Saturday, December 22, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Agent Smith and his Apple Pie
This is pretty funny. Agent Smith and Morpheus are clearly in the scene, but who is that talking about apple pies and atoms?Carl Sagan, apparently.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Detournement and Culture Jamming for Jesus!
Who knew Jesus was an Adbuster?
Originally uploaded by mediageek.
If Christianity paved the way for Colonialism and TV paved the way for the globalization of Consumerism, then what if we combine all of these techniques and re-appropriate corporate logos and images, put the newly-created art onto t-shirts, and send out the message!
Oh, it's already been done?
Super Marie
This image is an example of what might be called a "detournement", a type of art, stylized by the founders of Situationist International. These types of images create a contrast between pop iconography, advertising images, media concepts, and the "realities" that exist in the world. They portray the absurdities that often pop up when you consider the meaning of the message that advertising and public relations sends, in the face of what is happening around us.
Another term that is similar to detournement is "culture jamming", a style of activism that employs a similar method.
Another term that is similar to detournement is "culture jamming", a style of activism that employs a similar method.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Protest Art
I collect photos of protest art, especially when the art is displayed outdoors, is likely to be illegally placed, and is in a conspicuous location. Graffiti is great to look at, and you can debate all day about vandalism and the crime of defacing private and/or public property, but I still enjoy looking at it. I must respect the skill and audacity of graf writers.
This particular stencil art piece was one I encountered in a park in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was September 2006, the day of the Zozobra festival. It was there all by itself, but I liked how there were little pieces of a flower resting on top.
This particular stencil art piece was one I encountered in a park in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was September 2006, the day of the Zozobra festival. It was there all by itself, but I liked how there were little pieces of a flower resting on top.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Blues Fest, YSO, 2007
It was raining really hard, and I didn't want any of the people to leave, because we were trying to sell our rugs and crafts. So, I joined a group of guys and we had an impromptu blues jam in the rain. People stayed out there, watching. Some of them danced. Some of them stayed out in the grass and mud and some of the people got up on stage with us and danced to stay out of the rain. It was a pretty good time, I must say.
Stop Bush!
This impromptu graffiti was discovered in YSO, Yellow Springs, Ohio, during the Blues Fest 2007.
Monday, October 08, 2007
The Floorwalkers
I jammed with a guy from work a couple of weeks ago, after we closed, and I had a great time. We played all kinds of cover songs and a couple of originals for a very small audience of our co-workers. I haven't heard his band yet, the Floorwalkers, but I'd like to check them out. This is a cool photo I found of Kerry, on Flickr. I thought I'd let the world know that Kerry can play a mean guitar, and he's got a good, rootsy, soulful singing voice, as well. It's kind of deep, which is good for that music. I'd be interested in jamming again, especially with some electrics, and maybe with a drummer and bass player. I'd like to hear Kerry play dobro too.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Just read a good review
I’ve just read a good review about this book, and after seeing it in so many hands of readers all over, including my sister’s, I just have to check it out. Right now, though, I am reading about 5 or 6 different books about corporations, globalization, and development. They all touch on the environment in many ways and the ideas of sustainable development. As an anthropology major in college, though, I still have my interests in evolution, religion, and the philosophy of science.
See more progress on: read the god delusion
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Update on Ryan's Aimless Project
Hey there! I have an update on Ryan's comings and goings. For those who need a reminder, my long-time friend, Ryan, is travelling the country by foot, public transportation, and hitchhiking, with a video camera and a cell phone. Like an amateur anthropologist (as Ryan's buddy, Lew, put it) is documenting what he sees as the reality of America, and he wants to tell the world about his experiences. He's kept up an interesting blog. He posts photos every now and again, and he has his own website that explains what he is doing, why he is doing it, and how he came up with the idea.
If you'd like to see what Ryan can do with a video camera, then check out his "quasi-trailers", as he calls them.
At this point, Ryan is calling on his readers, including myself, to help him replace the gear that he has been using for so long. His tent is too small for him to fit comfortably inside, because he is too tall for it. His belt is too big for him. His pants are too big for him. His backpack has a waist strap that is too big for him. His socks have holes in them. The treads in his shoes are so worn down that it hurts him to walk. His sleeping bag is not insulated enough to keep him warm.
What Ryan hopes is that companies will want to help Ryan by providing him with these goods. In return, the donors (or sponsors) would be able to promote their products on his website. With Ryan's backing on a good product it could only help generate interest and potential sales.
I believe that Ryan would also like to have a light notebook PC and a better video camera and cell phone (that still takes photos). However, I think he is mainly concerned about the necessities of surviving the journey right now.
So, how can we help out Aimless Ryan?
He wants us to contact a bunch of manufacturers, requesting them to help him. He has a page on his website that lays out what it would mean to sponsor Aimless.
The short list:
Kelty --> Contact Kelty about sponsorships
Gregory
Columbia
Coleman
Timberland
REI
The North Face
Eureka!
Therm-A-Rest
Sierra Designs
Amtrak
Apple
Sony
Canon
If you'd like to contact Ryan personally, then go to his contact page.
Thanks for your attention!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
The Land Where Anything Is Possible
Is this truly the land of opportunity?
Is the "American Dream" a dream worth pursuing? Is it actually attainable for more than just a few people?
This photo, by Daniel A. Norman (copyrighted, 2007), shows the clouds over NYC, the clouds over the Statue of Liberty, the symbol of all that is the American Dream. This is the place of possibility for many people around the world, but that idea is being challenged more and more lately.
With increasing anti-American sentiment, largely after Bush sent our troops over to Iraq to fight the so-called "War on Terror", I am really not sure that there is a more important topic to think about and to write about than this "American Dream".
I don't know about you, but I'm struggling.
I'm not homeless (yet). I'm not unemployed (yet). I still have some income and some assets to call my own (at the moment). However, these conditions are only temporary, for I am in debt, just like the majority of Americans I know and have heard about. I owe money.
So, now I live paycheck to paycheck, hoping that I make enough each week to pay my bills, and I recklessly spend on things I don't need.
Now, I'm trying to wake myself up, and I'm trying to move.
Is the "American Dream" a dream worth pursuing? Is it actually attainable for more than just a few people?
This photo, by Daniel A. Norman (copyrighted, 2007), shows the clouds over NYC, the clouds over the Statue of Liberty, the symbol of all that is the American Dream. This is the place of possibility for many people around the world, but that idea is being challenged more and more lately.
With increasing anti-American sentiment, largely after Bush sent our troops over to Iraq to fight the so-called "War on Terror", I am really not sure that there is a more important topic to think about and to write about than this "American Dream".
I don't know about you, but I'm struggling.
I'm not homeless (yet). I'm not unemployed (yet). I still have some income and some assets to call my own (at the moment). However, these conditions are only temporary, for I am in debt, just like the majority of Americans I know and have heard about. I owe money.
So, now I live paycheck to paycheck, hoping that I make enough each week to pay my bills, and I recklessly spend on things I don't need.
Now, I'm trying to wake myself up, and I'm trying to move.
Notes on the American Dream Series
The dream of a land where there is...
Opportunity
Achievement
Success
Freedom
Independence
Justice
Wealth
Rags to Riches
Truth
Happiness
Determination
Hard Work
Better Standards of Living
Freedom from religious persecution
Freedom of Speech
Freedom of Expression
Safety
Social Justice
Human Rights
Civil Rights
The Great Gatsby
Death of a Salesman
Fight Club
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
On The Road
In Cold Blood
"Know Your Enemy"
Scarface
The Pursuit of Happyness
American Beauty
Miss Saigon
Compromise
Conformity
Assimiliation
Submission
Ignorance
Hypocrisy
Brutality
Celebrity
The Elite
Power
Denial
Opportunity
Achievement
Success
Freedom
Independence
Justice
Wealth
Rags to Riches
Truth
Happiness
Determination
Hard Work
Better Standards of Living
Freedom from religious persecution
Freedom of Speech
Freedom of Expression
Safety
Social Justice
Human Rights
Civil Rights
The Great Gatsby
Death of a Salesman
Fight Club
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
On The Road
In Cold Blood
"Know Your Enemy"
Scarface
The Pursuit of Happyness
American Beauty
Miss Saigon
Compromise
Conformity
Assimiliation
Submission
Ignorance
Hypocrisy
Brutality
Celebrity
The Elite
Power
Denial
The American Dream
What the hell is this "American Dream"? What do people from all over the world think is this "American Dream" that I've been hearing about all of my damn life?
Does the American Dream exist, or is it really only as real as Santa Claus and The Easter Bunny, legends that really have just helped fuel our culture of consumption?
Are people merely naive when they believe that it is worthwhile to pursue the "American Dream"?
I'm an atheist. I don't believe in much of anything at all that cannot be explained through materialist methods. If it is more than an idea but it is not made up of matter, then I am very skeptical that it exists. So, for me to listen to you tell me that I need to believe in god and believe that this being is watching over us, judging us morally, and manipulating our destinies, is an exercise in open-mindedness and patience, for me. I really have to hold my breath and hope that you don't ask me if I believe what you say is true and that it has changed my way of thinking, because it most likely has not.
So, when someone comes up to you and starts bringing up this idea of the "American Dream" what do you say?
Well, here's what I say...
[More Later]
Does the American Dream exist, or is it really only as real as Santa Claus and The Easter Bunny, legends that really have just helped fuel our culture of consumption?
Are people merely naive when they believe that it is worthwhile to pursue the "American Dream"?
I'm an atheist. I don't believe in much of anything at all that cannot be explained through materialist methods. If it is more than an idea but it is not made up of matter, then I am very skeptical that it exists. So, for me to listen to you tell me that I need to believe in god and believe that this being is watching over us, judging us morally, and manipulating our destinies, is an exercise in open-mindedness and patience, for me. I really have to hold my breath and hope that you don't ask me if I believe what you say is true and that it has changed my way of thinking, because it most likely has not.
So, when someone comes up to you and starts bringing up this idea of the "American Dream" what do you say?
Well, here's what I say...
[More Later]
Matt Weber, Costco, Consumption, and Loneliness
Matt Weber is an excellent photographer. He really knows how to capture an emotion through one single image, and he can also put together a series of images that explore the complexities of our culture and what it means to be human, at least in our age.
I like this one of the little girl and the young couple, shopping at Costco, one of the many giant "superstores" that reduce the sticker price of the products they sell, at the cost of reduced wages for their employees and the demise of the "mom's and pop's" stores. Costco, WalMart, Sam's Club, and many other big chain stores represent what globalization, global culture, and development really mean to me: homogenization, dehumanization, and the marketing of consumption as a way of life.
The little girl in this image does not appear to be happy to be where she is, and that may not reflect the reality of her inner feelings, but it definitely adds to the messages this photo sends to me. She looks lonely, neglected, and sad, to me. That's how this world sometimes makes me feel, and I think I see that in others too.
Thanks, Matt. I think art needs to be out there, and I am glad that the internet helps get the artists to throw their works up for people all over to view.
I like this one of the little girl and the young couple, shopping at Costco, one of the many giant "superstores" that reduce the sticker price of the products they sell, at the cost of reduced wages for their employees and the demise of the "mom's and pop's" stores. Costco, WalMart, Sam's Club, and many other big chain stores represent what globalization, global culture, and development really mean to me: homogenization, dehumanization, and the marketing of consumption as a way of life.
The little girl in this image does not appear to be happy to be where she is, and that may not reflect the reality of her inner feelings, but it definitely adds to the messages this photo sends to me. She looks lonely, neglected, and sad, to me. That's how this world sometimes makes me feel, and I think I see that in others too.
Thanks, Matt. I think art needs to be out there, and I am glad that the internet helps get the artists to throw their works up for people all over to view.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Shepard Fairey, Street Artist, Provocateur, Advertising Subversive,
This guy, although he is not the only guy doing this, is doing some impressive things. I think the idea to Question Everything is a pure and good idea. We need to think about our symbols, our propaganda, our cultural iconography, our art, and our conversations.
The "war on terror" and the "war" in Iraq and "Homeland Security" and "9/11" and all of the other catchphrases we use in the media and digest like babies are worth deconstructing. We may find that these things have been appropriated for someone else's uses and purposes -- uses and purposes that we don't really want to support.
It is one thing to say it. It is another thing to create something that inspires people to action.
Action. A good word.
The "war on terror" and the "war" in Iraq and "Homeland Security" and "9/11" and all of the other catchphrases we use in the media and digest like babies are worth deconstructing. We may find that these things have been appropriated for someone else's uses and purposes -- uses and purposes that we don't really want to support.
It is one thing to say it. It is another thing to create something that inspires people to action.
Action. A good word.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Swimming
I have yet to go swimming even one time this summer. I long for water, relaxation, and sun.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Action Figure Art
I love this style of photography that uses sculptures or pop culture material in creative ways. It looks like this character is actually walking around in the real world.
Missing the ocean
I grew up very close to Salem and Marblehead Harbor, in Marblehead, Massachusetts. A lot of my time was spent by the water, swimming, exploring, and just watching. This image reminds me of the days where I would just stare at the waves and think about the other world that lay beneath them.
A very flexible girl
This is Miki Komori, a Japanese model, and I think that's pretty much a 180 degree angle.
Pre-Colonial Folk Art
I snapped this image at the folk art museum in Santa Fe last September, and it represents the kind of folk art that I really like -- the retablos style. Retablos can be constructed like sculpture, inside of a box. This type of retablos is called a box retablos.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Bikini-clad woman pins man with her thighs
I'm not sure what to make of this video. Is it really a fantasy to be pinned by some hot, bikini-clad woman's thighs, or is this just a really strange part of our culture?
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Friday, June 29, 2007
The Corbin Sparrow
This electric vehicle is like a motorcycle genetically paired with a motorcycle. The company is out of business now, but the idea lives on.
Electric Vehicles
What happened to the electric car?? Why don't we have millions of zero emission electric vehicles riding around on the streets? What is going on?!? These cars are great! They produce no pollution and the eliminate all of the problems of foreign and domestic oil dependency.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Ryan, Train Hopping Hobo
Ryan has hopped his first train. He met up with a couple of young hobos, and he jumped a freight to get out of Columbus. He was last heading west on said train, but they were discovered and forced off of the train. Now, I'm not sure where he is or what happened. I think he's just fine, though. Read about it here
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Aimless T-Shirts
I spoke with Ryan about a t-shirt idea, and I am thinking about images for the shirt. The back or front will just have the URL of the website in bold lettering.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Ryan, Agenda Pusher
In one of Ryan's most recent Aimless posts, he addressed someone who, apparently, was relatively interested in him when he met him, in person. However, after a deeper look at Ryan's Aimless website, this guy came to a different conclusion...
He didn't sign his email message to Ryan. He identified himself as 'Deputy Dawg', from Florida. What a moron.
Ryan, in one of his more clever retorts, responded very well, I think. This is a classic Ryanism, I think:
So, check out Aimless, if you haven't already, and be looking for Ryan at ComFest this year. It should be great. Maybe you'll see me there, too.
"Thank god your liberal ass is out of our state. Do me a favor, take your paranoid conspiracy driven ass to Cali and stay there. You are a two face person. I thought u were for real but your not, just trying to push your agenda. Oh, stay away from Michigan too. BTW OSU sucks!!!!!!!!!"
He didn't sign his email message to Ryan. He identified himself as 'Deputy Dawg', from Florida. What a moron.
Ryan, in one of his more clever retorts, responded very well, I think. This is a classic Ryanism, I think:
I can't help it if your state is full of total assholes, dude. If you were not one of them, I probably made it very clear that you were not one of them. So if it bothers you that I think assholes are assholes, go ahead and be an asshole about it.
Yeah, I'm trying to push my agenda of doing nice things for people. Clearly that is too difficult for you. (I never claimed to be Jesus, so I'm allowed to talk shit about assholes.)
And use your real name next time, pussy.
So, check out Aimless, if you haven't already, and be looking for Ryan at ComFest this year. It should be great. Maybe you'll see me there, too.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
He's singin' in Korean
Stephen Colbert discusses the vast cultural impact he has had on world culture, acknowledging references to himself in Time Magazine's "Most Influential" lists and the NY Times crossword. Then, he discusses his rivalry with Korean R&B star, Rain, and showcases his new Korean R&B video he is sure will top anything that Rain could ever produce.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Gig at IndiaOak Pub, Clintonville, June 2, 2007
This was taken at the IndiaOak Pub in Clintonville last night, when I played for about an hour. I opened up for Mike Johnson and his buds, Justin and Edmund. Edmund ran sound most of the evening, and I ran sound a little bit when Mike and Justin were playing. I had a great time. There was a decent turnout for me, thanks to Glen, Nick, Olga, Alex, Yurya, Matt, and Yulia. Mike, Justin, and Edmund also had a decent turnout. I ran into Matt Gill, who co-owns the bar with his brother and who I used to work with. The bartenders were really cool. Hopefully, I didn't embarass myself too much, because it was a fun night.
Setlist:
Just What I Needed - The Cars
Just Like Heaven - The Cure
Grey Street- Dave Matthews Band
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
I Will Follow You Into The Dark - Death Cab For Cutie
Guns Of Brixton - The Clash
What Goes Around Comes Around - Justin Timberlake
Doin' Time - Sublime
The Unforgettable Fire - U2
Another Lonely Day - Ben Harper
Only God Knows Why - Kid Rock
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Maybe I'm out here 2 free U
It's funny, but when I follow Ryan's short but frequent mobile posts to his blog I always find some interesting Ryanisms.
This one goes like this:
"You R NOT free if U live in fear of a 160-Lb guy w/ a backpack, America. Sadly, that's clearly the prevailing trend. Maybe I'm out here 2 free U."
To me, it sounds like a good song title or album title or book title.
It was about a year ago that I posted one of the first promotions of Aimless. At that time, I wasn't sure that Ryan would actually DO IT, but he did, and I am very happy that he did. It's very inspiring to me to know that he is out there, making his project work.
This one goes like this:
"You R NOT free if U live in fear of a 160-Lb guy w/ a backpack, America. Sadly, that's clearly the prevailing trend. Maybe I'm out here 2 free U."
To me, it sounds like a good song title or album title or book title.
It was about a year ago that I posted one of the first promotions of Aimless. At that time, I wasn't sure that Ryan would actually DO IT, but he did, and I am very happy that he did. It's very inspiring to me to know that he is out there, making his project work.
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