Loosing The Urge To Shop

This is for the guy who posted in my local paper that (I'm paraphrasing) if the democrats were allowed back into Congress it would be the end of the world. He warned that the anti-capitalistic anti-free trade, anti-morality and anti-god no good liberals would lead this country to ruin and it is time for all good republicans to hold tight and support the troops. I don't think he meant the folks in Iraq.

He meant well. This is for him. I, as a no good rotten liberal 2nd class heathen ( I do believe in God/Spirit/Universal Consciousness, just not the in the way he wants me to believe) can spend money and stimulate the economy just like the blessed people. I had a rare attack of "The Urge To Shop".

It was Saturday. I didn't have to go to class. In hindsight that might have been a bad thing. I did go to the 11th Annual ElectroShop. It was a one day only benefit for a school and they had 6,000 plus items that begged to be checked out, fondled and taken home.

This is the 4.8MB Windows Video version.

This is the 1.5MB QuickTime version.

I should tell you I don't like to shop. I hate malls. I don't do sales events. The idea of standing in line to give somebody my money is repellent to me.

Unless there are MP3 players for $9.99. Stereo systems starting at for $39.99. You don't wanna know what they were selling DVD players for ($19.99). I shouldn't even bring up the price on the 42 inch flat panel TV's. The sale is long over. Trust me. It would hurt to know.

Anyway It takes and hour and a half, two buses and standing in line for 20 some minutes before I could get near the door. There was a mild incident. There had to be a break in the line so that the cars and trucks could haul the loot out. One older woman got on her cell phone. She called her people. When they arrived this same aged person proceeded to jump ahead of me and 50 other people and waved to her folks to follow.

Oh Hell No. There were six or seven of them! And more was coming.

Let's just say that she was encourage to follow the laws and customs set up in kindergarten for line order and reinforced in third grade at recess. The nerve. Another thing. Should you find yourself wanting to go to a similar sale leave your babies at home. Don't subject young children to the misbehavior of grown folk.

For the most part people were civil but I have to say once you crossed into the shopping area you needed to be on point, attentive and have the ability to lunge for your treasure.

I'm not proud. Some women do shoes, I do electronics. Hey I needed that coffee maker at $3.99. Even though I don't drink coffee. I do drink tea so really it is a tea maker. I would have gotten the lemonade making thingie too but I didn't have room in my bag and I was keeping an eye for the turntable which was long gone. So were the $9.99 MP3 players. They had a choice between an RCA Lyra at $69 or IPods at $129 (not the kind you can view video on). I picked up the Lyra. It was red, an advantage. Then a voice spoke in side of my head, "You have ITunes at home. You should have an IPod, don't cheat yourself."

It was not the voice of God. It was the voice of my inner teenager. I've had been ignoring her for too long. I got the IPod. And a $5 digital voice recorder that has a 4MB Smart Media card.

I need to find my simplicity and simple living books again. Cuz the truth is no one in that line absolutely needed that stuff. Wanted yeah, but not need. I will use what I have bought but it was kinda like cheap, meaningless sex. It was good but upon reflection, I don't want to do this again in this particular manner.

This is just a quick impression shot with my little pink camera. I didn't mean for it look like an impression but there ya go. You can't always get what you want.

Election Anger - Part Two

This is more about my anger about this day and my decreasing lack of faith about voting, accountability and stuff like that. However, I encourage everyone who is able to vote. Do not take this as an excuse to ignore your responsibilities.

I have a reduced faith in this process. I have no faith about electronic voting or with the vivid examples of Florida and Ohio in my mind. This does nothing to convince me that there is anything that acts as a check or balance to election mischief.



This is the 6.MB QuickTime Video

It makes it easy for extremist writers and pundits to accuse people of beating a dead horse. I tell you, this country and its people can continue to ignore segments of the population if they want to at their own risk.

If there is no investment by the citizens of a country, if the participation is consistently taken for granted or undermined then why should any of us be loyal? Why should I respect "the rules"? Why should I waste my time with a process that is designed to exclude my voice? I hear the warning bells ringing but lets pretend it is just a distant chime.

On a side note, hopefully it will be a very long time before I appear in this blog again. I want to do all I can to not contribute to the cult of personality and validity by looks. Not that I have any that has a market value. I want the videos to be judged on content, not looks or how well or poorly words are spoken.

I hoped to do better but this is what I could do for this day.

Technorati Tag Election Problems

My Election Day - Part One

Today is Election Day. My original plan was to record the doings of various polling places. That didn't happened. So I really am on my stoop.

This is a departure from my normal videos. I needed to speak in person to describe my experience in failing to record my visit to my local polling place. There are two statutes that are messing with my flow, California Code 18541 and Federal Code 42 US Code 1973 i (b)

This is the 5.44MB QuickTime Video

I am breaking my own prime directive because I needed to express my frustration about the process of trying to get assistance when you have a voter question or problem. In this video, I am explaining what happened at my local polling place and how I was denied my ballot.

The two web sites that I mentioned in the video are:

• Center on Citizens Media Blog http://citmedia.org/blog/2006/11/06/state-laws-vary-on-polling-place-photography
• California Secretary of State Elections and Voter Information http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections.htm
  

I also visited LA Vote at http://www.lavote.org but I did not find anything useful at that site that pertained to my situation.

Technorati Tag Election Problems

Video The Vote - Calling All Citizens

Yea, now is the time to come to the aid of your country. When you go to the polls on November 7th take your camera or camcorder to the polls.

If you don't have a camera, take a pencil and paper. I don't care how you record but keep the peepers open. Damn skippy something is going to happen. Maybe not in your neighborhood but then again maybe it will. If it happened in 2000 in Florida and 2004 in Ohio I'd say there is a good chance it will happen again.

The only words I'll ever quote from Regan is "trust but verify." In this case we need to trust by documenting potential mischief at the polls. This is especially true for people of color, class, no class, money, broke and if you draw breath more than once an hour on your own.

Democrat, Republican or some space in between let's document for the sake of the democracy or what is left of it. For more information and to watch a video on why this is so important please visit: http://www.videothevote.org/home.htm

Daliah Setareh Talks About Domestic Violence

Daliah Setareh is from the Los Angeles Legal Aid Foundation and she gives her prospective on the assistance that can be obtained through her organization. She tells a riveting story of a woman brought into the United States by her husband and lived as a battered undocumented person.

This is the 19.5MB Windows Media Video

This is the 10.4MB QuickTime Video

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For more information about immigrant and undocumented domestic violence issues please visit http://www.dvalianza.org or download an Adobe.pdf file that has more information at http://www.dvalianza.org/pdfs/b_immigration.pdf

Got more stuff for you. Deaf and hearing impaired victims has additional communication challenges when it comes to reporting domestic violence. The Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services Community page has a listing of locations that have assistance for this specific population. http://www.adwas.org/resources/community_links.html

Det. Mike Stilton Talks About Domestic Violence

"Violence in battering relationships often follows a fairly predictable cycle consisting of the tension building phase, the battering incident itself and the calm respite, or "honeymoon" phase."*

Detective Mike Stilton from the Glendale Police Department talks about some of the misconceptions that immigrant and undocumented women face when the police arrive on a domestic violence call.

This is the 13MB Windows Media Video

This is the 7.2MB QuickTime Video

Immigrant and undocumented women will not be asked about immigration status and you will not be reported to the INS. You might be refered to a local organization for help and assistance. If there is signs of abuse the agressor will placed under arrest.

The World Health Organization has substantial information about the global impact of domestic violence; you cannot have a healthy society if the female population is consistently abused - http://www.who.int/gender/violence/en/

*Information from the Family Violence Project - Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles

Eliza - Part 2 Talks About Domestic Violence

"Domestic violence occurs among all races and socioeconomic groups. It is not alway physically violent, but it is always psychologically abusive." *

This is the second part of Eliza Karagezian talking about issues that affect not just Armenian women but all women who are experiencing some form of Domestic Violence. In this segment, she is talking about participating in a call-in show and one of the callers accused her of trying to distroy the Arminian family.

This is the 4.6MB Windows Movie Video

This is the 2.58MB QuickTime Version

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in that spirit, I recommend that you take a visit to http://www.vday.org a site created by Eve Ensler to bring awareness of the local and global scope of battered women.

Healthy Roads Media actually has a few movies in multiple languages that explain whathttp://www.healthyroadsmedia.org/topics/abuse.htm
http://www.healthyroadsmedia.org/topics/abuse.htm

*Information from the Family Violence Project - Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles.

Awareness - Yorkie Is Not for Girls Photo

I was at the 99 Cents Only Store in Pasadena. I'm next in line for checkout, feeling good that I'm only spending $5 or so when I look over and see this candy bar.

I flip it over and there is a sticker on it saying it is a product of England. I take it home and make my way to the UK version of Nestle's web site.

I read about Yorkie. The original concept was to market this as a man's chocolate bar, due to its size and volume. The tag line in the ad was "men don't have much to claim for themselves anymore" and the candy is "too big for a woman to handle."

Puleeze - I ate the original Chunky as a kid. That, my friend, was a hunk of chocolate. I can't speak for the modern version but back in the day there were actual raisins and peanuts surrounded by chocolate worthy of clamping down on full force. With real sugar too! I take off the U.S. nutrition label.

Oh my. Now I'm a bird. I hear the murmurs drifting in from talk radio; something like “Damn it is just a joke, can't you women lighten up?”

To be fair, the company has altered the advertising - or that what is implied on the web page. It is now being marketed as a way to satisfy hunger. Man size hunger, I'm figuring. A hunger that does not involve women. Not that is different from the usual marketing towards men folk.

What I want to know is what don't men have left to claim for themselves any more? The remote? I got my own, I don't need yours. Sports? Have at it fellas, I'm truly not interested unless there is a good story. I don't have cable and even if I did I will not be watching ESPN and dang sure not Fox Sports Network.

Hummers? either the automobile or the other kind? Which last I heard (unless you are in the 10% club) you still need a woman. Or some kind of suction device.

I put this out to the group mind because surely Nestle UK is not implying that equal access to employment, education, recreation and participation in society is something that was taken away from men. I could be wrong but let's keep an open mind.

Market Research.com - If you are interested in male specific branding (ouch!) for $295 you can buy a 14 page report on how the brand was revamped, tongue in check advertising (probably how far can you go without ticking the birds off) and gender branding in food and drinks.

Yorkie's Nestle's Web page:
http://www.nestle.co.uk/OurBrands/AboutOurBrands/ConfectioneryAndCakes/Yorkie.htm

What They Don't Tell You But You Need to Know

I got my neighbors junk mail by mistake. It is election time come November and I see this young girl, pure as the driven snow and the seedy looking candidate. I intentionally removed most of the faces cuz I don't think she wants to be remembered as the poster child for underage abortion when she is 24.

This refers to Proposition 85 - the flyer was paid for by the Californian Republican Party:

• Require 48 hours notice to parent before an abortion can be performed on a minor.
• Give parent the information they need to report rape or sexual abuse of their children
• Enable parent to ensure their children receive proper medical care.
• The minor would be able to seek help if anyone forces her to have an abortion. (not in the flyer but in the actual wording of the Proposition, page 56 of the California General Election Handbook)
  

They are implying that the big bad liberals want to put a stop to that. Here is what they did not tell you in the flyer:

• Mandates reporting requirements including reports from physicians regarding abortions performed on minors. Excuse me, isn't there something about Doctor-Patient confidentiality? Isn't this an example of the over-reaching of government into personal lives that Republicans use to get so upset about?
• Teens are not allowed to purchase the Emergency Pill. You must be an adult.
• Teens would have to go into court to petition for the right to an uninformed parental abortion. They would have to convince the judge of their maturity or it is clearly in the best interest of the minor.
• Aren't we forgetting that there is a tremendous backlog in the court system?
• If a physician performs an abortion that becomes contested he or she is subject to monetary damages.
• A parent can provide a written wavier to permit the abortion. However there is a section in the bill about minor consent. If the judge finds that the minor was coerced into agreeing the judge can override the parent. The parent can be liable to legal charges if found guilty of forcing their child to have an abortion.

So their you have it.

If you like Proposition 85 and want to know more visit www.yes0n85.net
If you don't like the proposition and want to know more visit www.noon85.com

For the record, I think Prop 85 stinks but that is just my opinion. The only thing I care to convince you about is that you go vote in November.

In The Spirit of Sun Ra on Grand Avenue

It has been a dreary couple of days. It is Fall heading into Winter and let's just say it isn't my favorite time of year. It is the change marking the transition from the beginning to the last lap of the year and the question begs “Did I do everything I set out to do this year?”

Yeah, I'm a summer person. I need the light in the sky.

This the 5.9MB Windows Media Video

This is the 4.65MB Small QuickTime version

A few days back, Grand Avenue in Los Angeles had a festival. Heck all over downtown Los Angeles there was music bubbling up from every which way. But this one was free. There was much good stuff to see, do and eat but I wasn't paying $4 for a single Godiva dipped strawberry

Anyway, I stepped into REDCAT and the cats and kittens were wailing at a so-called children music event. I say so-called cuz everybody was tapping their feet, flipping the fanny and bouncing internally and externally. It was cosmically funky in a spacial kind of way with the essence of Sun Ra weaving in and out of the room.

Groove to a inspired tribute to the Arkestra and inoculate yourself against the dull days. Charge your spirit with a taste of astral vibe. For more information on the transcendent energy of Sun Ra visit:

• Sun Ra's official site http://www.elrarecords.com
  
• Roy and Edna Disney Cal Arts Theater http://redcat.org
• Village Voice Guide to Sun Ra http://www.villagevoice.com/music/0623,szwed,73461,22.html
• One Final Note http://www.onefinalnote.com/reviews/s/sun-ra-arkestra/music-for-the-21st.asp
  

Eliza Karagezian Talks About Domestic Violence

In this video, Eliza Kargezian talks about the problems of gettng women to report domestic violence and how the problems double with immigrant and undocumented women.

This is the 9.0MB Windowm Media Video version

This is the 7.0MB QuickTime version.

She talks about how the conversation on stopping domestic violence needs to be shared between women and men and gives an insight as to some of the cultural reasons Armenian women are most reluctant to report abuse.

To get you up to speed on some of the issues immigrant and undocumented women face check out the following:

Assista http://www.asistaonline.org

Non-Citizen Survivors of Domestic Violence

http://www.nationalimmigrationproject.org/DVPage/DomesticViolencePage.html

Thinking Loud About Domestic Violence

If each one of us is connected then what do we do about a women who is being beaten and battered? Should it matter if that woman is an undocumented person? Should it matter that the abuser is a husband or a wife?

Would Nicole Brown Simpson be alive today if the police had arrested her husband for an domestic violence?

This is the 5.63MB Windows Media Version

Here is another question for you. What would you tell a sixteen year old girl about an abusive boyfriend? These are not easy questions but since October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month you might want to take some time to think about your answers.

One in six women will be a victim of domestic violence.

For more information: National Domestic Violence Hotline http://www.ndvh.org
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and TDD number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-787-3224

My thanks to the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women for allowing me to record the presentation. I will post excerpts from the discussion during the month of October.

Commercial Free Childhood - Protecting Kids From Consumerism

I don't have children but I know many people who do and it seems to me that parents are being pressured not only from the antics of the rug rats but companies and marketing firms that are trying to "mode" the tykes into brand loyalty at an early age.

I stumbled in to the Commercial Free Childhood site. I have to tell you on first glance at the topics sidebar I said to myself "You mean I'm not the only one that sees rampant sexualizing of girl children?"

On the Facts page, I downloaded the .pdf file on marketing to babies and toddlers. The TeleTubbies brought with them a new form of marketing by vendors , under the rapper of "educational programs" that has turned into a tidal wave. Not knocking Sesame Street or Blue's Clues. It is the marking practices of ancillary products we all might want to take a look at.

This website is certainly worth checking out - because if they are doing this to toddlers what are they doing to us? http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org

Josh Back In the Clink - GETV Interview

Yep, Josh is back in federal custody.

The judge felt that being out on bail while the appeal process is moving through the courts kind of defeats the purpose of forcing Josh to turn over the goods. The following interview was conducted by Irina Slutsky of Geek Entertainment Television.

This is a 24MB QuickTime video - Better for Broadband users.

If you would like to show some paper link love or encouragement the address is:

Joshua Wolf 98005-111
Federal Correctional Institution - Dublin
5701 8th St. Camp-Parks, Unit J2
Dublin, CA 9456

If you do write please know the following:

• All letters must have an return address.
  
• Letters having the best chance of being delivered in a timely manner are those that are written with pencil or ink pen. Typewritten or computer generated correspondence is subject to intense screening of an investigational nature, if you catch my drift.
• If you would like to send him a book please use Powells, for more info on that check out the wiki at http://freejosh.pbwiki.com/Send%20Josh%20Books

To keep up with current events visit Josh's blog at http://joshwolf.net/blog

IRS Summons on All Saints Church Pasadena, CA

Once upon a time (2004) there was a sermon. The sermon compared and contrasted what Jesus would do in times of war with the then current positions of Dubya and Kerry. The sermon was conducted two days before an important election.

This is the 3.82MB Windows version

This is the 7.59MB QuickTime version

Someone didn't like the sermon.

The Internal Revenue Service is conducting an investigation on All Saints to find out if they violated their tax exempt status by endorsing political candidates from the pulpit. It is an extensive far reaching investingation.

For more information, to read the sermon in question and to find out exactly what the IRS wants and how it could be a major violation of freedom of speech and freedom of religion visit http://www.allsaints-pas.org/all_saints_church.htm

CCBA - Invocations on the 4th of July

Better late than never but this is just silly. I could have waited until July 2007 but there is a reason to my madness. In my future post I'm hoping to show a relationship with a theme. What is the theme? You'll see, I hope.

First, let me explain. I didn't want to show this video because the cheap camcorder I was using was terrible. I didn't know it was bad at the time but there ya go. You take your chances and some of them don't pan out. I need a good purse camcorder.

I was really angry at myself because there was interesting things that happened. I know a few Chinese Americans but I don't know what it is like to be of Chinese lineage in America or California.

Seems to be a running theme in my recent posts, “I don't know nothing about (insert the blanks). Well, shoot there are millions of topics I don't know anything about. How am supposed to learn if I am not open to admit ignorance? Maybe I shouldn't fess up to it.

I gotta think on that one for a bit.

As I listened to the speakers and observed the ceremony it seem like it is similar to being African American in some respects. The quest to prove you are American. The challenge of respecting who you are in the context of a larger culture that sends messages that question your "Americaness" when you insist on holding on to certain traditions.

Some days it is easy. Some nights it will give you a major headache. These are three speakers who want you to know that they embrace America.

Tour of the Islamic Center of Los Angeles

In the brochure that I was given it states that “Islam is a complete way of life. While social and political activism may be a part of this, the Center's activities are focused upon and geared toward the interest of Islam and Muslims in America.”

This is the 8.43MB Windows Media Version

This is the 15.8MB QuickTime Version

So when you hear so-called politicians take pot shots a taxicab drivers or start every sentence with “Islamic Terrorists” take a moment to reflect on the people that you have seen in the videos.

Does what you see match what you have been told?

It may. It may not. My goal in doing this is to help educate myself and those around me that we need to do a better job of understanding the people in our global neighborhood. We don't have to agree but we do have to be open enough to think and listen.

Thinking and listening do not automatically make us enemies of the state. Not the state of California anyway.

Habibi - Open Mosque Day Los Angeles

The men-folk from “The Nation of Islam were also the first ones to plant ideas about pride, self-esteem and identity beyond bouncing and behaving hair and bleaching creams.

They caused me to question more of what I was being taught in school, which at the time was mighty alabaster in nature.



In this video, Habibi and I talk about The Center. I was getting confused about "The Mosque" being the same as "The Center" My understanding is that The Mosque is a part of the Islamic Center of Southern California. But there are social and community activities that happen in the building as well.

For more information about the Islamic Center of Southern California visit
http://www. islamctr.org

Shala - Open Mosque Day

Like I said, I don't know much about Islam or being a Muslim. I didn't get exposed to the word “Muslim” until the rise of the Nation of Islam in the late 60's.

Long after Malcolm X's assignation I came to understand Islam meaning brothers in suits trying to sell me the “Last Call” newspaper and Bean Pies. Special shout out to “Muslim Fish Hoagie #25 store.



I do know that a place of worship can help to solidify a person against the many collisions between cultures. I do know that in matters of spirit you need to feel safe and comfortable with the humans that are the custodians of your faith.

In this video a young lady talks about her experience at the Islamic Center of Southern California and her belief that truth is a core element of her practice of Islam.

For more information about the Islamic Center of Southern California visit http://www. islamctr.org

Education - Open Mosque Day in Los Angeles

I get tired of hearing Dubya and the (Mis)Administration calling every follower of Islam a terrorist. But I don't know anything about the faith or the people who practice that belief system.

So in the universal spirit of what I don't know I need to find out this is my visit to the children's area of the Mosque. I got more stuff coming. For more information visit http://www.islamctr.org

Sonia Sanchez - Grannies for Peace

Lordy, you get one out of the klink (Josh Wolf, temporarily) and another person is about to head in the trial door. I just learned from Professor Kim via BlogHer that Poet/Activist Sonia Sanchez will be heading to trial on federal tresspass charges.

It seems that Sonia and a group of Grannies tried to enlist in the U.S. Army. "Take us, not our grandchildren." Kim has an audio link to a phone interview with Ms. Sanchez.

Honest, go listen or download the podcast. I can't begin to do this justice.

For more information about Grandmothers For Peace visit http://www.grandmothersforpeace.org

For more information about Sonia:

Biography from Voices from the Gaps - University of Minnisota
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonia_Sanchez

Update: 1/20/2007 Well this is better late than never but all the charges have been dropped and the ladies are doing fine. There is a photo slide show from the Philadelphia Inquire http://inquirer.philly.com/slideshows/News/061201grannies so you can view the (formerly) alleged perps in question.

Where's The Video That You Shot At...

My apologies. They are coming, specifically the ones that I shot at the Sunset Junction, The Los Angeles Mosque, N.E. Pasadena, and the others in the backlog. I've have been out shooting video and meeting wonderful people.

Seriously, a stack of tapes sits before my monitor. Add school, a day job and life and yowser, look at the time fly by. I will get to them ASAP.

Thanks for your patience.

Love Prosper

On a warm Saturday afternoon I was perambulating on North Fair Oaks in the park with the folks. Little kids running back and forth playing, adults eating, pontificating and double checking on the kids running back and forth.

I came to the park to catch Tommy the Clown and his crew but I just missed the dance performance. Rose Royce wouldn't be playing until 5 pm. And I knew my toe bones would not last that long. (They are barking at me right now.)

It was my kind of day so I walked around to check out the festivities.

This is a 13MB Windows Media Video version.

This is a 24.6MB QuickTime version.

These young ladies were performing and I got a chance to talk with them. The name of the group is Love Prosper. This is how true performers get their start. I was impressed with the performance even as that guy tried to set up for the next act.

The ladies really connected with the audience and gave 100%. This is a combination performance/interview I did with Lyrical Poetical Voice and Poetess Freeway.

Gary Freeman - Open Studio Tour 2006

My first love is words but photography is next on the list.

Gary had a wonderful series of photos about The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence We talked a bit about his work and stepping into new situations. And these sisters will take you places. They are committed to joy, laughter and being really tall in death inducing heels.

This is a 9.52MB Windows Media video.

This is the 17.5MB QuickTime video.

I did take individual photos but dang if I can find them. I've looked. But you'll get the idea from the video and our conversation. I looked for a web site for Gary but I couldn't find one. I will certainly post it when I find the web address. Pack Rat Syndrome can be a drag.

I did find where those liberated penguins in hang out - http://www.thesisters.org

LA Tofu Festival La Vida Loca

There is stuff happening all over the joint. The intersections of Los Angeles are jammed with people living in one part of town trying to get to an event on the other side of town. It makes for a great mix. It can also lead to multiple paths of absurdity.

Click to Watch 8.8MB Windows Media Version

Click to Watch 11.2MB QuickTime MP4 Version

Not that Tofu is absurd. No Tofu hating here it is just that for the life of me I can't cook the stuff. I want to, it would be good for me to back up on the meat flow. Cooking tofu is not in my cultural culinary skill set.

So off to the festival. This is what walking around felt like to me in about two minutes time.
Did I have any Tofu? Well, yes and no.

I did try the Tofu & Turkey meatballs. They were fine. But it was really hot on San Pedro. I spent my time sucking lime flavored shaved ice.

The vocal stylings are from Arthur's One Man Band who was performing on 3rd and San Pedro. He was not officially a part of the Tofu Festival but he gave a powerfully enthusiastic rendition of “La Vida Loca” with a Asian twist.

There is no reason to stay home and watch regurgitated TV. If you get the chance get out there and connect with corporeal flesh and blood. I am sometimes guided by the echos of Auntie Mame who said "life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!"

Later, I gotta go find me some Ketchup.

Frame Fatale - Open Studio Tour 2006

This is my continuing effort to help document artists in the Los Angeles area. Frame Fatale was very kind to let me walk in and record the following interviews with the curators/artists. For more info on these talented folks visit http://www.framefatale.com


This is the 4.85MB Windows Version

This is a 12.6MB QuickTime version.

Vlog Stuff & Real Life

There is much creative flow in Los Angeles. I can't keep up with it. There is the downside side of vlogging which is I have to stay home and work on the tapes.

But if I do that then I miss out on the new stuff that can go into the backlog and then I feel really rotten. Sort of like the living pile of laundry. It has to be dealt with or there are repercussions.

Psst, buying new clothes is not a good solution. But there is another reason why I have been taking breaks. I'm burnt. I love doing this but I need to put more balance in the life flow.

See, I could do this 24/7 but that is not my reality. I have a job. I have school coming up. I need time away from the computer just as much as I need time near it. The balance thing. Breathing. Stretching body parts. Very important.

I also need to understand that I put way too much pressure on myself. I wish I could shoot and upload. I want to edit. I want to shoot more video. All of that takes time. I ain't got time. Well, I do but it comes back to the balance thing again.

So boys and girls the word for today is balance. I do what I can, when I can. I will not be so judgmental about the final piece. I am still learning how to do this and I'm just getting warmed up. I'll crib from "The Writer's Almanac" and ofter the following: "Be well, Do good work. Keep in touch".

Alive In Baghdad - Videoblogging in Iraq

One of the reason I get charged up about videoblogging and citizen journalism is that you get normal people recording amazing pieces of work. One such example is Alive in Baghdad.

Curfew Video From Alive in Baghdad

This is your chance to step away from what you see on TV and view what they are experiencing. It might shake your preconcieved notions. Folks in Iraq might be just like us.

There is news, links to Iraqi blogs and videos of life after liberation or occupation.
http://www.aliveinbaghdad.org

Milblogging.com

Liberal does not mean being willfully closed minded about other points of view. I believe in freedom of thought, speech and ideas. I can't advocate for Josh Wolf, Women Bloggers and all forms of literacy if I do not also share what I learn about Military Bloggers.

It seems to be a collection site of military blogs and bloggers. It also is an opportunity to find out what these folks think, feel and respond to from their point of view. With the inforced separation of ideas in this country make it harder for me to find authentic voices speaking about any issues.

Some of these folks blogs are to the right, far right or Christian right. Some are not. I don't know what the process is for inclusion or exclusion or even if there is a process.

I'm sure there are a few dis-information planted blogs. I am equally sure there are real bloggers, some who are truly on the front lines giving their heart or their pain via their stories.

If you have the time, check it out. Be willing to hear and experience other voices. It is the only way we are going to work our way out of this mess we currently find ourselves involved.

Milblogging.com
This is a corporate owned site. The owners are Monster.com via Military.com.

In the interest of full disclosure, I blog on Blogger, a corporate owned site by Google.

Josh Wolf Held on Federal Contempt Charges

Josh is being held for refusing to release the un-aired tapes he shot at a protest meeting. According to the SF Chronicle article, he could be in the slammer for up to a year.

Tell somebody and have them tell somebody else. This young man has no business being in jail, prison, detention or being a guest of the current administration.

He does need $15,0000 to mount an appeal. If you are able, go ahead and bust open the piggy bank. Send whatever you can. There is a link on his blog for donations.


Josh Wolf's July 19th Video Post

If you are an American, you know that this is wrong. If you are not an American I'm telling you this is not our way. You can't force someone to give up his property, especially under these conditions.

If you want to find out what the fuss is about check out http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/08/01/MNGVQK97AK4.DTL

I'm not asking you to agree or disagree with Josh's decision or the Feds. I'm asking that you inform yourself of this situation and then do what you believe to be the right thing. Another way to help is to visit the Free Josh Wolf wiki to help build support for Josh.

Technorati Tag: joshwolf

Mary A. Rappazzo - Open Artist Studio Tour 2006

Mary's work drew me into a space of color and clean lines that tell stories. There is so much vibrancy in her work.


This is a 7MB Windows Version

This is a 16.5MB QuickTime version

In this video, she explain her process and one work in particular that was inspired by a day in September. For more information on her work visit www.mar1eye.com

Jeryd Pojawa - Open Studio Tour Artist 2006

Jeryd is a very talented man who does a lot of things but artist is the word that kind of captures his spirit. In this video he is introducing me to one of his spirits that has taken solid form.



This is an 8MB Windows Media Version

This is a 20MB QuickTime Version

Reason #8 why I do this kind of stuff. In May 2006 there was a wanton and premeditated destruction of a mural painted by Kent Twitchell. It was the world famous building painting of artist Ed Ruscha. The perpetrators of the deed gave orders to paint over the mural during the Memorial Day weekend. The suspects? The YWCA of Los Angeles and/or the federal Department of Labor.

The Los Angeles Downtown News, other local print press and bloggers have covered the story and the non-action of various city, state, federal and non-profit officials.

To get up to speed visit:

• http://greggchadwick.blogspot.com/2006/07/twitchell-files-claim-against-labor.html
  
• http://art.blogging.la/archives/2006/07/what_used_to_be_1.phtml
• http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2006/06/downtowns_ruscha_mural_go.html
• http://blogs.walkerart.org/offcenter/?p=356
  

Nobody knows who did it. Nobody has the work order, the authorization for work, the original contract, the name of the contractor or the payment for services rendered.

Mural, what mural?

I share this with you because art is not an elitist activity. It is not just for people who have money to spend looking for a painting to place over the couch. Art is for the broke folk, the mother about to explode from frustration and tired bus riders looking for a way home.

Art feeds spirits. It can transform dull buildings into pockets of community. Or it can fill a heart with smiles. This is my way of supporting some of the artists that work and live in the Los Angeles area.

Kenny Pittenger - Open Studio Tour 2006

I feel like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. I'm late, I'm late, I'm late! I'm going to BlogHer, I need to pack. I have to clear my desk at work. I fixed the problem with the videos and I have to upload them, I need a black dress and what am I going to do with my hair?



Yeah, I know. Calm down. Breathe. This is a quick view of the work of Kenny Pittenger. I didn't get a chance to meet him or get his website.

I think you will enjoy his humor and creativity.
Click to watch the Windows version.
Click To watch the QT version.

The Flying Other Brothers - A Music Sample

I've been fighting with three (3) videos for two weeks. Not anything I haven't done before but there is always the thing that you see in your head and the thing that you have on the screen. Let's just say there is a video block - similar to a writer's block but 100 times worse cuz I can see the problem but can't fix it.

I do not understand how Thomas Edison had the endurance to create 10,000 failures before creating a light bulb. I am not Edison. I have turn a corner and decided to leave those suckers alone. There is a point where you have to step away and let the work simmer. Wish I accepted this 8 days ago.



This is a 7.5MB Windows Version
This is a 12MB MP4/QuickTime version

A few years back a friend introduced me to some Grateful Dead music and I stared listening to the "The Music Never Stops" on KPFK where Barry Smolin plays a wide range of Dead, near Dead, Dead inspired and Dead friendly music. I'm not a Deadhead, but I have respect for music groups who spend upmteen hours on stage because they love it that much. This is a taste of the band and if you like the song or would like to hear more visit their web site at http://www.flyingotherbros.com

Assistant U.S. Attorney Going After Josh Wolf Again

Update 7/24/06
This is a link to the press conference Josh gave after meeting with the Feds. He is due back in court on August 1, 2006.

Click to view the QuickTime Video

On July 20, 2005 they are hosting Josh up on civil contemp charges for invoking his:

• 1st Amendment ...or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...
• 4th Amendment ...right of people to be secure in their persons, house, papers and effects, against unreasonable seraches and seizures
• 5th Amendment ...nor should any person be subject for the same offence
• 6th Amendment ...and to be informed of the nature and cause for the accusation
• and 14th Amendment ...without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

For the complete constitution in an accessible format visit Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute If you are in the San Francisco area and want to express your support for Josh visit his web site for more information http://joshwolf.net/grandjury

You can leave a comment of support on the same page. Better yet send the lad some cash money - the Feds are sucking him legal dry.

Technorati Tag: joshwolf

Invocations - Thomas and The Trees

I needed to write something more positive than my last post. In hindsight, maybe I should have waited before I uploaded that photo and text. Writing while angry is just as troublesome as dialing a phone while drunk. Can lead to all kinds of mischief.



Sometimes you just need the simple life. Uncomplicated without all the noise makers and thingamobobs. Redemption does not have to be a big task. This is how one man is trying to change a waste into a want.

7.4MB QuickTime Version

Windows version coming soon.

This Hurts on Many Levels...

This company just does not do good business, it is too big to care. I boycott Sony products whenever I can possibly do so. I do not buy Sony DV tapes, cassettes, or any item I suspect comes from that company.

Sony websites are very hard to use and obtain information. The customer service for computers is nothing short of being hostile. The CD Music Rootkit incident I thought was beyond stupid. Until now.

I was checking out a new blog (to me) called blac(k)ademic first thing I lay eyes on is this ad for PSP.

I couldn't believe it. Rattled my bones. My understanding there is/was a plan to have other photo billboards in the series. The second one I saw was the black person (gender unknown) attacking the white woman.

This campaign is being used to sell a game machine. I want to ask what the heck were they thinking and what with? I want to ask who told you it was okay to have this type of image in 2006? An image that plays on Master and Slave, Slave versus Master. Sex and Class (well this thing has no class but still...) Maybe I shouldn't type while angry.

What really got me was some of the comments from fellow humans.

• There are folks that see no problem with this ad, that I and others are being too touchy, too reactionary.


• Others say that was the point of the ad to generate conversation/attention. I and others are/were dumb enough to take the bait.


• And one blessed soul (Not!) said it was avant-garde and anything I saw was because of the stuff in my head not Sony's and I and others like me should not be so sensitive.

Here is my problem. For the past few months I have been working with all kinds of people. Positive, creative people. Even the non-positive creative people help to extend the dialog.

Then I view something like this and everything is put into pause. Why did a billion dollar multi-national company think this was okay? Why do you need to objectify women to sell a game machine to men? Is is about sex, power or white is right so get your white PSP right now?

I don't have any answers other than to go for a walk and hug a tree.

Invocations - Making Bricks on the 4th of July

There is a old James Brown song that has the lyric “...there was a time.” This time is moving so fast that we forget what it was like in the long ago, before cell phone, VCR's, Party line connection and rabbit ears that hook up to the UHF converter. Let alone what life was like 150 or 200 years ago.


This is the QuickTime Version
This is the Windows Video Version

So imaging trying to explain to young kids that once upon a time you had to not only build your own house but you had to make your own bricks. In this video a young lady is being introduced to the ways of many of our ancestors.

I think both the Living History person and her mom really wanted her to understand the connection. That she knows that everthing isn't connected to batteries or electricity. That there was another type of life in the early history of the Americas. In time she will understand but I could kinda see she was a little confused.

Visitors got a chance to experience pottery, blacksmithing, rope making and other necessary skills at the presentation. In the next series of videos I want to share some of the connections that the past has on our present time.

No Freedom of Speech at Community College

The short version: Local community college newspaper runs a story about student depression and suicide. The larger story is about the connection between pressures students face and depression. It mentions as an example two students, one specifically named, who committed suicide.

The paper goes to press, issues are printed and distributed on campus. The papers are gone the next day. More papers are distributed. They are removed.

This is where they wound up. The dumpster.

Who placed the issues in the dumpster? Was it the campus police?

Why did administration ask for the story to be removed from the student newspaper web site?

Why am I telling you this?

Because a story has been suppressed. Newspapers destroyed. A writer's voice silenced. Fear vomited on the First Amendment to the Constitution. What good is the name and the reputation of the school if it does not stand up for what is right?

Does it matter it happened on a community college level? Yes, it does. This kind of thing can get to be a habit if not caught in time. Contagious because others may think this is the thing to do when you don't like what is being said about you, your workplace, your city, state and dare I say it, federal government.

So if you are interested you can download and read the article for yourself.

If you know a teen or college person take them for a long walk, have them turn off the cell phone and start talking about the process of making healthy mental choices. Talk about coping skills that don't involve alcohol, really nasty chemicals or burning dead grasses. Listening is good too.

Because, that really was the point of the article.

Conversations - Bev

“We seek not rest but transformation. We are dancing through each other as doorways.” Marge Piercy

This is the Windows Version
This is the QuickTime Version

Every day there is a post, either text or video. She is a mature woman operating in a new medium. Visit her site at http://funnytheblog.blogspot.com

Conversations - Becca

“Knowledge is the prime need of the hour.” Mary McLeod Bethune

This is the Windows Version
This is the QuickTime Version

There is more to Hawaii than “Five-O” and “Book-um Danno, murder one.” Becca's vlog contains the real deal on living in the 50th state. http://beccavlog.blogspot.com

Conversations - Bekka

“One cannot consent to creep when one has an impulse to soar.”
Helen Keller

She came with laughter and unexpected adventures. In this video she talks about how vlogging has changed her world view. Step on over to http://missbhavens.blogspot.com



This is the Windows Version


This is the QuickTime Version

Conversations - Cassie at VloggerCon

"Ritual is the way we carry the presence of the sacred. Ritual is the spark that must not go out." Christina Baldwin



This is the Windows Version

This is the QuickTime Version

Cassie has a text blog but is thinking about making the plunge into vlogging. This is my conversation with Cassie, a new vlogger.

Conversations - Maureen At VloggerCon

“Act boldly and unseen forces will come to your aid.” Dorothea Brande

Maureen is generally know as “Richard's wife”, but she is a co-creator/conspirator in her own right.

This is the Windows Version
This is the QuickTime Version

Funny, gracious and many times a prime instigator of what is seen on the screen. This is a quick insight on how “The Richard Show” comes together.

Conversations - Travel-Cast Vlogger

“I don't wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to earth.” Pearl S. Buck


This is the Windows Version

This is the QuickTime Version

I'm sorry I can't give the woman's name. She did tell me and it is audible in the video but I just can't make it out. If you know her let me know her name and I will give a proper shout out.

This woman has a travel-cast and a great response to the question about is there a difference between those that do film and those that vlog. Hint: the secret word is “documentation”.

Conversations - Anne

“If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people.” Virginia Woolf


This is the Windows Version

This is the QuickTime Version

Anne has a great personality that lights up a bathroom(check the video for context.) Visit her blog at http://nopractice.blogspot.com

Conversations - Catherine

“You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.”
Beverly Sills


This is the Windows Version

This is the QuickTime Version

Catherine is just starting out vlogging but I can see that she has a sense of humor and lives in a beautiful part of the country. This is encouraging because we need vloggers from the South and sections of the country that are not heard from in the mainstream media.

Conversations - Jen

"The imperative is to define what is right and do it."
Barbara Jordan

Jen has the courage to listen to her spiritual self. That is evident in her vlog.
Visit Jen's vlog at http://www.ebbandflow.tv/blog



This is the QuickTime Version

This is the Windows Version

VloggerCon Theme

Jan of Sound http://fauxpress.blogspot.com and
http://the-hold.blogspot.com

and Markus Sandy at http://apperceptions.org and http://spinflow.org

Conversations – Women of VloggerCon

6.5MB Windows Version

4.5MB QuickTime Version
It is funny how things happen for a reason. I was standing in line at the door watching people gather knowing and not knowing each other. I was a little scared. Hell, I was overwhelmed.

I wanted to be there but I didn't know any of these 400+ people except for their work and on-line conversations. I knew I wanted to contribute but I wasn't sure how. Then I heard the voice. Not my internal voice but the voice of inspiration, the Muse of Creativity voice.

The Muse told me I should interview the women folk. I told the Muse “I don't do interviews well; I forget things like lighting and stuff coming out of people's heads and my brain turns to mush and...”

“Not my concern – get on with it, this needs to be done.”, the Muse replied.

“Yeah but, the shooting angle thing and the walking up to folks and remember the other time when that lady got hostile and wanted me thrown out?”

The Muse replied “I wouldn't worry about it. You ain't even in the door yet.” And with that The Muse was gone. I learned long ago not to put up too much of a fight with The Muse of Creativity.

I crossed the door. I went up the steps. And I began a new journey. This is the first video.

The VloggerCon Theme is by Jan of Sound http://fauxpress.blogspot.com or
http://the-hold.blogspot.com and Markus Sandy who can be found at http://apperceptions.org or http://spinflow.org

Peace Walk In Pasadena

There is a growing generation of people who do not know how to be quiet. They do not know how to be alone with their thoughts or even that it is possible to be internally quiet.

The Peace Walk is an exercise of being in the here and now. It is a physical meditation on how to generate a "field of peace." The more peaceful people on the planet, the less war and conflict. My understanding is that you can't petition for peace if you are at war with yourself.

Click the photo or this link for the 7.7MB QuickTime Video

Click this link for the 8.5MB Windows Movie Video version

I like certain aspects of the Buddhist faith but I am not a follower. I understand about "loving kindness" and being in the moment, but I still have a tendency to want to mentally take a baseball bat to people that annoy me.

I've listen to a few of Pema Chodron lectures via Sounds True. It is good stuff but the concept of mental stillness is a tough one for me. Ah well, it is the journey.

Speaking of which, if you make it to the end of the video there is a destination. It is a sad one that I wish did not have to be. When I experienced it drained me of the peace of being in the moment. It caused me to be sad and angry at such a waste.

If you would like to participate in a Peace Walk or learn more about it visit http://www.yoga-losangeles.com/peaceiseverystep.html
or http://peaceiseverystep.net

Showing My Face To The World

For the longest time I did not want to have my photo appear on my vlog/blog. I had good reasons. I want to be judged for content, not personality. I really want to do good work that generates from the thought to the word to the deed.

I want to do the kind of video like Anne LaMott does with her writing. Like Deena Metzger and the spirituality of words. I'm too chicken to read Stephen King's fiction but his book on writing - excellent.

I am basically shy unless you ask me a question and then I babble on multiple tangents. I really don't like having my photo taken, not even by me. Yadda, yadda, yah. Reasons will appear when you need them.

That was okay for a while until I attended VloggerCon 2006. I was interviewing women vloggers and we are all different. It is a difference that needs to be celebrated. We need to be visible. I'm editing video right now so we will be more visible.

Another reason is that some people keep saying vlogging is a white male, middle-age elitist activity. They did not attend VloggerCon. As I put my foot and other parts of my anatomy in my mouth during the Digital Diversity session, we need to have white males tell their authentic stories so that everybody gets to know the other. Leave no story behind.

We collectively need to hear non-commercial true stories of everybody. Not the fiction used to sell the shadow. America is in the divided nation fix we find ourselves because we talk but do not listen to the other person's stories.

Yeah, I know. Where is the video?

Poetry On The Gold Line - Steve Petersen

Men sometimes confuse me. I like them. I have loved a few. I have lusted in my heart and other placed in my body for a couple of dozen of them.



At times my understanding men is like banging my head against the wall. It feels good when I stop. Most time I just accept them for who they are. Having said all that I really appreciate the nice ones. And the spirited ones. Hell, I like 98% of them and the other 3% I can do without.

I'm still getting the hang of this interviewing thing. I'm not doing it "right". I end up just doing what comes naturally at the time. I really just want the other person to tell me their story or in this case Steve's poem. The real story is that he is very proud of his children and seems to be a happy man.

The other real story is that you never know if or when you connect to another person. Be open to the possible.

For more information about Steve visit http://www.xosrox.com

It's Rawhide - A Moment with Esau

This video was shot at the South Pasadena Thursday afternoon Farmer's Market and if you get the chance stop by. I was shooting video of the Gold Line poets and checking out the food action at the same time.




This is the Windows Video version

I was about to be seduced by a stick of roasted corn. I was heading for it like a cat about to pounce on a bird. I was walking toward it, knowing full well I can't eat it because it was slathered in butter and hot chili powder but reason was failing me. Pure food lust almost took over.

That is until I heard this guy singing. It was enough to break the spell. I'm saying to myself, “What the hell is that?” Not in a bad way but this man's music was different. I turned and this is what I saw.

Sometimes you have to pave your own road. Be your own booster. Sing you own song. I may not understand the words he is singing but I do know he is not working in a office doing the same thing day in and day out. He is not counting the minutes until quitting time nor is he in rush hour traffic cussing the radio over the distortion of news he heard today.

So if you are in South Pasadena at the Thursday afternoon Farmer's Market after you chomp on some roasted corn with lots of butter and chili powder pop a buck or two in the guitar case. Support your local artist.

FBI, Feds, and Judicial System Pile on Josh Wolf

....this just in from VlogWitness News (er, via the SF Chronicle, this is just an excerpt). No telling if the Feds or FBI are going to start the process over again but I'm real glad he isn't going to be wearing an orange jumper.

SAN FRANCISCO
Journalist not forced to give up video
Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, June 16, 2006

Printable Version
Email This Article
A freelance journalist who faced a possible jail sentence for refusing
to surrender video footage of a July 2005 clash between San Francisco
police and anarchist demonstrators was abruptly released from a
subpoena by federal prosecutors Thursday, his lawyer said.

Josh Wolf, 24, was ordered by U.S. District Judge William Alsup in a
closed-door hearing earlier in the day to turn over the video and
answer questions before a federal grand jury investigating the alleged
vandalism of a police car, said attorney Ben Rosenfeld. Rosenfeld said
Wolf was then questioned before the grand jury, and he insisted that he
had a constitutional right to remain silent and to discuss the
questions with his lawyers, and finally was told by a prosecutor,
without explanation, that he was free to go.

There was no comment from the U.S. attorney's office.
*********************
Original Post

This is important, this is urgent. The following post has been copied from the Yahoo Videobloggers Group. One of our own, our kinfolk is about to go to jail because he recorded an event. He is facing contemp of court charges. The feds are bearing down on him and he is not a mainstream media, just a man on purpose and standing by his truth.

You want reality, here it is... this young man is might to go to jail because he is invoking his rights. As a videoblogger, reporter, documentarian he is facing potential jail. Read this, pass it on, visit his site and above all else kick up a fuss because if the come for Josh they will be coming for me week after next and somebody you know a month from now.

Hi, some of you at vloggercon probably saw my presentation/plea for help in publicizing my case involving the federal grand jury who has gone after my footage from a protest that I as a vlog journalist captured in the city of San Francisco on July 8th of 2005.

In February I was subpoenaed by the Federal Grand Jury and commanded to testify and provide my footage from protest that I filmed. This is in an illegal subpoena on several counts including the fact that as a journalist any subpoena needs to be approved by the US Attorney general and it was not. This act by the federal government is an attempt to trump the state protections afforded by journalists such as the California Shield Law which protects me from having to turn over unpublished material in order to preserve the trust relationship between journalists and their subjects.

The Assistant US Attorney has stated that this is a federal matter and thus not protected by the shield law as a San Francisco Police Vehicle was vandalized during the protest that I filmed and as the city receives money from the Federal Government, and some portion of the police car may have been paid for with federal funds, this is,therein, a federal matter. This assertion has huge ramifications for 
all journalists both independent and commercial in that it serves to erode all of the protections that journalists have managed to achieve at the state level. After all, to prove that federal money has some indirect role is a rather low barrier to trump these shield laws and the potentialities are absolutely terrifying.

After exhausting my appeals to quash this subpoena, I was served yesterday afternoon with a new order to appear this Thursday. After careful consideration, I have decided that it would go against my journalistic ethics to comply with the demands of the subpoena and will most likely be found in contempt of court for my non-cooperation sometime on Thursday. At that point in time, I will most likely be 
taken to jail while we continue to work on the appeals process.

The best tool available to me is that of trying to educate and influence the public opinion about my case, and that's why I am appealing to each of you to cover my situation on your blog or videoblog; the mainstream media does not appear to be all too interested in bringing this issue to light and it is up to us independent voices to help spread the word about my situation.

Beyond that, I think that encouraging people to contact the US Senators in California: Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein. My representative in the House: Nancy Pelosi. State Representative: Mark Leno. The Mayor: Gavin Newsom, the District Attorney Kamela Harris, and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors might help to put some 
political pressure on this situation and hopefully result in my campaign to protect my journalistic privilege and also lead towards me being released on my own recognizance during my appeal process to the 9th circuit court of appeals.

I am compiling as much information about my case as possible at a website that I have setup at http://joshwolf.net/grandjury/ and the contact info for all of these politicians should be up there at some point by the end of the day.

If you are uncertain how you feel about this issue, or why am I choosing this course of action, please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail or through the phone. I appreciate any support that you can provide and even if you don't feel comfortable addressing this issue publicly on your blog, a private e-mail would do much to help 
my well-being. Please do mention whether I can use your e-mail in the court as an example of public support for this issue.

Thanks for anything you are able to do, it really does mean a lot to me. This past weekend felt like a family reunion for a family I never knew I had. We really are a community and I hope to see this community help rally support when a member of that community, such as myself, is in trouble.

Josh Wolf
http://www.joshwolf.net

Technorati Tag: joshwolf

Another Attack on Internet Fair Use

Will they never stop? Industry rascals are trying to slip in changing to the copyright law. In this next wave of mischief you would need:

• separate licenses just to view a video or listen to music on line.
  
• then if you wanted to just see it or listen on line that would be another license, (and fee) to have a temporary copy on your computer.
• if you wanted to rent/store a monthly subscription copy that would be another fee
  
• and to own it would still be another fee.

In other words, $, $$, $$$. In other words who gets to control the use of content? Historically it has been in the users hands. This would be like charging me for the book. Then charging me to open the book. Actually reading the words, another fee. Skipping ahead to the next chapter, ca-ching. Tradition I say - leave it to me to decide how I want to use a product.

If you have the time go to http://action.eff.org/sira
Plunk in your zip to find your congressperson who hasn't been brought up on charges yet. Make a polite phone call. I copied this from EFF but I don't think they would mind:

Keep your call to your representative short and polite. Here's a sample call, with suggested points to make:

STAFFER: Hello, Senator/Representative Lastname's office.

YOU: Hello, I'm a constituent, and I want you to know my concerns with the wording of the Section 115 Reform Act currently being considered by the Judiciary Committee. The wording in this bill implies that copyright licenses are required for even temporary copies of content on the Net and in computer memory. It's also extending the legal definition of copyright "distribution" to cover transmission over the Internet. Both of these changes have not been discussed by the committee, but could radically affect digital technology industries. I'm asking my representative to oppose the Section 115 Reform Act.

STAFFER: Okay, I'll make sure that's noted.

YOU: Thank you.

The price of freedom is action. (Yeah I know it is real "Vigilance" but I can't spell worth a damn at 5:37am.

Policy Protest At South Pasadena Farmer's Market

The Gold Line Poets got off the train at Mission station to meet folks at the South Pasadena Farmer's Market. As you walked from the train station this was the first thing that you would have seen. I don't care what side you stand on so long as you are peacefully articulating you point of view.



This is the QuickTime Version

This is the Windows Media Video Version

It just so happens that there are more people on the political left that I encounter than people on the political right. And seeing how I am not exactly welcomed in those places where the political right hang out at – which I have no idea what those places are cuz I never see any invitations, grass roots meetings, flyers, or people on the corner demonstrating their faith and support of the current administration's policies.

It might be geography. It might be I hang with the wrong crowd. I have a feeling it might be some of those places that have $300 to $1,000 a plate chicken dinners. (Do they serve chicken at those dinners?) It might be the type of events that require high heels. My flat feet would be yelping before I got out the door. But should I happen to stumble into a public, Los Angeles specific conservative, right leaning event I promise to give equal time and consideration.

Poetry on the Gold Line - Teka Lark Lo

Ah, Barbie. Now that is a dame that has caused some commotion for the past 40 or 50 years. Women carve up their faces to look like her, people spending thousands of dollar to worship the icon of American beauty. Not to mention the clothes, cars and fabu homes.



No wonder she has so many jobs. I tell ya, she is an anorexic basket case waiting to happen. But what if Barbie had a secret life. What if she had a secret lover whose name is not Ken? In this poem from the Gold Line series Teka Lark Lo explores the realm of love with a Raggedy piece of cloth. For more information about Teka visit:

http://www.pathetic.org/library.php?i_memberid=5701
or http://lareal.blogspot.com/

World Can't Wait - Speaking With Tony

I met Tony at the L.A. Times Festival of Books gathering. On one of the pathways there were tables of people and causes. Most were asking for donations, support or just a pause long enough to give the speech. Tony belongs to the Los Angeles chapter of World Can't Wait - Los Angeles. They are planning a huge grassroots meeting on October 5, 2005.




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He had some interesting materials at his table so I ambled on over and starting talking. I did record a lot more video but I have to work out a way to record people who are taller than me.

I have trouble keeping their whole head in the frame. So a lot of our conversation I felt was not usable. I'm gonna have to start bring a step ladder or something.

For more information about the group and the October 5, 2006 event visit http://www.worldcantwait.net

Righteous Kill - Jim Daher

I was working on my to-do list. I got the food, checked out Ross for new clothes, got money for my bus pass and snagged my computer video magazine. I was loaded with stuff. I needed to go home before I could see anything else to purchase. I turned the corner and there was Jim.

I heard this southern accent and saw that he was an author with a book for sale. He wasn't a celebrity or a sports jock. Just Jim by himself and a table of books.

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I think it is one of the hardest things a person can do is literally stand in a book store and try to convince people to buy your book. And the reality is that most authors have to get out and promote their work.

So this is a shout out to all the writers who actually do what they dreamed of doing and follow through. It is a long road. Sometimes you meet nut jobs but the stories you get to share are priceless. I pulled out old faithful and recorded the following.

Do what you can, where you can. This doesn't necessarily apply to laundry. There is no choice for me, got to get to it. It is not a dream. It is a growing nightmare.

For more information about Jim Daher visit http://www.jimdaher.com You can order his book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or from his web site.

Man, Myths and Some Toys

I've know this guy for a while. We grew up in the same city, we watched the same TV Sci-Fi, read the same comic books, grazed in the bookshops where they use to tear the covers off and you could buy a $4 magazine for fifty cents.

It was a place and time where it was important to know who the Red Skull was, where to find copies of the X-Men and Avengers and the importance of not taking "Pudge, Girl Blimp" too seriously.

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Okay, I might be wrong on that one - but he'd know who Vaughn Bode is. Anyway, The man has got stuff. Not money stuff but the stuff that matters. Yeah, yeah he's got a wife and kids has the acceptable number of friends, co-workers and fellow gym rats to talk to.

I'm talking the essential stuff. He's got Star Trek action figures, Babylon 5 Vorlons, Marvel toys. He has figures based on comics, movies, tv shows and a few things I don't know where in the world he came in contact with them. From the looks of the Clive Barker and Todd McFarlaine bounty, I'm not sure I want to know. They are just spooky. Detailed and spooky.

I feel a little responsible cuz I think I encouraged him to check out e-Bay. Now I'm surrounded by various incarnations of Reed Richards and the Incredible Hulk. So one day I whipped out old faithful and asked him the question, “Why does he do it?”

Poetry In Motion - Elena Karina Byrne

Living in Los Angeles requires a person to be accepting of the situations before them. Now this is true no matter where you live in the world. On this section of the planet, we take a little more time than folks on the East Coast to go with the flow.



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The immigrant issue has a lot of folks fractured. It is not a yes or no question. It is more of what do we do now question. On both sides. There is more to being an American than providing a living for your family. What else do you bring?

For some there is the respect for the spoken word. Or a pretty lady reading a poem after a long days work. What do we as so called Americans gain from new ideas, a command for recognition and respect? How will we change or will we put up a fuss?

Then there is history. The one that is being forgotten. The lessons that could help us go into the future if we would just look at the past and make peace with it.

But we live in the 21C. There are quiet spirit filled moments that happen every day in this land. They slip by because we are tired or in a hurry or hungry. We need peace. We need action. Some only want the next big thing. Some of us tune out in self defense.

On this train, in this moment take the time to share in English and Spanish our voices. The poet is Elena Karina Byrne who is reading a selection of poems.

Elena has a book on Amazon that you might want to check out:

Randy Wicker Reporting on Disinformation

I'm not the only vlogger who is trying to document the changes in our country and world. Randy Wicker is a man of many interests. He is interested in giving voice to a diverse population.

At the very least Randy gives me information I normally don't have easy access. This allows me to make up my own mind. That is the true spirit of democracy.

Is preventing conception murder? Randy has recorded a presentatation on how certain groups are trying to influence their beliefs on the pharmacy profession. If you have the time, check out his post where Marin Gillis, Ph.D explains about particular disinformation activites of the religious conservative right.

http://randywickerreporting.blogspot.com/2006/05/drug-laws-binding-pharmacists-part-2.html

Poetry In Motion-Ellyn Maybe Poem on Being An Artist

I first heard Ellyn Maybe when she was doing a poetry reading on KPFK-FM many years ago. Roy of Hollywood was having her do a reading of her work. I wish he could play more poetry but the pull of Sounds True and TUC radio are hard to let go.

Wednesday is conspiracy night. Can't listen. I'd be a paranoid wreck.

Somewhere in this pack rat heaven I have an old copy of a poetry magazine with Ellen's face caricatured on the cover. I had never seen her in person until the day of the poetry ride. You never know who you will encounter on the road of life.



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Any poem that makes reference to that bastion of the born cheapskates, broke folks, the fiscally challenged and the cash deprived, also known as the 99 Cent Only Store (the real one, not those tacky and misleading knockoffs) is jakes with me. The 99COS kept me alive when all I had was a pile of bills and one measly (but glad to have it) unemployment check.

Anybody remember that two pound tuna (?) sandwich spread in the silver bag? Lasted two weeks and then some. And if that is not an creative skill, I don't know what to tell you. But your probably thinking of the high toned stuff call art and the upper realm of being “an artist”.

To me it is not so much an artist life but living a creative authentic life. It can be tough with the day to day survival skills you have to master but blessings to the folks that not only figure it out but are willing to share with other. Thanks, Ellyn.

I had a hard time coming up with web citations for Ellyn. I keep digging through until I found her at http://www.ellynmaybe.com

Special shout out to Frostyland's Viggo page http://www.frostyland.com/Viggo/viggo.index.shtml cuz that is where I found the link to Ellyn's web site.

In parting, if you really want to upset the powers that be, buy a poetry book, chapbook, audio book or attend a spoken word performance.