Wednesday, October 31

Thank you, Joshua Glenn, for this very good piece of writing.
» Link | Posted by Jason, 7:24 PM

In America, if you stand out, you may be rewarded. But if you stand up, you may be punished. (Username: opensewer; password: iswatching.)
» Link | Posted by Jason, 10:35 AM

Happy All-Hallows Eve! And, with no intent of irony I'm sure, today is also the day that Martin Luther nailed 95 Theses to the church door at Wittenberg, ensuring that the long-standing tradition of religious conflict in the world would continue for years to come. Shudder to think, what would the world be like without religious conflict?
» Link | Posted by Jason, 9:07 AM

Tuesday, October 30

A li'l reality check, here. (NYTimes article: Login-Opensewer/Password-Iswatching)
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 8:21 AM

Monday, October 29

After years of fairies, little girls and sleeping babies the most vapid Ashton Drake collectable doll company presents the ever-so-cute Semper Fi Marine toddler doll just $80 in four easy payments! Despicable.
» Link | Posted by megan, 11:57 AM

Sunday, October 28

The Crusaders' Giant Footprints, an article in the Washington Post last Tuesday, provides some insight into the mindset of Islamic culture as it relates to current events. Sometimes we seem to forget that the Earth has been patiently rotating for thousands of years, and not all of the most important things in history happened during the 20th Century. (Via Arts & Letters Daily.)
» Link | Posted by Jason, 8:53 AM

Saturday, October 27

Well, it's about time! No less than a full 19 days after the actual event, we now present to you full summaries and photographs of all seven Opensewer 10 Gatherings. Enjoy! We'll be posting information on Opensewer 11 sometime in the first half of November.
» Link | Posted by Jason, 10:42 AM

Friday, October 26

Criticize me if you want, label me way to the left... think what you want. But this article is a must-read, whether you want to admit it or not.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 9:23 PM

Here is a good article about the anti-terrorism bill that GWB is expected to sign today.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 8:28 AM

Thursday, October 25

C'mon sing along with me (to the tune of Mickey Mouse):

M-C-C -- A-R-T -- H-Y-I-S-M ! ! !
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 6:36 PM

With the passing of the Anti-Terrorism Bill, if we're not careful, it's going to start all over again. Don't say I didn't warn ya.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 6:04 PM

This is exactly what I'm talking about when I wonder what to believe anymore ... but now I'm thinking that maybe it's not The Press, but rather, the Government! Don't say one thing in the morning, then take it back in the afternoon - which is it? What the hell?
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 3:01 PM

Tuesday, October 23

An Associated Press article wonders about the fine line between patriotism and transparency, and restraint and good judgment by the Press. While I agree with the need for good judgment by the press relative to national security, what about censorship, freedom of the press and the right to know?
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 9:16 AM

Monday, October 22

This week's On The Media reported about Viacom's president Mel Karmazin finding a silver lining in the current war. As if Viacom isn't controlling most of our entertainment already, they plan to use the current unrest to build an even bigger empire. Listen here.
» Link | Posted by megan, 12:23 PM

Wanna know what really going on with the "war"? Don't read US websites - read others such as the BBC ... for instance, this story about a Coke factory in India getting attacked in "retaliation of the US bombing of Afghanistan." Think we'll see it on MNSBC or other similar sites? Nah... the gov's only going to tell us what they want us to know!
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 9:43 AM

Ever think about where all the money to front the war is coming from? Well, here's where part of it is coming from: Your future social security check. Read here for details.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 8:46 AM

Sunday, October 21

To artist Carol Es, painting is an independent entity that both guides and humbles her. Difficult to fit into any particular genre, her mixed-media paintings represent a simple, powerful release of the generator inside.
» Link | Posted by Jason, 9:29 AM

Saturday, October 20

The question is, can you destroy destruction? Dropping more bombs on Afghanistan will only shuffle the rubble, scramble some old graves and disturb the dead.

Not very comforting, but insightful in many ways, The Algebra Of Infinite Justice examines U.S. retaliation for 9/11 from an Indian perspective.
» Link | Posted by Jason, 11:39 AM

Friday, October 19

"To fight what is a global threat, the world's nations are going to have to act globally." So states this article about a different kind of "war" that the world is facing now.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 9:32 AM

Thursday, October 18

Yesterday's Working Assets Radio focused on what this story in the New York Times didn't say, including what stakes the Bush family has in Saudi oil. When Bush Sr. left office he took a bunch of advisors and officials with him and joined a company called the Carlyle Group which has interests in foreign oil. As someone in the show said - no one is going to refuse a meeting with the former head of state from the US. Read the recap of the show here, and read about the Carlyle Group on Bloomberg here (a story cited in the show). For each show Working Assets Radio offers a great toolbox, I copied yesterday's:

Project Underground helps environmental, human rights and indigenous- rights movements carry out focused campaigns to counter abusive oil and mining activities. The organization seeks to systematically deal with problems the oil and mining industries create by exposing environmental and human-rights abuses and empowering communities facing mineral and energy development to achieve economic and environmental justice.

Corp Watch counters corporate-led globalization through education and activism. CorpWatch works to foster democratic control over corporations by building grassroots globalization - a diverse movement for human rights, labor rights and environmental justice. Find out how you can support CorpWatch online.

TomPaine.com. The online journalism site funded by the Florence Fund seeds the national public policy debate with the common sense ideas, opinions, and analyses the mainstream media usually misses. Heck, the site even offers essays on history!
» Link | Posted by megan, 12:00 PM

What the World needs now is a Superhero, like this.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 9:44 AM

Wednesday, October 17

'Tis a sad state of affairs when this can be done so easily - yet it doesn't even surprise me. The scoop: People can easily access your long distance or cell phone bills for the last month. One way to protect yourself: Request that your telephone company password protect your billing records and other personal data. Here's the article.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 9:34 AM

Tuesday, October 16

Our Friend Fran emailed us recently asking about a link to show one's ecological footprint. In consideration of today's link about SUVs, we thought it was worth another mention - so here it is.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 5:26 PM

We have always bitched about SUVs - now here's a reason to think about not driving one, or, why you really really REALLY need that big ol' honkin' gas guzzler.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 9:03 AM

Monday, October 15

The RND# Project is currently a collection of six short films which explore our "increasingly bizarre dependence on and relationship with technology." Richard Fenwick conceived this idea and it is being sponsored by IDEO. Fenwick's intentions are that the project will eventually consist of 100 films. (Link via Memepool.)
» Link | Posted by Jason, 9:44 AM

Sunday, October 14

Sometimes Sunday is a good day to turn off your computer and go outside if you can. Other days are good for this, too, but Sunday particularly so.
» Link | Posted by Jason, 8:10 AM

Saturday, October 13

Who knows what to believe anymore.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 3:54 PM

Friday, October 12

Two weeks ago we attended a wedding of two close friends. At the reception afterward, a friend of the bride requested to sing a song with the band. The band approved, but I’m sure thought to themselves, “Oh, boy, this should be a sight.” Well, it was a sight—the woman delivered the most rip-roaring, heart-warming version Janis Joplin’s “Me & Bobby McGee” the crowd had ever heard. This earned her the nickname “Little Janice” for the rest of the evening.

September 11 was still fresh in everyone’s mind, and the song resonated with the crowd. Thinking back now, one line from the song (though a bit out of context) stands out as particularly sobering:

Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose…

» Link | Posted by Jason, 1:11 PM

Thursday, October 11

Opensewer 10 is over! Judging by the Ithaca gathering and the reports we've received so far from other cities, it was a great success! I always feel buzzed for days after these meetings, and no, it wasn't what I had to drink. Please be patient as all of us coordinators write our summaries and develop our film--we'll post the complete story as soon as we can. In the meantime, email us if you'd like to be on the mailing list for the next gathering.
» Link | Posted by Jason, 7:41 AM

Wednesday, October 10

Opensewer 10 is meeting tonight! The gatherings are occurring in 7 cities, so there's likely one near you. Come and join us--share your thoughts about life in America after September 11, and the current threats to peace in the world.
» Link | Posted by Jason, 8:13 AM

Tuesday, October 9

From our "Gotta Love It" Department - an article by Michael Moore.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 10:00 AM

Monday, October 8

"Nearly all Americans support the U.S. bombing campaign against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, a NBC News-Wall Street Journal poll found Sunday. A majority of those surveyed also said they believed that terrorists would strike the United States again." Bullshit! This survey is comprised of 513 people - 513! Nobody asked me!
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 11:17 AM

Today is when Columbus Day is observed, and also the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Today, like yesterday and tomorrow, is a good day to live on the Earth.
» Link | Posted by Jason, 8:43 AM

Sunday, October 7

Artist update: The irresistible call of art, nature and Southern Culture convinced artist and former graphic designer Anthony DiFatta to leave the corporate world and pursue his true love.
» Link | Posted by Jason, 8:28 AM

Saturday, October 6

All seven venues for Opensewer 10 have been confirmed. Contact the local coordinator to let them know you're coming!
» Link | Posted by Jason, 10:45 AM

Friday, October 5

I am aware that there are many obstacles in the way of peace in the Middle East, but these people (both sides) have got to knock it off! And Sharon needs to stop being a hothead - now!
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 8:35 AM

Thursday, October 4

A little something to think about before we all "move on" and lose track of what's important.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 4:14 PM

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 10 and join us for Opensewer-10, "America: Life After September 11th" in seven cities across the United States. Our NYC Chapter will be discussing national security and privacy issues. More information can be found here.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 11:42 AM

Wednesday, October 3

First of all, what's with the buzzword "pundit" being used in practically every article I read these days?? But on to today's Blog: Like father like son? Let's hope not. And yes, the "U.S. government could make an enormously profound statement by bombarding Afghanistan with massive supplies of food instead of warheads." Naive thinking, but alas, a more-than-interesting thought.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 9:36 AM

Tuesday, October 2

Here's a little something from the "Do As I Say, Not As I Do" Department. How sad if all of this is true.
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 11:09 AM

Monday, October 1

Visited The Onion lately? Gotta love it - we can all use their sense of humor right now!
» Link | Posted by Rosie, 1:38 PM

View the archive for past commentary.

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