Is OWS part of the 1%?

That's not really a serious question...but apparently OWS is facing a new problem, what to do with over $500K raised across the country. They not only have to find things to spend it on, but need file all donations and make sure they still comply with non-profit rules, or risk becoming the very "big-business self-interest investing" companies that they currently protest. I realize they aren't a bank, so I'm not suggesting they become the cause of improper lending practices...but if they simply start doling out money to candidates that support them and their interests, what makes them different than say...the Koch brothers doing the same for their company?

Well the answer is that one group is fighting for the middle class, the other fighting for their business, but the concept is the same. If OWS start changing ideas and ethics based on what benefits them, they open a very slippery slope that is dangerously close to the tactics and logic used by the people they oppose.

Here's an idea...Maybe the OWS should spread that 500K around to any local business experiencing a downfall in profits due to the occupation, barriers, and general unrest that may influence potential customers to choose different locations? I would bet there are many people that are simply avoiding the entire area, not for political reasons, just the basic reason that most people avoid confrontation in any way possible. Not trying to bash the movement, but I can't imagine having that many people voicing such a "vocal" opinion around your business would help in anyway to attract customers.

anyways...don't know how you'd do it and i would bet that doesn't even come up in a serious argument, but it is a side of the story worth bringing up. Check out the story below.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45132748/

US Courts Get One Right

Well with all the "conspiracy" "corruption" and "corporate greed" being thrown around these days, you'd think nothing in the US is any good these days. Well, it's been a little tough lately, but at least there's some good things being done in the court systems...

A suit was settled recently in Alabama, awarding Shawn Esfahani, an Iraqi Toyota dealership owner, $7.2 million after he sued a competing Toyota dealer for slander. It was reported that the sales manager of the opposing dealer had told customers that Esfahani was of middle-eastern decent, was "helping fund the insurgents there and also laundering money for them", and that he was funneling money back to terrorists which put american soldiers at risk. The jury took three hours to award the 7.2 million (out of 28 million asked for) for damages and while Esfahani enjoyed his payday, he also went on to say that the truth coming out in the courtroom was worth more than anyone could have given, and that he hopes that the verdict will set precedent for other business owners unfairly discriminated against.

I can only hope that the 7.2 million is enough to change the illogical minds of the opposing dealership employees...be nice kids...it's worth it.

http://news.yahoo.com/owner-car-dealership-labeled-taliban-toyota-wins-millions-004302989.html

Three Pieces

These pieces aren't directly related other than the fact they were all made within an hour of each other. But I think the progression is interesting none the less.

They are more sketches than finished pieces, but sometimes you find your best moments in an inconsequential dribble of paint and a lackadaisical dragging of a pastel.

I Want It All, I Want It All

"I Want It All, I Want It All" is a text based "placement project" piece that has already been placed and probably taken (given how visible it was). The title and text ,or subject, is taken from the Sufjan Stevens song "All for Myself." Something that seperates much of my favorite music on this album is it's simple complexity...I know..that doesn't make much sense...but really. Compared to the lyrics, history, random facts, narrative and personal experience in the previous number of albums from Sufjan, these songs seem much more personal, much more introspective, and much more central. It's a simpler focus on a much more complex subject. It's that "simple complexity" which I took from the song that led to this seen. Simple as the words on a page, but as complex as the abstract forms which the words make if not written clearly. The song has a simple message "I want it all for myself" but what that is that he wants requires a bit more digging, interpretation and guesswork. Check the AWESOME song below.

Sigur Ros "in" Madison

How'd I not know about this sooner. it's not quite as good as a live show, but about as close as possible till the next tour.

A showing of the new Live concert/documentary "INNI" by sigur ros will be shown in Madison next thursday at Sundance Cinemas and I REALLLLLLLY wanna go. Check it out and preorder your copy to be released soon (I'll be getting mine in the next few weeks)

https://www.eventbrite.com/event/2404176958

Well That's a Start to Fixing the Drug War

Thank God someone finally addressed this. Since Len Bias, the basketball phenom who died the night after going #1 overall in the NBA draft to the celtics of a cocaine overdose, there has been a ridiculous law demanding a minimum sentence of 5 years for ANY possession of crack...That's right, ANY. That means if you have a trace of it, you get the same sentence as someone who has 100 times that much. Well finally, the government has voted to retroactively reduce sentences for lesser offenders, allowing the eventual release of many small-time offenders.

On top of the extreme sentences, the law was controversial and labeled racist as it singled out crack, a drug  in which 84% of convicted possessors were african american , and left out cocaine, which only 30% of convicted possessors were african american.

The new vote is limited to federally prosecuted prisoners, leaving many state convicted perps unhelped, and only applies to those convicted after 2007 since a previous reduction law was passed in that year and has already been applied to thousands of prisoners.

It's not perfect...many people will still stay in prison far longer than they should, but at least it's a start.
http://openchannel.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/01/8566165-no-crackheads-arent-coming-to-get-you

Get Out and VOTE!

FOR ART! Check out the first ever ArtMilwaukee Art Awards! Submit your favorites in a variety of categories, overall "best artist",  plus some decorative and food-art categories! Vote for me, yourself, and whoever you think deserves it!

For those interested, I am planning on submitting "The Crystal Ships" and "He Had Gold Running Through His FingerTips" in the "painting" category and plan to submit a video piece for mixed media. VOTE SUBMIT WIN!!

http://www.artmilwaukeeawards.com/