Just Talkin’ Here

One of the more congenial things about FaceBook is that while flaming (and trolling and all such related hate-baiting tactics) still happens, users aren't locked into the thread where it occurs. With multiple conversations going on all the time among many different arrangements of "friends" it is not a problem requiring something like a nuclear option to deal with. 

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Sunset drumming

Last night I road my bike across town to the World's Fair Pavilion in Forest Park in St. Louis to take some photos. I didn't know what I'd find--I assumed I'd be shooting a sunset. It's a spectacular overlook at one of the many edges of one of the largest city parks in the U.S. I did find a compelling sunset, but what was equally compelling was a group of first rate drummers that go by the name of "Soularo," including Nafi Rafat and Marcus Jones. They gave me permission to photograph part of their session. IMG_4237 drummers Soularo-3 IMG_4202 drummers Soularo IMG_4185 drummers Soularo As Jones noted hours later, drumming is like heartbeat. That is true, and it is also a powerful elixir, capable of erasing one's woes and filling one with thirst for good-hearted life. That's what seemed clear from watching the dozens of people who were drawn to this spontaneous gathering. IMG_4225 drummers Soularo IMG_4191 drummers Soularo Only a few weeks ago, I spent time at this same location honoring the life of Sonny Glassberg, who recently passed away (she was the mother of a friend of mine). She gave substantial financial support to allow the renovation of this extraordinary venue.

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The critical importance of complete freedom of the press (in additional to free speech)

The Death and Life of American Journalism (2010), by Robert McChesney and John Nichols, is an extraordinary book detailing A) the historical and jurisprudential foundation for freedom of the press (specifically granted in the First Amendment, separate and distinct from free speech), and B) the need to declare journalism as…

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