Category: misc

Taxes and giving

I need some help understanding something. Hopefully there are some folks out there that read this blog that can help me out.

I keep hearing folks who are mad and upset about the way Obama is spending their tax dollars. I heard similar things from the other side of the aisle when Bush was president. And I can understand that (from both sides).

But if you don’t like the way your tax dollars are being spent – why don’t you simply find a non-profit organization that you approve of and give your tax dollars to them instead?
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The Idea Camp – Justice edition

Idea Camp Logo

Have I mentioned that I love the ideas behind The Idea Camp? It’s such a great un-conference, open and FREE (aka Pay What You Will) concept!

The event is based entirely around conversations with the “speakers” via interviews, Twitter and txt messaged questions, rather than a 45-minute lecture by some “expert” in his field.
Continue reading The Idea Camp – Justice edition

Taking photos in public

Thomas has an interesting take on taking photos of folks in public over on the nanolog — and specifically taking photos of the homeless.

I have no idea who the chap is in the pic nor do I have any thought as to why he considered it acceptable to photograph the Soup Van and the queue of folks waiting to be served.

I actually was quite blatant about taking the photo… but either he didn’t notice or didn’t care.

I found his behaviour rude and… if I am honest… rather dangerous.

We do not take photographs as a rule because we don’t want to put a barrier between us and the folks we serve… some of which would prefer not to have their photo taken.

He was rude because he didn’t ask… and he took a chance because he would have met with some strong opposition if he’d been spotted.

In hindsight… whilst I appreciate what he’s trying to do… it still seems wrong to me and probably explains why I prefer to take pictures of buildings or people I know. People need a choice….

People deserve the common courtesy to be asked whether or not they wish to have their photo taken. Not an easy task considering the number of folks present.

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July 2009 vacation photos

I’ve posted 250+ of my favorite photos from our vacation last week in the Bahamas.

You can view them here (click on the photo below)… or on Flickr or as a slideshow.

July 2009 Cruise to the Bahamas

Also, you can see the photos Laurie picked as her favorites on Flickr as well.

What Matters More?

Derek Webb’s new song is getting a lot of talk around the Interwebs these days.

I think the song is great. And I could care less about who his “target audience is.” I think it’s got a great challenging message.
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Automatic e-mail responders

email route

Anyone else use an auto-responder at e-mails when they’re out of town?

Or are you so tied to e-mail that you check it regardless?

Personally I don’t ever check work related e-mail from home unless it’s an absolute emergency, but since I’m going to be out of town, I thought I’d set up an auto-responder with a twist for my work account.
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