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CALL TO ACTION
We got some problems, y’all. I’ll spare you the retelling of our modern tragedy, as I suspect you’re already keenly aware of how that story goes. Needless to say, I think it’s high time we did something about it. Werd.
So, OFFADATASS not-so-humbly requests that you get yourself educated, experienced, and engaged. (Look at that! Three “Es” in a row! Do I get bonus points for alliteration?) The following lists are a kind of stream-of-consciousness; an odd, largely unrelated, nonlinear mash-up of ideas for how you can get OFFAYOURASS, as it were, and participate (personally and/or politically) in the movement towards a more hopeful, inspiring and sustainable future. That’s the thinking behind it, anyway.
Some of it is political, some of it aint. But all of it represents things I have either read about, watched, seen/want to see, thought about, or participated in at one point or another. You don’t have to agree with me, but I do hope you will at least consider these links as potential tools in your development. They’ve certainly aided me in that regard.
READ / WATCH / HEAR:
Ryan Is Hungry–Videoblog
This is an episodic video blog from Web 2.0 new media gurus (personal heroes of mine, actually), Ryanne and Jay. Very green friendly, tech friendly. Inspiring tales from the progressive overground, if you will. Highly recommended. Subscribe, subscribe, subscribe!
Grist–Environmental News Site, Audio Podcast
I like this website/podcast for it’s simplicity. It’s well-written, informative, occasionally humorous, but always focused on the natural environment. Grist leans towards discussions of policy, of course, but every now and then they offer interesting stories from the emerging “green tech” movement, of which I am ever fascinated. Oh, yeah… and it’s free!
Blanchard is a wonderful Jazz musician hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, but he’s well-known all over the globe. Personally, I don’t think he gets as much recognition as he deserves. He’s a talented trumpeter, a composer, an advocate for Jazz education, etc., but he’s also highly regarded for his work producing soundtracks for cinema. This is how I first heard of him, actually. Spike Lee uses his music quite a bit in his various films (Malcolm X, 4 Little Girls, When The Levees Broke, etc.). If I were you, I’d start with Wandering Moon (2000). Track #1 is a soulful favorite of mine.
To Kill A Mockingbird–Classic Literature 101
Dude. If I have to explain the value of this particular text then maybe you should just stick to the Sunday comics. This really is a classic book. But you know, as I get older, and as much as I appreciate the metaphor of Atticus Finch, I can’t help wanting to rewrite things for Tom Robinson. Next time around he’d be a little more uppity, less dependent on his white lawyer, etc. But that’s a generational conceit, I suppose. Uppity is almost fashionable now, whether or not it’s founded in a real desire for change. Ah, well…
Alive In Baghdad–Internet Video News / Podcast
This is an incredibly valuable internet resource for learning about life in war-torn Baghdad. AIB is an on-the-ground account, in the true spirit of citizen journalism, wherein Iraqi reporters (many of them amateurs) are hired to document the lives of regular folks in one of the most volatile regions of the world. Amusing at times, usually sobering and intense, but always insightful. I strongly recommend it for those of us who are tired of the surface-level reporting we get from the talking heads back home. Also, if you have the case, these guys are non-profit and under-funded. So, drop a few bucks on them, eh?! It will certainly be put to good use.
SEE / FEEL / EXPERIENCE:
Escalante–Southern Utah, USA
This place is fucking amazing! I spent a week there in a breath-taking canyon with my father and a handful of family and friends. I can’t explain its magnificence with words. Just go. You’ll understand when you get there.
Zhenjiang Black Rice Vinegar–Jiangsu Province (and elsewhere), China
I have a Chinese “sister” called Ji Ying who lives in Zhenjiang, which is a city of about two million on the eastern coast of China. She first introduced me to Chinkiang (old spelling) black rice vinegar about six years ago, and I’ve been a fan ever since. It’s produced in China but sold all over the world. I highly recommend it with dumplings, soup dumplings, or as a condiment to just about any rice dish. I love this stuff.
John Day River–Northern Oregon, USA
A great place to go rafting, with or without a duffle bag full of tall boys. Tip: wear a lot of sunscreen, and keep lathering that stuff on. The Oregon sun is trickier than it looks.
The Wall Around Xi’an–Shaanxi Province, Central China
One of my favorite cities in red China. Everyone visits the Terracotta Warriors (as they probably should), but I prefer the simple pleasure of climbing up the old city wall and walking the perimeter of one of China’s most important historical sites. I think you can even rent a bike for the journey if huffing it on foot is too intimidating.
The Art of Andy Goldsworthy–Wherever, Whenever
This guy is great. Ephemeral art, I believe is what they call it. There was an intriguing documentary film about his work a while back, which is equally as interesting, but seeing Goldsworthy’s temporary sculptures in person is something altogether unique. I’m particularly drawn to his intricate and colorful leaf patterns. If he comes to your town, go check him out.
SHIT TO DO:
Save The Internet–NOW!!!
If you’re an American like me, then you know that we’re at a low point in our nation’s development. I like to think of it as a huge, neo-conservative-shaped roadblock, but I digress. The internet, among other tools of total awesomeness, are constantly under threat from big media firms intent on controlling every damn bit of information under the sun. Fuck that! Check out this campaign, join the listserv, read the literature, tell your grandma, call a senator… just do something! Me likey the net! Me want Net Neutrality!
Free Geek–Various Cities In North America
I first learned about this non-profit when I lived in Portland, Oregon. They’ve been around for a while and have since branched out into other urban areas (Chicago, Vancouver, my hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas–Really?). I like their model quite a bit. It’s an interesting combination of tech training/environmental preservation/and open source independence. Brilliant!
BICAS–Tucson, Arizona… Represent!
Tucson is like a second home to me. There’s a lot of cool shit going on down there, of course, but this is one of the most notable. Basically, the fine staff/volunteers at Bicas build bikes. They teach you how to build bikes, they educate you on bike-related issues, and they hook poor people up with low-cost/free bikes. It’s all about bikes. Even their bike-in movie nights usually involve stories with–yes, that’s right–bikes. It’s a significant part of the Tucson community, I think, and well worth a look. Better yet, build yourself a bike! We two-wheeled commuters are sexy, no?
WITNESS, The Hub–Social Justice Video Portal
WITNESS is an international organization dedicated to opening “…the eyes of the world to human rights violations.” The Hub is an extension of that goal specifically focused on new media. There you can watch video, upload your own, discuss a wide spectrum of issues, and get involved in numerous world-wide social justice campaigns. You can click on the “Take Action” tab in the upper right hand corner of the page. Mind you, The Hub is in it’s beta version at the moment, so don’t expect perfection. But it’s still a remarkable website, with remarkable reach into some of the least-chronicled tragedies of our species.