Documenting the World, Wk 32, Bright Eyed

King of Smooth

The King of Pop in his last days seemed to be a questionable figure. From allegations of child molestation to rages over his plastic surgery....Michael Jackson created almost an estranged ending from his adoring fans and the public- as many stars who have gone before him.

BUT - he will always be remembered as breaking barriers in music, in dance, and in establishing and image that MTV should forever be grateful. Jackson sold more albums than any other artist, Thriller being the most memorable. Certainly the "King" of Pop music is fitting.

And in short, this is probably on of my favorite videos~ the choreography has always been fascinating to me-

A Moment of Muse

recently i participated in what was an incredibly interesting night, particularly as i listened to others who believe in the spirit of revolution. it is deep within the hearts of humanity that change takes place and that passion for a new beginning is born. our generation is one that is seeking to change the world, not for our own sake, but for something greater, something we can and even cannot always identify, something for a better humanity.

the creator of the universe has certainly instilled such revivalist capability within us. iran has proven that people carry bravery in their hearts to stand up against what is not meant to be- on a political front. and i wonder, what if? what if each and every person were to ambush- not a political system- but rather his own life- take up war on what keeps him from accomplishing all that he is meant to be and do. this is a battle of biblical proportions. through course of action, the compassion for another, and through the beauty of love- it is a violent overtaking and it is necessary.

we're a generation of change -a generation after the heart of the people and after the heart of the one that cannot be touched with ease.

Plugging IN

I have definitely been active on the web as of late and here are my latest findings. Enjoy.

**Blogs
--A friend of mine, Gary McElveen is on his way to Kenya for a missions trip and to provide humanitarian aid (food supplies & some medical care). He will serve as the primary photographer for the team. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers. And they will do their best to keep the blog updated. From what I know, the team is going to an area of Kenya that is hardly visited by foreigners. It is my hope that will make a great difference in the hearts and lives of the people there.

--Harry Rud, blogger & aid worker in Afghanistan had something to say recently regaurding protection for the aid workers around the world. He doesn't want it to become an ideal, like for example, "save the whales."

--Sola Thompson shows her readers what lessons can be learned by the late great, Dr. Suess-- "Oh the Places You'll Go!"

--Jesse, a voice from Homeless Tales- shares an un-nerving story about his struggle to understand the very meaning of a HOME. Growing up in an abusive environment, - and years later on the streets, he feels he has never had a place to call his own.

**About the Web...& News
--This week, I discovered a piece, an exerpt rather, called the God Memorandum by Og Mandino. It's a beautiful encouragement and commencement of biblical profundity. I slipped a wow and passed it on. Apparently a couple of others were in need of it too. It's a read you'll need a little time for, but I highly recommend it.

--Bill Mahr, well known left-leaning comedian...has a message for the President, quit being a "TV Star." Now, normally, I'm not a fan of Mr. Mahr...and that's an understatement, but I have to say, this was brilliant and I appreciate his critique.

--Iran's uproar continues. From YouTube to Twitter to Facebook- the people are fighting for their right be heard by persisting w/ demonstrations against Government corruption. Officials have tried to shut down websites and communications in Iran. But it's not working. Now, we pray for their safety- Mousavi is ready to give his life for the cause. THIS is their Timeline through Saturday.

--Mousavi's message.

--Laura Ling is one of two American- Current TV journalists who was arrested in North Korea. The most recent documentary of her's that I watched was pretty interesting and well put together. She covered extensively the drug ring that comes out of the Mexican U.S. Border. If you have an hour to spare, this piece is a good one to watch: Narco War Next Door.

--Back to a lighter note, this commercial is hilarious...rock & roll, forever baby!

**Film
--Finally: Over the past couple of months, I have been fervently working a short documentary project that I will produce in small segments to be posted on the Web.

My first filming experience was w/ Ofelia. She is a dance studio owner and has an incredible dream to reality story of how she came to open her studio and return to dance, the one thing she loved an adored as a girl. I felt inspired during her filming. She was transparent and more than willing to share her challenges that brought her to where she is now, successful, inspired, and in love w/ life. I hope to spend the next couple few weeks working hard to finish editing her story.

Last week, I filmed Gary & Melinda. The afternoon was momentous for both of them. The journey of their lives have not been easy- and as they shared their deep personal struggles, they emphasized how God changed their sorrow into dancing. I will begin edits on their story in a few weeks.

Documenting the World, Wk 30 & 31

Wk 30: Hope & Expectation

the beauty of this unity

is one & the same.

gracious and believing,

they seek no fame-

hope is their expectation,

His love

their perfection.

trials in place

is what-not fear-

but together they learn

to grow and face

this sight

so delicate

so beautiful & clear

Wk 31: Waiting for a Friend

Last Thursday, I saw my ol' homeless friend, Digger. He was sitting across the street from the Vortex in Little 5 Points, waiting for passers-by. I stopped and said hello and asked if he wanted something to eat. He said, yes, of course, so off I went with my friend to find a place with decent grub. I think he was hoping for a burger and fries, but I couldn't locate the place he was talking about w/in walking distance, so we went into a sandwhich cafe shop and I bought him a sub, with chips, dessert and a water. It was simple and a bit healthier, he was ok w/ that. Ironically someone ahead of us had given him a slice of pizza, so he was set for a little while, I suppose. When I squated on the ground, Digger asked where'd I'd been, that it'd been too long since he'd seen me last and told me not to make it so long next time...I think it had been since winter, I felt bad. He told me he wanted to make sure he saw me again before he died. I thought it was sweet. He quickly moved on and told me that his eyes still weren't doing so well, but he was surviving anyway. I was glad to see him and I hope he's doing alright today.

Iran Mourning

"A voice is heard.....weeping and great mourning,...weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." Matthew 2

And so cries in the night were heard in Iran.- The following is a video that that was recorded. There is a woman's voice behind it and a translation at the bottom of the screen. I cannot confirm the translation or the video. But it gives me chills.
I pray for them. It appears to have been shot Friday night.

Power to the People

"The revolutionary idea should be diffused by means of appropriate media, to the greatest depth possible." - Che

Some 50 years ago- even Che believed that in order for the ideas to spread from the revolutionary groups, the word had to get out- propaganda- to convince the world around them that their cause was just, to convince the people that their fight was worth it.

In the past week, Iranians have taken to the streets so that their voices would be heard. And they are. They are calling for righteousness and despite demands from the Government to scatter, they keep coming back every day. It is something of a "velvet revolution" (such like that of the Czechoslovakia in 1989).

Despite the Government's efforts to eliminate cell phone usage, Facebook, blogging ability and other social internet devices- the people found Twitter. Ok, I admit, I've never been fan of the site or how people use it- but- I will appreciate THEIR using it to get in touch w/ the outside world- and tell us just what is going on. Major network journalists have been banned from reporting from w/in the protests and some have to been asked to leave the country.

And they, the citizens of Iran, are using every bit of propaganda available to spread the word of their protest and cause. In response to this past week's events, Google has launched another language to it's Translate page- Farsi (the language of Iran), Facebook also has added a way for people to translate messages from Iran and YouTube has had several videos throughout the week. I read one Twitter comment from someone in Iran who stated that the Government would not have shut down websites were they not in fear of the people.

It is an amazing feat that the Iranian people have taken on- Peaceful demonstrations and call for political justice. I am a believer in revolution, the ambush of a corrupt system for a better future. And this- this my friends, is exciting.

While the Supreme Leader of Iran first called for "partial vote recounts," he is now turning to support a leader that the public wants brought down. Blood has been shed against innocent people- and they keep coming forward b/c they believe in their freedom to choose. Opposition leader, Mousavi, even encouraged protestors to rally in black- earlier in the week, as to show a sign of mourning for those that lost their lives.

I applaud the people for being so bold.

kid lessons

certainly i have not forgotten my most recent travels. between helping one set of friends move, watching kiddos, and filming another set of friends at the beach, the two & half day weekend proved to be fast-paced, thrilling and even more so exhausting. but it was well worth the efforts.

some moments of hilarity came from taking the kids to the pool. between brothers teasing their sisters, racing for torpedoes in the pool (toy ones that is), rubbing generous amounts of sun block on their faces and finding a squishy frogs, they all gave me a reason to smile. and, i probably learned a few things...

for example?-
rule 1: never tell two competitive boys that the really did tie in a swim race- it's just not possible, right?

rule 2: boys will be boys...now teach them that. wink.

rule 3: have a clean, fresh water bottle on hand ....just make sure it's not luke warm...it might cause a little melo-drama.

rule 4: .when a 7-year-old girl finds her self a squishy frog to take home, swimming is "just...illogical"

finally, rule 5: taking a mobile picture of the 4-year-old lil miss priss is a must!

Documenting the World, Wk 29, Brotherly Love

meds and money

attention ladies and gentleman- have you heard? president obama would like to devise a plan for a government health care program. why? well people who are unable to afford private health care need to be able to see doctors too! he claims that it will run competitively with private systems and is a capitalistic way of providing good health for those less fortunate. oh and by the way, it's going to cost a few billion dollars if not more.

"Good health is important to everyone. If you can't afford to pay for medical care right now, Medicaid can make it possible for you to get the care that you need so that you can get healthy – and stay healthy."

whoa! wait just a minute- is that medicaid- a "dot gov" run program?!- yes, in fact it is- the first paragraph in the overview explainer on their website.

they go on to say:

"Medicaid is available only to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility group that is recognized by federal and state law. Medicaid does not pay money to you; instead, it sends payments directly to your health care providers. Depending on your state's rules, you may also be asked to pay a small part of the cost (co-payment) for some medical services.... Medicaid is a state administered program and each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services. Read more about your state Medicaid program."

this sounds a bit like what president obama is proposing, right? so why, oh, why mr. president must you invest in a NEW program when we already have one in place...? oh, yes, b/c medicaid is difficult to qualify for unless you're dirt poor. i remember --there was a time in my life when i made barely enough to pay the bills but too much to qualify for medicaid. and i've known many others like that as well.

so i have an idea. why not REFORM the program that is already in place?! why not expand the medicaid program- so that those who need medical services and make a little more than poverty can qualify? it sure would keep the government from going further into debt, from taking more tax dollars from the people.

i agree that healthy living and provisions should not just be for those who can afford it. i am all for helping more americans get health care. i have friends w/o and would like to see them have it. but i think it's time we take a peek into what we have in place- make it better, easier and and broaden quifications rather than throwing more money into another program, that may not be as promising as it sounds.

just a thought...