images.

We create ourselves and own our representation now with greater efficiency and power: youtube, my space, blogs, etc. Amongst the critique of how "old media" is covering the latest event, I've decided to post photos of the "oldest media": writing on walls.

Create your own history and representation by posting a comment.

Voyeurism

I'm playing with the idea of voyeurism. Information operations are about collecting and distributing times, people, places, events, etc. I've decided to let it all flop out.

For a while, I closely guarded what messages I sent; but "this is me, here I am" is my new attitude.

On my front door is an old sign for a store called "Indigenous Roots". Though I am neither indigenous nor rooted, it is under this sign I sit to watch people. The porch-monkey culture is not very common here, but I'm doing my part to bring it on.

Watching people is what we do: You Tube, cafés, Springer ("America's TV show")... We are naturally drawn to watch. Take down the fences and let's be naturally drawn to being watched as well.

My Hero

After meeting millionaires, princes, generals, doctors, gold prospectors, and revolutionaries my greatest hero remains my dad.

To talking to everyone no matter their looks
To seeing folks for who they are
To loving travel and new experiences,
and for the ability to appreciate them as they run at you like a mad mother moose,
and for the bravery and strength to never look away.

My hero. My dad.

Recipes vs. Terror

Money's been getting really tight lately, so I've been searching for some creative forms of funding.

I've been watching closely my progress on www.suite101.com and how many people have been visiting my articles, which then leads to money. It turns out that my Mexican recipes have blown my articles on information and terrorism out of the water!

As such, I have been cranking out some really tasty recipes so people can properly prepare for Cinco de Mayo. Nachos, drinks, sandwiches... Everything I could think of.

Check out the list at http://mexican-food.suite101.com/ and leave a comment for what else you'd like to see!

Spanish and beer

A Spanish teacher once said that 3 beers is the perfect amount to drink before learning Spanish. I'm not sure about that. I've had 3 beers and my Spanish still sucks.

It's a little frustrating trying to work for a Spanish speaking organization not speaking Spanish myself. Poco a poco.

Here's my latest published recipe. It's a spicy beer drink called a michelada. Enjoy.

What Makes a Terrorist?

Former Marine Colonel Walter Murphy recently was held up at the airport because he had made his way onto the Terrorist Watch List. I recently wrote an article on this very problem, but was unaware how easy it was to get on the list.

When asked why he thought he was on the list, Murphy replied that he thought it was as punishment for speaking out against the current administration's use of military force.

If criticizing the government is enough to be labeled a "terrorist"–and put into the same group of folks known for violently attacking anyone for shock effect– then who is not a terrorist? I'm now afraid to criticize the government or share any allegiances with any organization that questions any form of government. Who's scaring whom? Where is this fear coming from and who started it?

I've decided to take some time this week and read up on the nature of "terror" and "fear" and how it is created.

This week my "Documents" folder disappeared from my computer in a wave of bizarre network issues plaguing the office. I never thought I'd ever be afraid of writing emails home...

Town Meetings are the Same Everywhere

I was invited to a meeting of the minds last night about how local community organizations should progress with the new global movement recently started. It reminded me of a lot of community meetings I've seen in the states. Personality conflicts trumping actionable steps and concrete plans. Intellectuals thinking about broadening networks, while locals are concerned about "a Japanese woman throwing trash into the river".

It looks like no matter how well unified a movement may be, it's the internal stamping and spitting that will keep the fires of progress at the level of coals...