Nigeria: Grieving for Answers

 

A man in Nigeria, whose wife was killed in the Dana Air crash earlier this week, is filing a suit against Boeing and the estate of the American pilot for defective engines and putting his wife in “unreasonable” danger.

The Boeing 727 crashed into a residential area, in Lagos, resulting 163 dead and others injured. Masses of locals rushed to the site and it was hours before rescue workers could get in and start pulling bodies out of the rubble. The fire took time to burn out and even media crews had a difficulty maneuvering through the wreckage and the crowds.

A day later, the Nigerian crash took a unique turn. A dear friend posted on his Facebook that he had lost his sister in the crash, and that she had been on the plane, and among the declared dead.The pain of his loss certainly made the reality of the incident powerful. Watching his grief gives perspective to the emotions many of the victim’s families may be experiencing.

The other man who sued Boeing isn’t looking for money or attention, rather a sense of Justice – because for such a circumstance, it is only natural in the human mind to want someone or something to blame, a responsibility upheld. There must be explanation; there must be a reason his loved one died, even if it was preventable. And perhaps it was not preventable; the crash itself is under investigation with the Nigerian Aviation Authority and other officials, however, if something can be explained, if anything can be given a reason, there is retribution. The human condition is prone to the need for understanding, for reason, for a detailed answer to the question, “why.”

In the end – the families who are speaking out, the ones who are frustrated with the government’s lack of answers and the ones who are vying to obtain their loved one’s body for burial – are simply in need of peace, security and resolution. A pastor in Lagos stated that everyone in his congregation knew someone or was connected to someone in that crash. The grieving nature of the community will take time to heal and while the news moves on, they will stay persistent in their search for answers and strength.

Note: Breaking news is always a rush – when an event happens that changes people’s lives in a significant way, a learning curve always follows. As a journalist, one has to know how to handle being sensitive to the suffering and yet using every resource necessary to cover the elements and facts of a story. The pkg above was filed by Vladimir Duthiers for CNN

A Word On Syria-

 "So in the interest of innocent victims everywhere, 
we as journalists need to work harder to find out who they were, to paint a picture of the lives they had and the people who grieve for them. 

May they all rest in peace -- and be counted." 

(Sara Sidner, CNN)*

*the quote above was take from an article discussing the recent 17 victims in Afghanistan, however it applies to this platform

In Syria, an estimated 9000+ people have been declared dead. And as numbers continue to increase, so does the discourse about what will come next and if the Syrian regime doesn't accept a plan presented by Kofi Annan to end the conflict peacefully, which thus far has not been done. Of course, the debate also rages on as to whether or not Annan's "cease-fire" and negotiation "plan" will even be effective as the Opposition groups struggle to come to terms in Istanbul. 

The Western educated Syrian leaders, with their iTunes lists, flirty emails and general dismissal of the pain they inflict on their own people has certainly been nothing but disturbing. In recent days, President Bashar Al-Assad visited the city of Homs where much of the shelling occurred and from where residents fled...those that did not die on the way out, for the past year. But it seems his visit was only that of a political ploy. According to activists, shelling continued after he left and others say security forces gathered a "pro-Assad" crowd to make his visit seem welcome. Even humanitarian groups have had difficulty getting in and out of the country to rescue those with dire medical needs. The situation, frankly, is a mess.

Ironically, the "Friends of Syria," seem to be looking less like friends and more like the political leaders debating how to handle the ravaged country, that is, idly sitting by and "talking." There are those among the Arab nations who might readily arm the opposition and but Western powers hesitate when there is a wide variety of opposition groups that have yet to come together. At the end of the day, the International Community is frustrating the people who are suffering the most. Even Annan's 6-point plan seems like steps right out of a self-help book in the dusty corner at Barnes & Noble bookstore. 

While the world's leaders have encouraged the opposition to create a clear vision of what they hope for the future of Syria, most are just trying to survive. Women, Children, Old Men - are lost, are dead, are barely hanging on. At the end of the day, the politics are meaningless and the talk is just that -- babble achieving nothing, at least not until the last gun shot is fired, not until the last explosive reduces to ashes. If the international community doesn't, there are those with ill intentions, and theirs will be the help Syria receives because they have no one else.  Even then, the repair will take years and the mourning will have only just begun. 

The tears, anger and suffering press on, and ironically, the journalists seem to be the only hope for the Syrian people. Perhaps, just maybe, if we keep showing their stories, chasing the aftermath, showing the blood and sweat and screams -- the world will finally wake up. 

reporting egypt on twitter

cnnbrk: Journalists reported arrested amid #Egypt protests.http://on.cnn.com/fouY7a 

some say the journalists in egypt - risking their lives - are frankly, out of their mind. there are some who think it is not wise for media to send their people to such a hostile places. but - it's beyond their job - it's what they live for and while fears may exist, it is a profession of  passion and honestly? nothing more. so to my fellow journalists doing what it takes to give the egyptian people - of all persuasions - a voice - i commend you.

as for those being rounded up, whether they're being arrested or mobbed (& missing) - i think that it is a despicable act - and if the government is involved - they should know that restricting press during such an intense situation never worked well for anyone. the press are the ones who set the stage for dialogue and so in my mind - it is one of the most grueling professions - but it is one of great value for the world.

one in particular, i have been following on twitter, is a woman by the name of sarah el sirgany. she spoke to cnn by phone a few days ago, and since i have watched her report by twitter - trying to get the word out about what's going on. clearly, she is anti murbarak protester - but the events she is witnessing and experiencing are up close and personal and with - some of her latest --

Ssirgany Shorta 3askaria? RT @raniadailynews: @ElFoulio what do you mean by military police? It's either the military or the police?

Ssirgany RT @beleidy: Just went through army checkpoint on galaa bridge, on my way to tahrir square #jan25 egypt

Ssirgany Last night two brave female friends took medical supplies to Tahrir & were harassed by pro-mubarak mob on the way. Now area is totally safe

Ssirgany All of our reporters and editors want to be in Tahrir today, but someone needs to put the stories together & post online.

Ssirgany All of our reporters and editors want to be in Tahrir today, but someone needs to put the stories together & post online.

Ssirgany We are all with you RT @Gsquare86: hmmm activists disappearing and journalists are being beaten up, keep an eye on me, i might be next

egypt: the people unite

"it's a sign of weakness......it's makes the people the stronger."

(mos, answering question from ivan watson, cnn about the military air warning)

i find it interesting --that the u.s. government keeps talking about encouraging the egyptian government to give the people what they want in terms of economic change and maintain democracy. 

secretary of state, clinton told fox news sunday: "we do not want to see a change or a regime that would actually continue to foment violence or chaos -- either because it didn't exist or because it had a different view in which to pose on the egyptian people." (link) and "this is a very serious time for egypt and we are going to do all we can to support an orderly transition to support a situation in which the aspirations of the egyptians are addressed,"

when candy crowley of cnn asked clinton, "we are seeing signs that say 'u.s., stop back mubarak, what side is the us on- mubarak or the people in the streets?" clinton answered, "well there's another choice- it's the egyptian people, we are on the side - as we have been for more than 30 years, a democratic egypt that provides both political and economic rights that respects its people... "

she went on to talk about supporting "concrete steps" for reform in egypt - but failed to  lay out what those might look like in the eyes of the u.s. government - after all, they've done so much to support various rights groups in egypt. then of course there's the "complexities" because the u.s. has been a partner an ally and that reform should start with mubarak have dialogue with the people.

there is also a lot of talk about what the people want and the government analyzing economic change and preventing extremists from taking over- even from the republican side (boehner- fox news sunday) and of course:  "we want to see an orderly transition so that no one fills a void, that there not be a void, that there be a well thought-out plan that will bring about a democratic, participatory government" (clinton link). 

what no journalist has bothered to ask is this: "the people are chanting for mubarak to step down. while their protests do want economic change etc- what they really want is for the old guy out and for a new guy to take over - they no longer feel mubarak is the best leader - and it's coming from thousands of egyptians: if you support the people: do you support their cries for a new leader?"

but no: mainstream media won't ask this question**. and the american government, like any other government that wants its fingerprints around the world ~will back away from truly supporting a people's revolution. power breeds an attitude among governments that says, "i'll scratch your back if you scratch mine." the point being - they will support a questionable government if it wins them an ally, economic advancements or affluence in a region - the middle east in particular. this is observation alone.

nevertheless: what i find more powerful, most unique and amazing - are how many american citizens (and others around the world: syria, london, and more) are reaching out to the egyptian citizens by holding protests of their own. it shows that people - respect people. it takes away governmental power, in its own way. it unites and joins citizens together. revolution isn't always a bad thing: a government by the people should work for the people - and if the people don't see it or feel it - they have a right to take it. 

on the note of terrorists taking over: i think it's too early to even assume that. and it's very important to understand: these are not religious extremists protesting. it's not the religion of islam protesting. nor is it islam running the country - it is one man who wants power - and it a people who are rejecting his power.  what's more is that eygpt's military has always been respected by its government and people - but the government has also been run by military men and this time the people are unsatisfied (discussion juan cole: link) and even pushing for a man formerly head of the international atomic energy agency (cnn-link).

certainly this is my speculation from reading, watching and listening to the events take place a half a world away. but i can say with confidence that if a country of people are demanding change and freedom - they should go after it, take it and cry for it.

--------------------------

**update since post~ stand corrected: it seems tony blair has just been asked this questions (01/31/11 - LINK CNNi) but as any other politician, he will not directly answer.

Egypt In Pictures

Thoughts to come...

the photo spread...

a few days ago, i told you about pilates plus pacific beach  - and the two inspiring women who run the studio. you can read more about them -here (link). below are just a few of the best photos from the shoot. for more - check out the fitness & dance gallery on my website: http://untamedfocus.com ~

Project Homeless: The Voice

Radio is defined - theatre of mind"

(T.Williams' Inspiration)

A word about Ted Williams:

I have been greatly moved by Williams' story. Watching his interview on the Today Show certainly had me choked up. The humility of this man - knowing his mistakes and the gratefulness for what he's been given -a second chance -- it is truly is incredible. Ted Williams worked in radio much of his adult life - and described himself as something of a "functional alcoholic." but then, he started doing drugs - and as the substance abuse became worse, so did his life's circumstances. He ended up -- on the streets. He had run-ins with the law for theft and generally, like most homeless: had to learn to survive. 

What he recognized was the fact that he had been given a talent: his golden voice. it was resounding and steady and it occurred to him that, just maybe, he could use it to earn money on the streets. Thankfully - for you and for me, the audience - a reporter in Columbus took a chance on him and found out just how talented he was, that his sign asking for money was no joke at all. 

Now Williams is being offered jobs, he is being asked to do radio commercials and someone even offered to buy him a home. He is holding onto this gift, working through the overwhelming attention with his faith, and hoping for continued great things in his life. What stunned me, however, is that throughout his interview with the Today Show, he consistently kept responding to Meredith Vieira with, "yes ma'am" - a form or respect and honor from where he was sitting. 

I hope his mother was listening and watching. I hope she comes forward to embrace him. I truly think that Mr. Williams has something to teach all of us. Everyone has a gift: and everyone has a voice, who we are not to listen? In William's case - a commanding one. 

"If you really work hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen" 

(C.O'Brien) 

I think Mr. Williams exemplifies what that quote is all about and each moment that we see him, he is showing a vigilance, gratefulness and a kind manner - that wins you over and inspires you. Whether he's advertising for Mac & Cheese, announcing the Caviler's players, or speaking from the heart: this man has a story that is worth telling, and one that is worth hearing. 

Mr. Williams, sir, I pray God's continued blessing - and thank you for sharing that amazing voice.

Free The Press!

"I sat there a long time, and thought about a lot of things. Foremost among them was the suspicion that my strange and ungovernable instincts might do me in before I had a chance to get rich. No matter how much I wanted all those things that I needed money to buy, there was some devilish current push me off in another direction – toward anarchy and poverty and craziness.” (H.S. Thompson)

Such is the life of a journalist. It's true!


“Curiosity killed the Cat,” is a serious understatement for someone who seeks to discover the world. Whether it be investigative questions or evaluating, intensely, acquired information: the journalist knows no rest, no fortune nor any alliance. At least, this is their intended purpose.


Several weeks ago, a man by the name of Ted Koppel wrote an op-ed piece for the Washington Post coming down on the likes of FOX News and MSNBC. Though not flawless, the old time journalist had valuable things to say in the face of current media standards. In short – such broadcast networks are throwing away the pursuit and delivery of fact-based-journalism. Rather: they are corporations, one to the right, one to the left – that are touting for their audience an opinion they hope will be bought – at the price of truth.


Koppel noted that 30/40 years ago, though every journalist has their own strong opinion, the networks, the newspapers stumbled over their persuasions to deliver a story that often had many sides. The audience had only one task: decide for themselves how they felt about it. And in the modern age, a vicious cycle tit for tat has taken place to feed the audience what they should think and in turn the audience demands it.


But I find that those truly passionate about story-telling, do so in a way that makes the world a fair and just place. In the US, this means that the First Amendment becomes a clear ambition – a right that is defended and defined. Oh, it's true – FOX and MSNBC, they are using their First Amendment right, but they are also calling themselves “fair” press and they are
not.


Hunter S. Thompson, while out of his mind, most of the time, is revered by journalists for a reason: he integrated himself so far into the stories he covered – that you were only left with plot and the characters. Your distaste or your pleasure came from your observances, not because you were told.


No riches or wealth ever truly came from telling other people's stories. Rather, more appropriately, it was a passionate business that kept it's constituents in the brink of drama – and gained them public respect. 


This is not to say a journalist is not worth their time or their story per word and page, but it does mean, that the average journalist doesn't enter the profession for the flare of money falling off trees, no matter how nice that would that be for all the stuff we thing we need.


And it must be noted that we are living in a generation that feels the pains of sensational media news rather than special interest stories and investigative or critical thinking and the presentation of facts.


Where it will go: only time will tell. But certainly I set out to do journalism the write way - the way that inspired our Founding Fathers to establish my right to do it - and present each story as it is - to the best of my ability, then? Let you decide. 


My instincts are wild and take me to absurd places where outrageous people have insane ideas, but certainly nothing is out reach or impossible - and because of that alone, while it might rustle a few feathers, or "do me in before I had the chance to get rich," - I go after it anyway.

Big Brother Somewhere

Recently SNL did an astounding job poking fun at the census. Politics mandates that the Government gets to count us. Ironically, too, my friend LaDonna is making a quick $12 an hour to hound people for their information. Joy.


So what really are the numbers all about? And will city planning politicians take action when observing demographic discrepancies? The answer is: who knows?


But LaDonna did bring up an interesting point- at the end of the day, all the information requested is typically public record. And in the age of the internet; truly anyone could find out anything about you, if they really wanted.


It's true that I'm not a fan of the Government being able to hunt me down and invade my life but the concept itself got me thinking. How private is our society, really? From Social Networking to buying a car to filling out taxes, a piece of us is planted somewhere, somehow for someone else to see. And it does show that our “footprint” is implanted and it proves that each person is not truly invisible. Whether or not the reasons hold genuine intentions, the fact remains that each person is wanted for something, seen as someone, and is somewhere.


So the question remains, why not make a statement? Why not tell a story and make an impact?

eight days...

...until the official launch of the untamed focus media website. i know what you're thinking, "untamed...what?" it's been a little known secret for a long time, but when i started pursuing photography and film, and old dream of mine began to take shape and i am thrilled at the opportunity to spread my wings a little further. on june 1st, 2010: a gallery a photography, film projects in the making and way for you to contact me and be part.

Captive in North Korea

Setting Conan's Red Hair on Fire

I have to get it off my chest.

And I just have to say it: I think NBC is giving Conan O'Brien the shaft. Yeah, it's a current rant of mine- from a viewer's perspective and production point of view- I'm disappointed that he hasn't been given the fan fair to be begin with. The Tonight Show is an incredible brand that has only carried a few hosts and has been around to entertain for decades. O'Brien was not only the best choice to replace Leno, but he's also made for funnier TV, at least in my opinion.

O'Brien's vaudeville style and goofy antics convinces the viewer and as he's settling into the new hour and embracing the title, NBC keeps finding ways to screw him over. Yes, NBC, Conan was the right man for the job- taking Jay out was highly necessary! So why on Earth, I ask you, would you even offer him the grand Tonight Show only to put Leno back in front of him at 10pm? That was a mistake.

The two men, each have made their share of jokes on the air about the disgruntling situation. But it's been O'Brien that's recieved huge applause when he walks onto the stage. Since September; NBC has lost viewership by total of 4.6% and 9.8% of their 18-49 viewers. That's a chunk. That tells me that NBC needs to yank Leno completely and give O'Brian a real chance to shine.

Granted they ARE going back to prime time shows next month, but the dilemma now is whether or not they will give Leno an 11:30p slot and push O'Brien back to Midnight (which of course should no longer be labeled the "Tonight Show," semantically speaking). This too, will be a mistake. What I don't understand is why they are so desperate to keep Leno! And if they wanted to continue with him, why re-arrange him in the first place?

O'Brien's style lays back into the Johnny Carson days. Not only that, but O'Brien has stage/set features that are reminiscent of Carson and The Tonight Show has become a lot more fun over the last nine months or so. And now, there is a younger generation that now has an appeal to the show's novelty.

Personally, NBC has been disappointing over the last few years, esp. when it comes to prime time, anyway. Heroes became annoying second season, Kings was destroyed by corporate, as well as Merlin, and since Friends & Seinfeld, NBC has not really had redeeming qualities. It's true, I'm a L&O SVU fan, but I don't watch the show on the nightly slot on NBC. TNT picked up Southland last minute, b/c NBC simply...dropped it with little warning. Whether it's promising or not is yet to be seen, but it wasn't even given the chance. While Community is a show I find "comedically" worthy, I found it even more interesting that Critics think the show would almost do better on a different Network.

In the Television business, it's important to stick to what works and what keeps your viewers. With constant changes, killing shows and never really moving programming forward, you loose viewers, then ratings, then money and ultimately, you're killing yourself. And well, Conan O'Brien's annoyance with the issue is certainly warranted.

Wouldn't you agree?

poster design credit: mike mitchell

This Week

While I realize my commentary for the month of November has been short, there are a few articles I want to direct you attention to....more to come soon.

**Lou Dobbs, the last of the original CNN anchors has resigned his position with the Network.

**Carrie Prejean is in the news again, and this time with a book. And she completely made a fool of herself on Larry King Live. Seriously, Larry, inappropriate?! Someone drag her out of the spotlight please.

**One Third of the homeless in the United States are veterans. This is an outrageous reflection on the Militray's post-treatment of it's men and women who've served tirelessly.

**Vangaurd Journalism on Current TV produced an interesting piece on the porn industry and it's web development ideas in a slumping economy. While I am not a fan of pornographic content, I thought that the outlook of this piece, focusing on the business and techonolgy was very well done.

**Rolling Stone did an interesting article on the new Lady Gaga video release. According to the talented, creative and shocking star: her inspiration had many inspirations including Alfred Hitchcock and she took time to work with Frances Lawrence from I Am Legend.

**And while Pluto still might not be a planet, it's back in the game as Wired Magazine talks about scientists love for it.

A Few Things

Over the past month, the focus of my blogs has been that of the beauty in suffering. Ironically browsing the web has brought me to a few items, worth noting, in tune. Take a look.

--James Nachtwey is a name I have only learned recently. He has been a photojournalist known for his graphic images of war torn and devestating places. His pictures tell and heart-wrenching story, on that I hope will inspire your prayers and activism.

--Relevant Magazine recently addressed how to get through those times when it seems our faith has faded. Perhaps b/c of our society, our job, our relationships, whatever the case may be, neverthless, the concluson was encouraging.

--A young woman in Cuba is living in hiding as she boldly blogs her thoughts about the governement for which she has grown up under. Her words make a strong impact:

"No one knows better the mechanisms of censorship in Cuba that few writers in the national newspapers. The press here has become a profession that requires measurements lurid adjectives, weigh the issues and often hide personal opinion in order to keep a job. It's a life decision to be a journalist from the official media, I know, but I also know some who have been caught in the intricacies of complicity, waiting for that day when they can write what they think."

--And finally friends, i leave you hope in the world...

Postcards Changing the World

I have, before, spoken of the strength behind confession. I even talked about the mediums in the modern world in which people are able to find company and overcome. Recently, Relevant Magazine discussed Frank Warren, the founder and creative inventor of Post Secret.

Warren's newest Post Secret book covers the cry for spirituality from those who send him postcards. The title: Confessions of Life, Death & God display the questions, fears and admissions of people who are seeking a sense of deep spirituality ~ and desire for answers. As Warren travels and talks about the book, he mentions that this series of confessions show both the "selfishness" and the "selflessness of our spiritual selves." How ironic is it that as a people, we feel more comfortable pouring out in a piece of artwork to a stranger and yet only "fine" is acceptable in our churches and Warren says, our communities.

Nevertheless as the Post Secret project continues on, it does create an incredible way for people to connect and know that they're not alone, which when suffering, dreaming, and exploring -we all crave to know.

These Just IN

Your Need to Know:

**Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize? Apparently, the committee forgot to watch SNL last weekend. ..."Hope" is not what IS. And should not the honor go to someone who has brought something to a reality?...to what "IS"

**Apparently, NASA has plans to crash right into the Moon, and their looking for water.

**Landslides and water damage is getting worse in the Philippines. It saddens me to see so many people dead and the aid will have to provide for the long haul.

**Vincent van Gogh had a series of letters that are now being put on exhibition. It's apparent that this tortured artist was able to write with wit and entertaining thoughts. There was always a "method to his madness" or so it seems.

**Google has provided a feature that allows a user to access another number and forward all mail and cell messages to the users email. Apparently some lawmakers don't like the fact that big bad Google knows how to expand phenomenoal technology.

**Finally, if you didn't see it yesterday, you must today. The Black Eyed Peas and a massive crowd put on a masterful performance to let Oprah (and all of us) know that Today's Gonna be a Good Day!!

What's Really Going On...

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This Week

*Brett McCracken wrote a great piece on why President Obama's back-to-school speech was very well presented. He discusses why FOX News was wrong for criticizing it and hits home the true & underlying mesage Obama gave, which was simple: "at the end of the day...none of it will matter unless you fulfill your responsibilities." Certainly this is a lesson that we can all accept and that Obama grew up learning.

*Sara J. Gonzalez Memorial Park is conducting it's dedication ceremony today. Sara J. Gonzalez is the mother of Ofelia de la Valette- who is the founder & owner of Dance 101. My coming documentary project is covering her story. As for Gonzalez; she was a well respected member of the Atlanta Hispanic community~ so for her family and friends, this is an exciting event, not to mention, an incredible addition to all their stories.

*Guess who's been named to replace Paula Abdul on American Idol? The one and only Ellen Degeneres! I'm not joking. The only oddity about this is Ellen has never been seriously involved with the music industry as the other judges, but the show's producer claims that her knowledge of the American public could bring a different and positive spin on the judging. Could be interesting.

*Apparently, people haven't had enough Michael Jackson tribute yet. Sunday, during MTV's Video Music Awards, not only will Janet Jackson perform a musical tribute but the trailer for a film based around the last footage of Jackson's rehearsal's will be unleashed as well.

*Tomorrow is the 8th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks. I anticipate that people across the country will have a number of commemorative speeches, and ceremonies for the innocent lives that were lost and celebration of a country that came together. Tomorrow. will be declared a National Day of Service by President Obama. Tomorrow will be a meaningful day.

September 11th Memorial from Jeffrey Lee on Vimeo.

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.