Podcasting since 2004; Conversations, conflicts, adventures and monologues from around the world.
Over the weekend a modest but passionate group of European Videobloggers got together for the 5th time in 5 years. While the world of video online didn’t quite turn out how we had hoped or perhaps how we had thought, we still gather to discuss issues as well as reminisce about the past and what may come.
Instead of trying to further explain it, I’ll end on a lighter note, with a video of me being remixed by my good friend and videoblog veteran Raymond who was in town from Norway.
The crew at AliveinBaghdad put out a recent video entry about a Baghdad school and daycare for orphans. It is a very interesting and inspiring story. As usual AiB does what the mainstream is not willing to do, without trying to tug at your heartstrings or sensationalize the story, simply showing you what regular people can and ARE doing to make a better future.
Watch the video.
It was one year ago that I was making my way to New Orleans. From there I travelled along the Gulf Coast, visiting communities and good friends, many who’s lives had been dramatically effected by the Federal Flood and hurricane Katrina.
Jay wrote to me a few weeks ago to say that he was heading there, to give some seminars or talks on videoblogging. More recently he sent me a message talking about how great it was to be there, and the good news: a new NOLA videoblog has launched. Despite all the great voices, like Dambala, Morwen, and Ray, who write about the city’s issues on a regular basis, there has long been a lack of consitent video blogging on these topics. Now, Citizen’s City Hall looks like a great contender to fill that void.
-Nice job Jay, and welcome CCH!
I’ve recently tried to get in touch with Josh Wolf, citizen journalist recently released from jail. Obviously since his release he’s had nonstop places to be and people to talk to, but I figured I would get in line and see about interviewing him.
The purpose of my interview was NOT going to be his case and the whole question of journalist-blogger rights. That topic, while important, has been well covered by the alternative media online.
Instead I want to talk to Josh about prison life. Especially about the conversations, the thoughts, every aspect of prison life and the experiences of other prisoners. He had lots of interesting things to say while he was in prison about what things they did have a right to and what things he thinks they should have a right to, and I wanted to explore all that and hopefully learn from it.
Well I still haven’t heard back from the man, but I will remain patient. In the meantime, I was excited to hear about his project “Prisonblogs.net”. Free blog hosting for prisoners, a space where they can communicate their thoughts and experiences. Over my 7 years of publishing on the internet, I’ve come across many letters from prisoners republished on a few blogs. I glad to see that someone like Josh is helping to make this more possible and will be reading along with great interest.
ps- Do watch his appearance on Colbert.. it’s fun.
**UPDATE: Just recieved an email from the man. thank you internets.**
Long long journey to Centralia, PA today was quite interesting but also very exhausting, but I’ll tell you all about it after I get some sleep.
Now in the third week of my longest visit to the US in 5 years, almost every hour of every day is programmed for visiting someone or someplace. Its always the same old problem, no time left for anything. Trying to find out more on the earthquake in the pacific, reading the news as it comes off the wire.
At any rate, plenty of stories, issues, and audio-visuals in the can for you this month. For now, I do what I know you enjoy, I recommend two things:
1– On Point with Tom Ashbrook had my favorite mayor, Salt Lake City’s Rocky Anderson was the guest and he says such excellent things that make me wish so much that cities all over the world had mayors like him. But don’t take my word for it, if you can’t go visit Salt Lake, at least give a listen to the podcast.
2– Ryan is Hungry teaches how we can compost even if we don’t have a yard. (thankfully I have a rare amsterdam yard) With the help of a composting MC.. or MC compost as she’s likely known.. you can see the step-by-step of how to compost right there in your apartment.
Watching the movie Bobby got me thinking about the mass support the peace movement had during the vietnam era. Those images from the demonstrations, the marches, the leaders… I start to wonder how what is happening today across the United States might look similar.
Then my dear roomate mentioned how difficult she found it to locate any good reports about the mass demonstrations against the way that took place last week all across the US. She pointed to television and other big media who seemingly swept the story under the rug.
Myself I experienced the demonstration through what is quickly becoming the best way to see the world and events unfolding: video blogs.
Therefore on this beautiful weekend of trying to get my Amsterdam life in order, I give you a few links to excellent videos of the demonstrations in places like Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Washington DC.
Full credit and compliments to those excellent citizen reporters, especially as I’m too far away to properly participate in such beautiful actions.