Paving the way: updates, contests and finding clarity

Picking up momentum.

Some news; a photo I took at Occupy LA was entered into a Global Photojournalism Photo Contest. Vote for it! I also may have a shot featured in NBC LA's online photo gallery. Stay tuned to find out if I make the cut!

Also very excited for the topic of my next multimedia piece. Next week I'm going to go and spend the night at Occupy LA for a couple nights and do a day-in-the-life and interview some occupiers. I look forward to the conversations and the inevitable inspiration.

I met the editor in chief, Ken from The Daily Sundial today and he invited me to be a contributing photographer for the paper. I think it would be a lot of fun and look forward to the opportunity!

Now, to wax poetic:

I'm slowly feeling more confident of my work than I have in the past. Though I am completely aware that I am pretty darn green. Now is the time to choose a path and carve it out.

There are so many avenues for my passion and I can feel that a niche is on the horizon. I like being multi-faceted, but I think I'm beginning to find my bearings in regards to the environments I want to immerse myself in.

In a nutshell, when it comes to visual content, I feel a strong resonance to a couple themes. One would be finding those colorful people in the world and giving them a platform to be seen and understood. I love getting to know people, period. One of my talents is my ability to make people comfortable and open up. That paired with the way I like to frame things visually I think can create an opportunity to feature the "freaks" of society with dignity. Ever since I was introduced to Diane Arbus I knew we were kindred spirits. Captivating viewers into worlds they may have never felt were accessible.

Another angle I'm finding myself more and more attracted to are those topics the public tries to push out of their minds. More specifically, controversial topics and finding the human story in them.

On a purely aesthetic level I love gritty, "grotesque" subjects (inanimate or otherwise) and making them beautiful. It's ironic because the way people depict me when I'm the subjet is almost diametrically opposed to what my choices are for the work I produce.

Will find a way to make it work.

With love and dissent,
Jewell

RADIATION WARNING FOR WEST COAST!

All-

The media is not painting the whole picture in terms of the West Coast's risk to radiation exposure. I was informed by a professor who has connections to the Obama Administration that radiation is expected to hit the West Coast within the next 48 hours. The press, both domestically and abroad are downplaying the global implications of the events that are happening right now as to not incite a global panic.

The radiation on its way has carcinogenic effects! If you plan on living for longer than 35 years from now, you MUST protect yourself from these potentially damaging effects.The damage can sometimes manifest decades later.  Our thyroid glands are the most vulnerable to cancer at this level of exposure, so it is crucial you take the proper measures.

Please, protect yourself and your family by taking potassium iodide for a week. You can find this supplement at a local health food store, your doctor, GNC, Vitamin World, or even online. I tried to pick some up from Whole Foods, but they are completely out of stock and won't have any for another two weeks. It is safe for children too, just consult with your pediatrician or ask the specialists at the store for suggested dosage.

This is not a joke. When Chernobyl happened in the 80s, the US was exposed to radiation as well. Oregon even temporarily called for a halt in dairy consumption for a short time.

People need to know the potential risks and be equipped with information to help themselves, should they feel so inclined.

Tips Obama Administrator (an expert researcher) relayed to my professor:

• Avoid tap water. Only drink bottled, if you have the resources to do so (until the threat lessens and radiation dissipates)
• Take potassium iodide supplements for a week. Liquid or tablets are fine. Kids can take them as well. Especially protect them, as they are also at risk of developing reactions decades down the line.

This isn't necessarily a perilous situation, but it's integral to be informed and take the necessary precautionary measures.

I love you all and hope you take care.

The Life and Death of American Journalism

"This crowd will be certain to oppose reform, and distort the issues beyond recognition, because ignorance is their best friend- and because they make a lot of money spinning scary stories of blood-sucking taxmen, deadly Canadian healthcare and moderate Republicanism."- The Life and Death of American Journalism


Perfect quote that sums up the malicious nature of the conglomerates that are running real news media six-feet-under. Clear channel, Disney, Tribune... All  of these have their hands in so many honey pots and control the airwaves, television content and what goes to print. If you listen to the majority of what is broadcast, written, etc. there is an undeniable pattern of trash. Even NPR. They are sponsored by Monsanto, Walmart and Pfizer. 


Another good quote: "Never before have we had so many tools to learn and communicate- yet the art of talking, listening and ascertaining the truth seems more elusive than ever in this Internet and cable age, lost in a bitter stream of blather and misinformation." Maureen Dowd


In better news, I did hear how there has been a big push for more community-run radio stations to come back on-air. Of course, the special interest groups (such as some I listed above) are not thrilled with this prospect but if things do move forward and subsidies do start happening for radio, we can only hope it trickles down to print. The integrity of what we depend on for facts and for what is happening in the world depends on it.


Regardless, it is essential to remain critical. Stay abreast of the poisonous influences of these corporate devils.


With extra love and dissent,
Jewell