Start Touching

2011-05-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

The work of Jon Lee has moved to starttouching.com

2010-07-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

PERFORMANCE AS DIRECT EXPERIENCE

All art attempts to create direct experience. To put us in our bodies, in this moment. To question ourselves, our lives, our place in the world, and our common humanity. It's like a round of Kumbaya. Typically sans campfire.

When I decided to create a new solo performance, I wondered if I could make a piece that was as direct an experience for me as for the audience. Something personal that would strip down the artifice of performance.

FEED ME: Jon Lee + Kate Gorman from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

FEED ME is that experience. It's the simple and poignant event of having someone feed me. In silence. In the way they see fit.

I will record each performance and paint selected frames from the video.

WE ARE ALL CONNECTED
Sometimes, with all the blur and hub bub around, it can be hard not to remember the truth. We are all dependent on each other. Anything we do is thanks to someone else's actions. Thanks Mom and Dad.

WHY I'M DOING IT
Fact is, this project, and all its simplicity, scares the bejeezus out of me. Which is always a good place to start. It also fascinates me to no end. Because...
1. I love to eat.
2. I love people.
3. I'm a control freak and performances are where I get myself to do things I wouldn't do otherwise ... like give up control to someone else as they do something I can do myself.

THE FIRST ATTEMPT
I attempted my first performance of FEED ME at The Dinner Party in June 2010. During the performance I was fed a Stouffer's stuffed green pepper by my friend Kate Gorman, a local DC artist.

Unlike my other performances, I had nothing to prepare. I sat down at a table and Kate did most of the work. The experience was both nostalgic, comforting, and completely uncomfortable.

And, when the audience gave their feedback, I found a lot of different interpretations. Some saw a power dynamic reflecting traditional gender roles. Others saw a statement of passivity and how passivity doesn't mean lack of activity. Many were moved, if not a little unsure of what it all meant.

WHAT IT ALL MEANS
Eating is as important as breathing. But without other people there'd be no food to put in our mouths.

I'm creating a direct experience for myself and the audience by actively illustrating my interdependence. The other interpretations from the performance are dependent on the person feeding me. Their experiences. Their talents. Their concerns. It shows through. In the end, each FEED ME performance is a reflection of the person feeding me.

FEED ME makes it clear, our lives are thanks to each other. Those we know and those we don't know.

So. Thanks. And if you're interested in being part of the project, let me know. I'm looking for chefs, foodies, and ordinary people ready to question the blinders we naturally put up between our selves and each other.

2010-05-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

LOOK AT ME EXHIBITION, APRIL 16, 2010

In mid March 2010, I publicly challenged myself to paint 30 self portraits in 30 days and post each one of them as my Facebook profile image once it was done. I succeeded in painting 30 paintings and I learned that, even when I'm painting, I'm really performing.

Here is my Artist's Statement from the show:

Everything is a self-portrait. A diary. Your whole drug history's in a strand of your hair. Your fingernails. The forensic details. The lining of your stomach is a document. The calluses on your hands tell all your secrets. Your teeth give you away. Your accent. The wrinkles around your mouth and eyes. Everything you do shows your hand. --Chuck Palahniuk (Diary)

This is a performance. It's my attempt at capturing who I am within the constraints of 30 days, 30 pieces of paper, and some paint.

Performances are a sort of slow dialogue. And each portrait in this project is a conversation. They don't live in a vacuum. they're molded by likes, and comments ... and silence.

The first 23 paintings were done in 16 days using an 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 Moleskine watercolor notebook and a small field watercolor kit. The final 7 paintings were painted over 14 days on 8 1/2 x 11 Yupo using a few more brushes and watercolors.

With each post, my community of Facebook friends chimed in. Sometimes with praise (i.e. "This one's my favorite.") and sometimes with distaste ("I'm going to have nightmares tonight.").

In the end, what started as a personal challenge, became a community dialogue. So, to end the project, I invited followers of the project to come to The Twin Oaks Collective's Apt 118 Gallery for a one-night exhibition of all 30 paintings. The evening was a great way to say goodbye to the project and spend some time looking at some other faces.

Here are images of all the paintings from LOOK AT ME:

This Is All of Me #5: Backpack Growl

2010-01-21T05:54:00.001-08:00

backpack growl, originally uploaded by jonleesparky.

I am the convention leader for a parade of school kids. They are following me so I start the parade by flexing all my muscles and growling at them. They all growl back and the parade begins.

It's more like a race. Hundreds of kids piling together and running. We get to some steep steps. I help some of them down as we continue to growl.

When I look up, two kids have thrown their backpacks into my belly. It hurts. Then we sit down on the grass.

This Is All of Me #4

2010-01-20T04:39:00.001-08:00

annoying meme, originally uploaded by jonleesparky.

I am having a crazy repetitive never ending dream of a multisensory but scary internet meme wherein I am walking into a dark alley way and just about to leave when I am stuck up by ball point pen by a man that brings me into a room and benignly maligns me. Annoying.

This Is All of Me #3

2010-01-20T04:37:00.001-08:00

zombie monk larger, originally uploaded by jonleesparky.

I am visiting with a zombie who is a Theraveda monk who makes wine. I'm shocked to learn zombie wine is so good. And double shocked to find out the zombie was stripped ofhis robes after beginning to make wine.

This Is All of Me #2

2010-01-17T07:55:00.001-08:00

iphone_pic, originally uploaded by jonleesparky.

I unexpectedly find myself part of an investigation to find a serial murderer.

After receiving a sensitive note and previous letters showing proof of his whereabouts, I know who he is, and where he is. And I'm scared.

The police chief seems to be fine with having me keep these highly sensitive documents in my hotel room where I found them originally. I disagree, and insist on putting them in the safe. He agrees and says that that's what he would do.

What strikes me strange is why he didn't offer that in the first place.

2010-01-16T04:22:00.000-08:00

I AM ALL OF THIS

I'm dreaming of a stage performance comprised of a woman playing my grandmother. She is shorter and younger and doesn't act anything like her. My real grandfather is there. And my father. She is spunky. And she jumps into my father's arms.

At some point, the dream transitions to me being in the audience and one of the actors I knew from high school comes out in a wolf suit. But you can see the t-shirt and tighty whities he is wearing on underneath the suit. It must be made of pantyhose material. His face is covered by a wolf's head. It's obvious he put this suit on last minute. There is an unidentifiable person/woman on stage with him. He begins to exaggeratedly shimmy and shake around her. Almost as if he is preparing to sacrifice her.

Then I remember I had planned breakfast at 8am with Adam. And I wake up. Feel the wine from last night. And go into the bathroom.

2010-01-05T17:42:00.000-08:00

I'm in between arriving and leaving. When people look at me, particularly my students, I think they see someone who's composed. Someone who knows. And when I see them, I think the same thing.

2009-08-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

PIOUS DADA

My friend Nick is about to publish his first book, a beautiful and haunting cutup of the Gideon's Bible.

NIV: 39 & 27 by Nicholas Alexander Hayes will be available soon from Blaze Vox.

The old testament version, NIV 39, is currently available as a free PDF from Beard of Bees.

2009-08-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

BANG by Andrew Breen

The "Return to Home" series by Andrew Breen is one of my favorite photo series. A simple whimsical concept:

Return to Home is a series of reconfigured and reimagined domestic spaces from classic television sitcoms and dramas.

2009-08-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

Brilliant Noise from Semiconductor on Vimeo.

THIS IS THE BOMB.

Semiconductor is a British duo making yummy video art with a scientific spin. Several of their recent films were made while spending time with NASA.

Love the simplicity and emotion that comes from melding the natural form with the editing process's potential for creating internal forms.

2009-08-01T04:47:00.000-07:00

polaroid by dash snow

I didn't know who Dash Snow was until he died at the age of 27. But, seeing his body work is moving.

Selection of his work.

Remembrance of Dash by photographer Ryan McGinley.

2009-07-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

Let Go of Nature Symbols from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

LETTING GO

My last vid of the month. My fellow horsemen, it's been a pleasure and a privilege. Stay classy.

Be well.

2009-07-28T21:28:00.001-07:00

One Whole Night from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

ONE WHOLE NIGHT
Thanks to Adam, I bypassed that business of making my own pictures and words. Using text from Giuseppe Ungaretti as input, Google Images became the output for this vid. Music again by Erik.

2009-07-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

Shark from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

SHARK CAR
I'm getting tired of making pictures move. I want to go fish. I'm tired of fishing. I want the cars to make pictures of me. I'm making fish tired by moving them around like pictures.

2009-07-28T05:48:00.000-07:00

Brighter Day from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

BRIGHTER DAY

It was a brighter day yesterday. So I took some more pics. Moved away from projection flickers. And am starting to yearn for moving footage.
I really dig the first 10 seconds of this piece. And the last 2.

Be well my fellow horsemen.

THIS IS THE GOOGLE AD I RECEIVED AFTER PUBLISHING THE LAST POST.

2009-07-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

2009-07-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

Foggy Day FHoJ#10 from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

I'VE BEEN MEANING TO

Dear fellow horsepeople. It's been so long. No moving pictures. No pulsing sound. This, has changed. For today.

The sound is Track 2 from Erik's Tape 2000 project found here.

I'm in Maine for the week so the vids should continue flowing. Strong finish. Woot.

WE ARE TRYING TO MANIPULATE!

2009-07-26T06:02:00.001-07:00

DOES THE LACK OF POST MEAN THEREIS NO POST

2009-07-25T14:52:00.001-07:00

REPOST FROM TUESDAY OCTOBER, 3 2006

2009-07-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

C?R?O?W?D?E?D?

Crowded spaces are:
a. choking.
b. inspiring.
c. both choking and inspiring.

[RETROACTIVELY INSPIRED BY JAMIE'S POLL]

2009-07-20T06:49:00.002-07:00

2009-07-20T06:49:00.001-07:00

The sign says: ARE YOU NUMB?

2009-07-18T07:50:00.001-07:00

The thing is greed.

2009-07-17T20:55:00.001-07:00

The times.

2009-07-17T16:29:00.001-07:00

In the interest of time.
This time is the time.
Time is a tiiiiiiime for timing.

2009-07-17T11:27:00.001-07:00

2009-07-17T11:18:00.001-07:00

I FEEL STALKED AND IT FEELS LIKE LOVE

2009-07-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

2009-07-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

2009-07-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

2009-07-13T06:43:00.001-07:00

2009-07-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

THIS IS WHAT I SAW WHEN I WALKED OUT OF MY OLD APARTMENT FOR THE LAST TIME.

2009-07-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

Untitled from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

SITTING IN A RESTAURANT HAVING A DRINK

Move today.
Yes, this is a post-dated post.
But, the day that this post should have been posted was the day I moved.
Thanks to Adam, Jamie, Mina and Mary.

2009-07-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

2009-07-09T05:47:00.000-07:00

888 Zoom Zoom Boom Boom from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

FREE TIME

Recently, my free time's been spent between packing up and unpacking. Putting things in boxes. And splicing, extending, and retooling video and audio until it becomes something else.

And I'm tired. So, I'll be focusing on packing for the next few days, just posting some video memories. The above a great day Jamie and I had last year on the luckiest day of the century.

And, speaking of downtime. I'd like to shout out Kate's unemployed notebook. Never seen anyone's downtime be so productive. Especially her character scripts. She put up a new one today involving a lunch ladle and some particularly gelatinous stroganoff.

2009-07-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

Stationary from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

I'M STANDING IN LINE

"The shame comes because it was not the I that gave the performance, but the Me."
Tor Norretranders from The User Illusion

2009-07-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Freedom FHoJ#8 from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

HI STAN. MY NAME'S JON. I MADE THIS WITH MY COMPUTER AND A THING CALLED THE IPHONE.

You know that moment when you realize something is awesome? And then you realize there's no reason to do anything else? That's what happened when I quickly panned vertically across one of my hacked iPhone pics. It happened to be a mashup of a bowl of beet soup at Domku and a tree from a hike a couple weeks back in Germantown, Maryland. There's some Trix in there too. Wooh.

Note to the FHoJ, I went over 60. Cause that's what needed to be done. And you hear that? I made proper noise by connecting things into my computer thingy. Instead of just turning my sound system up real high. Wow.

2009-07-06T00:49:00.000-07:00

MJ On Park FHoJ#7 from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

I'M GOING TO MISS THIS PLACE EVEN IF I BITCHED ABOUT IT MOST OF THE TIME

The CD salesman below my apartment was blaring Michael Jackson all day long. I'm going to miss him.

I packed most of the day yesterday while intermittently calling family and making videos. Ah the life.

Hey Adam, who was the abstract filmmaker you and I watched during rehearsal a couple weeks back?

2009-07-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

Renew. Revive. from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

STAY STILL

Three of the four horsemen were at the DC fireworks last night. I didn't bring my camera. I should really start bringing it around.

I'm eating smoked salmon for lunch.

2009-07-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

Goodbye FHoJ#5 from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

BLUFF

Here's to lowering the bar a little. How low can I go?

2009-07-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

THIS SPOT LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

Note, to my horsemen, I've pulled video four because I hate it. Note to self. Just make some shit up, yo.

2009-07-03T11:54:00.001-07:00

Full of Crap from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

You've got to start somewhere.

2009-07-02T23:59:00.001-07:00

Blue Sky Bike Line from Jon Lee on Vimeo.

No creepy biker bunnies.

2009-07-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

RED SKULL GRADE
FOUR HORSEMEN #1 TAKE 2

This calls for drinks.

2009-06-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

DEMON CLASS RED
FOUR HORSEMEN #1

Today. I learned that overlaying sounds is like adding additional experience onto original experience. Meaning, it can be better.

(Note to my horsemen, all videos this month will be under 60 seconds. Amen.)

2009-06-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

THE FOUR HORSEMEN BEGINNETH

I don't update this blog much. And now. I shall. My friends Adam, Jamie, Kate, and I have banded together to commit to a post a day. Yes. Yes.

2009-04-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

CRACKLE

The things of the body.
Cancellation.

Scheduled outage at 2:00AM PDT on Thursday.

http://vimeo.com/4175585

2009-04-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

DAYCARE FREE

I'm not sure. Stay put. Sit down. Hunker and wait.

I'm sure. There is a point where things are clear.
One. Two Three. Four. Fig Sick.

I owe you ten bucks.

2009-04-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

WELCOME

So pleasure to see you. I'm pain blanket. And that's the ticket. Clearly you'll understand. Amazing to meet you.

Seriously. Thank you. There's nothing more helpful than a hug right now. I need it.

Thank you. Seriously. The pain's the ticket. Amazing. Clearly. More helpful than a hug right now.

Seriously, the ticket is clearly amazing.

http://vimeo.com/3772811

2009-01-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

SWORD OF MANJUSHRI WITH HEART HERO

2008-11-02T17:58:00.000-08:00

YOU ONLY HAVE CONTROL OVER THE CONDITIONS. NOT THE OUTCOME.

Whatever happens. Do your best. Um, but I'd really like you to win.

2008-11-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

ELEPHANT CASTLE PING PONG

Grounding my cares sharp. I put to the test this space of being.

I become a post.

2008-11-01T09:37:00.001-07:00

A SOUND POEM

Looking back at my old posts, saw this sound collage from 2006 that I did in collaboration with Kate Gorman as part of a yet-to-be-realized project called The Working Poor.

I'm pleasantly surprised by much of the piece. It's a tad slow, but harkens back to my days of digging Scanner.

2008-11-01T06:44:00.000-07:00

THIS IS NOT A POEM

This is a piece of garbage.
Please. Pay attention.

If this were a real poem, I'd be sending out a mass email about it. If this were a real poem I'd care if words were right. If it were a real poem I'd have to do something subtle and arguably referential but not too referential.

Particularly involving a megaphone.

This is not a fucking poem. Because I've told you.

This is a piece of garbage. This a fucking sweat rag. This is a piece of me that was never born. This is John McCain's nightmare.

See, there, there I go, trying to be popculture referential. Screw that. I'm not looking for attention. I'm just looking out for this poem. Yeah, I'm being honest now. This is a poem. And I was trying to be modest. And I failed. And I was trying to trick myself. And I failed. Bags and bags and bags of weak sauce. Dripping onto the floor and never being cleaned up.

Good morning.

2008-11-01T06:34:00.001-07:00

NEW THINGS WILL BE EASY

The first time, the mind deals in the real.
It's the real deal when mind meets matter.
The mind's real deal happens. It meets and greets.

2008-10-28T20:55:00.000-07:00

INCLINE YOUR THINKING FROM JUDGMENT TO UNDERSTANDING

Incline your thinking. Eat your heart's breaking until with nothing but dripping from your wounds, you recall a place to say I can't do anymore. Have a meal. Come here. You mister! You mister! You!

Bright lady piece of pie. A settlement. A church steeple with cupcakes. Welcome to my puppet life.

I'm still running from looking angry. I'm still afraid of the dark and what others might say if they knew. I'm still unaccepting of the sticky that shoots. I'm still angry and irrational. I'm still eighteen.

A blank curse. You are intense. Paper thin walled-in blend of spirit cell exposure through scientific procedure. Standing strong, with big bag lunch.

To suffer is to human. To want. To play Parcheesi. To understand you are misunderstoodoodood.

Leaps you out of your financial situation and turns you into a provider. It turns mortals into mothers.

That at some point something unexpected will happen. That wise people think bad thoughts. That there is peace beyond the question.

2008-10-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

ZOMBIES??? YES

Went to Bread and Puppet's performance of the Sourdough Philosophy Circus at St. Stephen's Church in DC. Revelry mixed with dissent and Michael Jackson. A yummy recipe indeed.

2008-10-06T17:05:00.001-07:00

NOODLING

I am a noodle. Full of carbs and power and squiggly goodness. I am a noodle getting ready to be eaten. I am a noodle in a bowl full of noodles. Squiggling and wriggling and hugging up against other noodles full of carbs and power and wiggly goodness. All of us, getting ready to be eaten.

2008-09-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

PLUNGE

I'm trying to figure out how to live life abundantly in face of the facts that what I thought was abundance may have paled in comparison to the real deal.

2008-09-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

CALL ME I'M ONLY BECAUSE I CARE

I'm leaving this note like breadcrumbs.

We need not discuss it in person.

I'm suddenly unsure. I've used breadcrumbs but never digits. These aren't consumable notes. They're barely biodegradable and I doubt archival.

This is going to have to be my last expression of unease. This is going to have to open up my heart. And somehow I will give into the situation at hand and become an arousing speaker. A shill. A person who cares less.

I don't need you to call. Hrrumph.

2008-06-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORT

What is life about? Breathe. Eat. Desire. Stink up the joint. Forget the keys. Inexplicably cause French tourists to think you're Moby (true story).

So, here's a toast to my self. Never change dood. Just keep your eyes open.

2008-06-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

[Rehabberwocky illustration props to Alan Defibaugh. RAWK!]

WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT... REHABBERWOCKY!!!!!

Alright children. Take a seat. It's so great to see all of you today. Who's ready for a story? Charles, stop playing with your He-man. Thank you. Let's begin.

This is a story of a hairless, hair-brained hero. After many years of searching, our hero found a really cool playground, with a lot of really cool ways to play. In fact, this playground was so awesome, there were an INFINITE amount of ways to play.

But, and here's the catch kids, if our hairless hero didn't pay attention, sometimes spending time in the playground meant rocks getting in his shoes. Or, on rare occassions, playing in the playground meant needing to go to the hospital.

Who here's been to the hospital before? What for? Nose bleeds. Sprained ankles. Yep. Broken bones. Yep. Yes Kelly? I'm sorry, I can't hear you... Oh, yes, a broken heart. That's right. All of these things happened to our hair-brained hero.

But sometimes, when our hero really concentrated on having fun and enjoying himself, some magical shit would happen. And that's why he kept coming back to the playground. Even when he was worried he might get hurt again.

So, all that to say, if you're in the DC area on Thursday June 26 or July 3rd at 8pm, please come to my one-man improv show Rehabberwocky. Tickets are $10. I'll post more info soon.

Okay kids. Have a great day in class.

2008-06-05T04:36:00.000-07:00

RELY ON THIS

I love people. Because they're always there. You can rely on that. Ya know?
They won't be there the way you want them. They might smell a little funny. And they might say things that seem so real you spit.

But you can always rely on people to be there. Standing. Sitting. Yelling. Making split pea soup. Or just breathing.

Well, that is, until they're not there. Which you can also rely on.

2008-05-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

LORD WON'T YOU BUY ME A MERCEDES BENZ?

Breathe, eat, breathe, eat, breathe, eat, sleep. Rinse. Repeat. Yum.

My friend Aaron's been writing tons about my fave pastime. Yay.

Barton Seaver opened up a Maine-style eatery. Rainbow trout, asparagus and mac & cheese featured above. Yippee.

Sometimes, you have to eat a shoe. Yikes.

2008-05-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

THE DREGS

I'm seeing things. Yellow and blue and white and black. Solid structures and weird geometries. A bottle of beer pub pour. A palette knife. An old zine of mine called Detritus. V. 1 Issue 2. 1998 Sample page:

13.

TiCkLe ToRtUrE
consanance
AwKwArD ArChEr
asonance
WhIpS aNd ChAiNs
PeNaNcE

2008-05-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

IMAGINE WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE WHOLE

So... you'll excuse me if I ask this question. And, you're allowed to get angry with me if you have to. Is everything alright?

Cause, I can't help but noticing that your head has exploded. And I see you're acting liking everything is fine and dandy. In fact, you've been signing that exact phrase, "Everything is fine and dandy," ever since you got out of bed, showered, put on a suit and then tried to shove oatmeal down your shattered gullet.

Look, I can't imagine what you went through when you realized your head was gone. I can understand you might be in denial.

Excuse me, stop shoving. Seriously, stop it. Thank you.

Look, I'm not sure how you're going to find your way to the office. And, to be honest, I'm not sure they're going to want you. Not that they'll say anything. The ACLU will make sure of that. If you want to continue as normal, you have the right. It's just. Look. Things are not normal. This is not normal.

Okay, that's gross. Now you've stained your suit. Here, if you promise to stop I'll go get some tonic water and a rag.

Wait, are you walking away from me? Holy shit. This is crazy. This is so like you. Guilting me into second guessing myself.

YOUR FUCKING HEAD IS BLOWN OFF!

Okay, fine. You know what? I'll give in.

EVERYTHING IS HUNKY DORY. I AM NOT WORRIED. HAVE A GOOD DAY...

Oh geez. Hey sweety. I'm sorry...

Will you just turn around for a second?
Come on back and get the lunch I packed you...

Sorry I yelled. I hope you have a good day. I love you. I really do. We'll figure this thing out. Okay? Alright?

Thank you, but woah, woah careful this suit is new. Okay, there we go. I love you bunches too. You're my sweet bumpkin. Yes, that's so true. Okay. You're going to be late. See you tonight. Smooches.

2008-03-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

[JGP Photo Props]

Lane Walking In the Green

I'm happy to announce, that the rest of life will be the same.

These aisles are freezing.

Just keep walking.

2008-02-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

Thingy

The business of calling the things that don’t make sense is the business of being a part of the big picture. The big picture is the business of calling things. The person calling things is the ref. The ref is in the business of calling things that don’t make sense. The things that don’t make sense make sense if the ref is calling them. Because if the ref is calling them then they must make sense. The ref is trusted.

2007-12-17T18:42:00.000-08:00

Denial isn't Denial

Dear me minus 10 years,

Things ARE what they seem. Older people are older. They just know what they should have known when they were your age but they don't know what they should know now. Listen. But don't follow.

Start taking Rogaine now. Get in more trouble. Start reading Paul Auster now. Take a cooking class. And, please, stop being so dramatic.

- JL

2007-12-10T05:49:00.000-08:00

Humility is an Old Fashioned Word

Ate at Colorado Kitchen in DC's Brightwood neighborhood last night. Been a long time since I'd had amazing food without the hype.

Speak Softly is a new ebook written by the Harvard MBA grad Ira L. Williams.

Right now, some ant is carrying a load ten times its body weight.

2007-12-03T04:48:00.000-08:00

It's Fun, It's Easy. Like Superman.

It's easy to jump into a conclusion, but not out of it.
Elevate your cuestick above the pool table at a 30 or 40 degree angle.
Grimace optional.

It's easy to jump into a feeling, but not out of it.
Elevate your mood for 30 or 40 minutes.
Screaming, laughing, crying optional.

It's easy to jump.
Elevate yourself.
Options are endless.

2007-08-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Coffee Cup Morality
On my way into the office this morning, while squeezing my coffee cup's rim and watching it snap back into place for my coffee-drinking enjoyment, I remembered an important lesson.

THE BEGINNING
In 1997, Jon Katz, an eccentric engineer/philosopher/community organizer, began helping the rural village of El Limon by introducing them to a cheap form of renewable energy--a small (about 20 inches in diameter), highly-efficient turbine to power a couple light bulbs in each house, a community refrigerator and a computer lab / telephone center. The project was very successful in improving the quality of life in El Limon.
More info on the project here.
...

Ferrocement structures are made with rebar and chicken wire--later, cement is spread on top to create a thin but rigid wall. The preliminary structure might seem, at first, to be incredibly fragile. See pictures of the El Limon structure here.

In fact, because of the fragile appearance, the band of trained builders told Katz...

So, folks that had never built this type of building before started to help Katz out. The malleability of the structure let them tailor the structure to their exact needs. When they decided to add a smaller room for community counsel meetings it was easy to snip the chicken wire and add the space...

BACK TO REALITY
Well, actually, the building doesn't seem to have been finished. But the structure is still there.

THE MORAL TO THE STORY
You figure it out. I'm going to finish my coffee.

2007-06-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

Now This Ruins Everything
Jim and Jim were taking a walk through the desert. The desert was hot. Jim was sweating. Jim was actually kind of cold. The hair on the back of his neck was standing up and he didn't know why.... Holy Shit. A monster.

2007-06-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentleman, We Are Floating in Mystery

I have faith in the process. I have faith in the process. I have faith in the process.

Things happen for a reason. Things happen for a reason. Things happen for a reason.

Chocolate. Yum. Chocolate. Yum. Chocolate. Yum.

2007-01-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

Control Issues

A remote control is a device used for the remote operation of a device or tool.

According to the Urban Dictionary, a tool is a person who lacks mental capacity. Someone who is being used. A fool, a cretin. A cheap piece of meat.

According to the January 26 Giant Circular for the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington DC, center cut pork loin chops are on sale for $2.99 a pound with your Bonus Card.

2007-01-26T08:16:00.000-08:00

Jesus is Awesome

When I was a kid, I thought I was the Jesus of the monsters under my bed and in my closet.

Jesus Complex is the electro-industrial project of Damon Fries. Though originally from San Francisco, Damon moved to Amsterdam, The Netherlands in 1998 to escape the "extremity and hypocrisy of American culture."

"As we all know, Jesus fought corruption, hypocrisy, and the decadent power structure. He shook people up and you know what He got for that!"

I'm running for President on the monsters in my closet platform.

2006-10-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

AMAZING THINGS

Foie gras is an engorged duck liver. It is also sweet love.

Betta fish breathe sweet air. That's why they don't need fancy filters.

Dogfish Head Brewery in Delaware brews vodka and gin aside from their yummy tasty IPAs.

2006-10-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

JUST ACT NATURAL

"A Return to Normalcy" was Warren Harding's campaign slogan in 1920. Harding won over his opponent James Cox, a democrat from New Jersey.

New Jersey's state motto is "Liberty and Prosperity."

The official name of the Statue of Liberty is "La Liberté Éclairant Le Monde" or "Liberty Enlightens the World."

The interior of the planet Earth remains active, with a solid layer of convecting earth mantle and a solid iron ore core that generates a magnetic field.

Act for Love is a dating service for activists. Best of all, just by using ActForLove.org, you're helping to support progressive causes.

2006-10-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

Pause

Listening is the ability and action of receiving information, often in the form of sound.

One of the traditional five senses and performed primarily by the auditory system, hearing is the ability to detect sound.

Active listening is the conscious decision to focus on a particular set of information, suspending one's own frame of reference and suspending judgement.

Meetings happen when two or more people agree to come together and discuss a predetermined topic.

Cognitive dissonance is the uncomfortable tension that comes from holding two conflicting thoughts at the same time.

I'm late for my appointment. Can we talk about this later?

2006-10-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

C?R?O?W?D?E?D?

Crowded spaces are:
a. choking.
b. inspiring.
c. both choking and inspiring.

2006-09-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

YOU DID WHAT?

I joined a church last weekend. I got dressed up, pinned a red flower to my shirt, repeated some words and had some folks congratulate me.

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I really wanted more. Some sort of ritual involving bloodletting. Or a test. You know, take this pitcher of water and an everything bagel and sit on the banks of the Potomac for a month. So much for self-sacrifice.

This whole church business has reminded me how messed up the adult world is. We have our priorities all wack. Even in church. And so, I propose a New Reformed Church of Children.

Why do churches separate children from adults? If old people are allowed in, so should children. Old people and children have a lot in common, they're both chronologically closer to the meaning of life than the average adult. They may not be able to articulate it, but just watch a kid smile and you know you've got a little baby buddha throwing dharma at you in spades. Blow some bubbles from the altar and watch all the boys and girls do the right thing. Pop, pop, pop. Give a toddler the pulpit and you'll see Love in the darndest of places. Give up the structure of your important life and realize that you had this thing figured out years ago.

I'm going to bring this idea to the board of directors of my church. I think they'll eat it up.

[SECRET SERIOUS NOTE: Yes, I did join the church. Yes, I am happy. Yes, I think you are going to hell.]

2006-09-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

NO RING

2006-09-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

GETTING CLOSE

2006-09-27T13:17:00.001-07:00

CHOOSE YOUR CHOICE

2006-09-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

Little Rocket

Two things first, then first things second:
1. This is really important.
2. I'm a fact.

Can we be friends?

2006-09-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

Tap Tap

I want in ya bastard people.

2006-09-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

Let's Do This Thing #2

"It's just so much."

"Eat what you can. I'll feed the rest to the dogs."

"That's a good idea."

--

"It's just so much."

"Take her for a spin. If you don't like it, take it back."

"That's a good thought."

--

"It's just so much."

"Focus on the positive. You'll never have to pay for a meal again."

"That's a good point."

2006-09-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

If I Were a Robot On Vacation

Using an advanced algorithm, I would forget the current day of the week.

Replace function would be used to convert work time to domino time, meeting time to shooting the shit time and break time to nap time.

The meaning of life would be compressed to food, water and pleasure.

2006-09-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid

Matt Sesow is a good friend and a great painter. He let me chat with him on April Fool's Day 2006. I've finally found time to round the audio files up and transcribe the conversation.

The first installment of the interview is on Rock Heals today.

2006-08-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

Predominantly comprised of metal and other carbon-based materials, weapons are a thing of wonder. Used for murder, slaughter, slicing, dicing, destroying, defending and decorating, weapons can give any person, group, municipality, country or room an air of danger and malice.

Sloppy, errant destruction is a thing of the past. Today's weapons are created with a keen sense of purpose. They are not weapons for weapon's sake. They mean business and that's good news for the world's military industrial complex.

Weapons makers, dealers and smugglers have become today's jet set. They're practically stars in their own right. Without them, there'd be no fear, no reason to look behind your back. Without them, life would be a tad bit boring.

Start Touching Weapons
It's a matter of survival.

2006-08-24T05:58:00.000-07:00

Stay Fresh

Pringles are a potato chip product produced by Procter and Gamble. Made from a fried dough of reconsituted potatoes, they are uniform, scrumptious and available in a variety of flavors.

Earl Tupper created a series of bowls with closures similar to paint can lids. Depending on the orientation of the closure, the lid is either slightly smaller or slightly bigger than the bowl's lip, creating an air-tight seal.

The modern wet suit is constructed of skintight neoprene, affording the human body limited protection from hypothermia in cold water conditions.

2006-08-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

Turn Turn Turn

A pivot is a point or object on which something else turns. A shaft, a pin, a dime. A pivot doesn't do anything. But in being what it is, it lets other things do their thing.

BLOG SWARM OF NOTE: My friend Kate makes me love her even more with this brilliant and touching ode to her favorite South Korean food.

2006-08-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Critical Mass

Change can be intentional but it cannot be forced.
I want to be more attractive. I want to find my calling. I want to live in a paradise that includes but is not limited to: exquisite espresso, kind strangers and peaceful debates that end in community and a really cool block party.

The real subversive knows it's possible.

2006-08-09T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Space Between Things

Mathematical space is not a tightly defined concept. In fact, mathematical space is a series of loosely related concepts: Euclidean space, vector space and dimensional space being examples.

Physical space is a basic unit of reality. It can't be broken down further, thus it is defined by measurement. Five feet. Ten feet. One million feet.

Personal space is the place between things. It's my blank face. It's why I didn't get up this morning at seven to meet for coffee. Space can't be broken down further.

2006-07-25T15:51:00.000-07:00

Action Figure

Maxwell's demon, a thought experiment meant to challenge the second law of thermodynamics, posits that the entropy of a system not at equilibrium may, with a little help, be able to decrease instead of increase.

In other words, a cup of hot water placed in a freezer could stay hot if something or someone could track all the molecules in the freezer, find the ones that are faster (thus hotter) than the majority and send them into the area around the cup.

Neofatalists believe our actions are predetermined by our personalities and that, in fact, the whole of existence was predetermined by the cause of events. In other words, neofatalists believe free-will is an illusion, not because we can't choose things, but because our very being is connected to those choices.

I took a walk to work on Monday. I decided to break every action down to its basics. I'm moving forward. I'm moving my left foot. My left foot is hitting the concrete. Every action, deconstructed and broadcast in my nifty little brain. I've taken this walk every day for a year. And I didn't realize, until this walk, that the wall closest to the door in the laundromat next to Moby's kabobs in Georgetown has a poster of Michael Bolton.

2006-07-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

Life is School

Less time for foursquare.
More for homework.
Class is in session.

2006-07-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

This Is Only Temporary

Hey you. Over here. Come on. Yeah, give me some sugar. Give me a hug. Yer a good person. No, really. You are. I just want to eat you up. I just want to take you and eat you up. I'm gonna eat everyone up. Just munch on em and consume them and be one big old sack of oneness and being slopping around taking it all in. Yeah, no, it's good. This is good. You'll just want to baste yourself in an herbed butter first.

2006-07-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

Mommy, where do fish come from?