Plugging In

I have had this blog for almost a year. And through my research, reading, writing and wondering...I wanted to put in a few things I think you should check out. I have a blog buddy who calls it "fortuitus bouncing," but I think I'll call it- "plugging in."

**Blogsphere: Both Tyler (Man of Depravity) and Amos (Movement, Movement) have shared their thoughts on the philisophical belief system of the U.S. Founding Fathers. Based on an article in the Los Angeles Times, the discussion on their blogs has certainly been an interesting one.

**Recommended Read: On the right hand side of my page is the top 13 books I think everyone should read. But the first, is John Bolin's "Life Unlimited." This book has been the single most influential and inspiring book of my life. Bolin explores the adventure and purpose for which we have been put on the earth to fulfill. He promotes the idea that we are the Hero of our own story and the King has our front and our back at every turn as long as we're focused on him. Bolin also dives into what it takes to live our lives outside the box, getting past the "hum-drum," as he would say. I recommend you read it with a notebook and a friend.


**In the City: Last week, while wondering through Little 5 Points, Atlanta, I met Bobby. He goes by the name Cipher Kenni and is a rap artist. He was making an attempt to sell his music on the street and shared some of it with me. He said that his goal is make music that promotes spirituality and truth. He hopes that his music will eventually help him support his wife and child, who are the most important to him. His music is written and self produced.

**Sites 4 Sore Eyes: As many of you have noticed, the first website/organization I promote is the UNHCR. This is a UN non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in 1950 and provides for the needs of displaced persons across the globe. They also aim to help protect and resolve refugee problems. They offer opportunities to volunteer as well as donate to their efforts, worldwide. I certainly have a passion for people who have been forced to leave their homes and often their families behind. These people are survivors. But the UNHCR has created a valuable service in getting food and care in places like China, Africa, and the Middle East just to name a few.


**In the City: Walking along the street this week; I also met John Naugle. He is the founder and director of a non-profit orginaztion in Atlanta called City of Peace. They promote non-violence, following the fashion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Ghandi. Their goal is to promote and create awareness for peace efforts around the world.

**Finally? Me: Check out my developing photo skillz @ Untamed Focus!

Project Homeless: Surviving Buddies

For Don and his veteran friend; survival is a way of life. I first met the two men yesterday outside of a pizza parlor and a small coffee shop. Don walked around and played the harmonica for anyone who would listen, hoping to earn a little pocket change while his friend sat on top of a bucket selling random items with a sign that said: "I'm a veteran. Please help."

Don was all smiles and happy to play any tune you requested. He bounced his knee while he played and said he was just trying to survive the day. I did not catch the name of the other gentleman; his voice was low and scratched, but I did pick up that he's been in Georgia most of his life and that his father died when he was younger.

The two men see each other every day and were certainly empathetic to the other's needs. So after a few songs, and a good laugh: the boys had earned themselves a Coke! They were so happy to have something cold to drink- that Don play another tune on his harmonica and his friend saw my camera and asked if I was going to take their picture. I certainly hope, that on this day that we celebrate freedom, a day of joy, that someone else will be privileged enough to recieve their smiles.

Exposed

"In her book On Photography, Susan Sontag draws the comparison between the language of photography and the language of warfare. To get someone in range and shoot them could be said of using a gun or a camera. There is a violence about taking a photo."-Harry Rud

I believe my first reaction was a very thoughtful, "wow." Declaring violence at the snap of a button, the moment the flash sparks, is certainly a powerful statement and I wonder, how much truth is in it?

There is a cliche that says "a picture is worth a thousand words." When I look at a photograph; I find that my first instincts are to analyze it like a poem or an essay. I am wondering why the artist chose to take that picture. If it is an object or a place, what drew them there? Somewhere in my mind, I find myself developing a story or a theory about that place and its purpose. But if the photo showcases the human being- that analysis goes much deeper. Who are they? Did the artist know them? Did the person in the photo want their picture taken? It is the analysis of that one person...their emotions, their purpose, their destination. And the same goes for a group of people. I am critical of the photo- why is this person smiling or why are they not? What is the story behind them? Did they defy the odds or are they just existing in this life? Obviously it is an analysis of questions, concerns and a vaudeville of the human condition.

It has been thought, by some, that aboriginal tribes believed a picture steals the soul. Figuratively, it is an intriguing thought because for a split second, the snap of the camera is latching on to the essence of that person-and while you cannot know what is in their mind or heart, it is there. At the same time and quite unfortunately; all you see is the surface and all you can do is toggle with the colors, expressions and appearances.

So what is then, the comparison to "violence?" It seems to me that when you take that picture- you are taking that person's story, their life, with you. When you shoot a gun, you have taken that person's life. The difference? When you've shot them dead, you leave them there.

When a photo is taken, the life they exposed is no longer confined within their home, their mind or their heart- something about them is seen by the photographer and by the world. It is a moment the cannot get back. They can only continue.

Certainly my thoughts and theory on all of this is based on a single quote and I am interested in reading Sontag's book. While she was a controversial figure during the 1960s and 70s; I have no doubt that the explosive decades of war, political controversy and culture had great influence on her view.

But for now; what is your reaction?

A Cheer for the Girls

No matter what you may think about Hillary Clinton, you cannot deny that she made history, this year, in America. You may hate her politics, you may love them. You may believe she already ran the White House or perhaps she'd would do a better job than Bill. Whether you are for her or against her- you cannot make the mistake of denying the impact she has made in the United States and among women of all ages.

I give her enormous credit for pushing through and running for the first female spot as President. I have great respect for her inspiring move to rally and defy the status quo.

Barack Obama, in his Unity speech said that Clinton showed the country and the world that, "women can do anything that the boys can do, and do it better, and do it in heels."

"Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it ... and the light is shining through like never before, filling us all with the hope and the sure knowledge that the path will be a little easier next time."-HRC

Not a single other woman will be able to fill the role that Hillary Clinton has. She has had a profound impact on women's rights, women's ability and achievements. She said in her concession speech that next time- it will be "unremarkable" for a woman to run for president, that it will become the norm and she's right. It is because she chose to step out and play the male dominated game of politics and claim herself eligible for one of the most powerful positions in the world.

Clinton may not have won the Democratic Nomination, but her stand was a loud one and women should be grateful for her contribution to the female future in the United States of America.

After Hillary Clinton's concession to Obama; I heard CNN's Candy Crowley state that, "Usually, victors make the history. But there are exceptions."

I could not agree more.

Abe Lincoln's Dripping in Oil

$4.09 a gallon. I frequently whine as I approach the gas pump. $30 later and I still only have three quarters of a tank (if that). It's a good thing I get 25-30 miles to the gallon in my little Civic. Flying anywhere is out of the question and people around the world want to blame government.

But on Monday; leaders gathered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for an Oil Summit. Gordon Brown was the only Western leader present. It seemed that the general concenus was more oil production. More supply to meet the demand.

What a novel idea. It seems to me they discussed standard economics.

Granted; Brown was quickly ridiculed for suggesting the Middle Eastern oil companies, like OPEC and others, invest their "illions" of dollars into creating oil refineries in the West and thereby allowing those countries to also invest in the market.

The Saudi kingdom has committed to increasing their oil production from 9 million barrels to 9.7 million barrels by the end of July and up to 12 million barrels by the end of 2009. They even encouraged OPEC to invest their assests in other nations.

But OPEC maintained- the supply is enough. Nor did the commitment from Saudi Arabia settle everyone.

And the conclusion to the potentially useful summit? Well after a number of disagreements and criticisms, among leaders, particularly on the cause of the prices, they'll meet again this year and talk about it.

Both the U.K. and China have said that not only do they need to invest in the production of oil, but their countries are looking for alternative energy resources. President Bush has insisted the oil production could and should begin to take place in undrilled areas of Alaska.

If the problems and answers are strictly economics: supply and demand; you'd think it would be an easy out. At the same time; IF that's the case, then private companies would need to co-operate, but will they? And can democratically-based governments put restrictions on the cost? This I doubt. But what of other coutries, for example, Nigeria, in which a rebel group is being accused of attacking their oil industry?

It seems the summit only brought more questions than resolutions.

Revolution

"Words offer the means to meaning, and for those who will listen, the enunciation of truth. And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong, isn't there? ...Fear got the best of you, and in your panic you turned...Fairness, justice, and freedom are more than words, they are perspectives. But if you see what I see, if you feel as I feel, and if you would seek as I seek, then I ask you to stand beside me." -V(movie)

"If you don't claim your humanity you will become a statistic"- Tyler Durden(movie)

"Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves." - Ernesto Che Guevara

"Dangers and difficulties have not deterred us in the past, they will not frighten us now...The way of preparation lies in our rooting out all impurity and indiscipline from our organisation and making it the bright and shining instrument that will cleave its way to freedom."- Nelson Mandela

People like us, who believe in physics, know that the distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion." -Albert Einstein

I have tried all week to write about this word that echoes in my mind- what it means, how it fits, what it looks like- for my generation. And it seems that I have found several who say better than me. These quotes is excruciatingly powerful. They have inspired people, masses-they are the words of revolution. They are words beckoning for change....and they do not settle for the crutch of survival, but it is also important to note, that it took these to survive in the first place - a struggle to become a limitless inspiration to many.

Revolution at it's core means to 'overturn,' overthrow the existing establishment,' or to change. For Einstein, it was the world of physics and e=mc^2. For Mandela, it was prison to president. Che overthrew governments for the purpose of equality for his people. Tyler Durden was tired of mundane, tired of Hollywood promises and needed an out, and V? The freedom of choice had been taken and a false peace was rewarded for silence. No matter how controversial they were or are- they made history.

So it is our generation's turn. What will we do to overturn the statas quo, the comfortable and the norm? What will you do?

In the City: Carousel 5

Today, while strolling through Little 5 Points, an alternative corner in Atlanta; I met Scott Edens. He is the base player for a band called Carousel 5. They are a pop rock band who is looking to make a break through in the industry.

Edens says that they are currently scheduled to play the Atlanta Blues Festival and hopes that his band has what it takes to go beyond city limits. He also noted that after studying extensively into what it takes to be in the mainstream of pop industry, he thinks that his female led group can compose and perform to the highest standard.

Continuing to brag about Carousel 5; Edens said that he was very excited to have been contacted by former Cranberries drummer, Fergal Lawler. Scott Edens says he hopes his connection will keep them movin' on up!

**For more info. on Carousel 5 or more pictures of Scott, click on the links above**

Beach Burglary

They say "third time's a charm." And certainly my third trip to the Atlantic, this year, could vie for gold.

Walking out onto the beach at sunset was perfect. I could easily detect the smell of salt in the air. The rushing waves invited me and I loved being able to slip off my flops and dig my toes into the soft white sand. The complicated waters and I were adjoined.

But after pacing the along the edge of the ocean for about an hour, running into friendly foreigners, and taking snaps of the sea, I was ready to return to my friends' house for a good night's rest.

There was just one problem.

I couldn't find my car...anywhere.

Up and down the parking lot, I looked for my little box with wheels. The fact that my automatic key lock doesn't work except within about 2 feet of the car didn't help. For a moment, I worried. Could I really have forgotten where I parked?

No, No, I convinced myself, the parking meter and hotel was just right, even the sign for accessing the public beach was in the right patch of grass.

I called my friend Sarah, after about 15-20 minutes of torturous looking (and did I mention a public bathroom was nowhere in sight?). I informed her I thought my car might have been taken. I followed with a call to the police, who apparently sent the beach security to my rescue...I still can't figure out why it took him 2o minutes to get to me if he was that close.

I gave him all the information I could about car. I showed him my driver's license, a card that had my VIN number on it, and described what it looked like. Sarah arrived and helped me think of things to tell the officer. I kept browsing the lot to see if it was around. And Sarah's husband, John, kept calling every five minutes to make sure we were all ok.

All the while, in the depths of my brain; I started thinking that I really just didn't care. The car was gone. Someone had been smart enough to break into it and start it up. How? I hadn't the faintest clue, the most I could ever do was change my oil- but nevertheless, it was gone and I didn't care.

Perhaps it was because I knew I'd be taken care of; receiving more than I owed from the insurance company was sure thing and a new car wouldn't be so bad. A car with my name on it and new beginning- out with the memories the old Honda held. Plus-my friends cruise my dream car around (who-ever heard of a jeep wrangler being one's "dream drive?"), there was always a shot at that!

Finally the police officer finished jotting down notes and said that a police report would ready for me the next day. Sarah and I looked at each other and asked the guy if it was really going to be a priority investigation. His facial expression told me no.

Too many drug dealers, murders and rapists to chase, I suppose.

Sarah and I said thanks and hopped into the jeep. We buzzed through the parking lot, one last time. I actually hoped it wasn't a fluke....crazy indeed. As we approached the end of the parking lot, there it was, my car- dirty and beat up, waiting for me. I couldn't believe it- I had one blond hair after all. Feeling a little embarrassed and really disappointed; I called the officer back and let him know he did not need to file a report.

I got in and started the engine. Driving back to my friend's house I decided it was probably better that I found it, I wouldn't have the hassle of paperwork.

It's ironic: in the past, a stressful situation like this one would have been an emotional crisis. I've had so many car dilemmas that I never felt confident enough about a solution. But this time, it was different, there was not a doubt in my mind that I would be cared for and assisted. Not only that; it would have been a chance for something new, in so many ways, and I would have certainly welcomed the change.

Of course, it is a "tard moment" that John and Sarah will never let me live down. =P

Driving Thoughts

Change. It's a buzz word. But what does it really mean? People use this word to describe coming administrations, politics. People use it to explain religious experience, a different course in life or something new. People use the word as a way to call their perspective better and another's worse. The word is also used describe pocket coins, money. But, again, what does the word really mean? And what does it look like?

Pulling up the etymology of the word is a bit challenging...because almost every language derives a root, somewhere, somehow. It is a word that has such general connotations, and at the same time, contains person depth for each person and their culture.

One of my favorite roots -that I noticed- was the Celtic origin: kamb*which means "to bend, crook." Dictionary.com's first explanation is: "to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone."

How interesting I find that when a person takes a different course, or alters their future to be different than it is- the first requirement is a willingness to bend in a way, that initially, they did not think possible. It means a difference in thinking, a willingness to learn- so that they can achieve the necessary. When something becomes crooked, it must be willing to leave it's origin behind...that is, it's "straightness."

And because humans are diverse from one another, what bending looks like will be just as diverse for each person. I can certainly appreciate that changes that have occurred in my life and with a pocket full of coins, I willingly toss them in your direction.

Project Homeless: Hope for Tomorrow

His name was AL. He is from New York City, the Broncs, he said to me. He traveled to Atlanta, Georgia seven years ago and currently sleeps under the highway bridge. He never said what brought him to Atlanta, but he hopes to find a job where he can save money.

The money he saves he hopes to use toward a small home where he can help other homeless get back on their feet and provide a safe sleeping facility with quality food.

If there was one thing that the city of Atlanta could do for him now? Provide more facilities to sleep in more often.

His name is AL and this is his story.