Sorry For The Inconvenience...

This was sent to me this morning.

People March on Bank of America in Austin

I didn't shoot this video, but I also didn't hear about it on the news, so I thought my readers might want to see what happened at Bank of America in downtown Austin.

Occupy Austin Band

I will try to post updates with pictures and videos from City Hall in Austin, TX.

Here's a quick clip from a group that contributed their efforts toward the occupation:

Point to Ponder

A message passed on by a dear friend this morning...

Thank you, Stacy.

A Minute of Mayhem for Malcolm

Your impact will be loved and hated for years to come. You were a punk rock revolutionary.

On the Humanade website, Mr. McLaren’s son, Joseph Corré, wrote:

“In celebration of Malcolm’s life we are asking people to observe a MINUTE OF MAYHEM at midday on 22nd April. Put on your favorite records and let it RIP!”

Here's a quick tribute from a "gin-sodden" Uke musician.

Reuters reported. Mr. McLaren died of mesothelioma on April 8. He was 64.

Thank you Malcolm.

A Message of Hope

Although this may first appear to be a message of despair, please watch to the end. This is a video that was submitted in a contest by a 20-year old. When they showed it at the AARP competition, everyone in the room was awe-struck and broke into spontaneous applause. The message is inspiring and creatively put together.



I first saw this in 2007 and terminated the video in the first few seconds as it seemed as if it was a young person who was writing about giving in and giving up. Thanks to Sanford, who sent this to me and let me know how brilliant the message and its presentation are.

Consume Something

Budding Austin Film artist, Nichelle Deaver, provides today's short, thought provoking video. 

 Kellington Brown is the young lady in the video.

Much Love & No Shopping

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow is Buy Nothing Day.

Want to give something special this year?  Give presence, not presents.

Much love & No Shopping!!!

fascism Christmas Sales bargain hope thanksgiving holiday shopping republican democrat economy buy buy buy

Morning Music - Straight No Chaser

I am not a big fan of Christmas music or the consumeristic orgy it has become inextricably tied to, but I found this clip of Straight No Chaser performing an entertaining version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas". The clip is almost 10 years old and was filmed at the Musical Arts Center of Bloomington, Indiana. I expect this will be my only Christmas music post, so I hope you find it entertaining.

Black Friday

The PR generated consumer frenzy began today. Happy Holidays.



I almost got stuck in traffic as I was heading from San Antonio to Austin at midnight on Thanksgiving. The outlet malls were opening their doors at midnight and the traffic jam went for miles and miles in both directions. As fear is the motivator of choice this season...be very afraid that prices are going up and gifts are running out.

Maxed Out - The Movie

Give the gift of freedom. Tell someone not to buy you anything!!! Let's all work together to help get more people out of debt. You are whole!!! You don't need to buy more stuff to be a good child, spouse, friend!! Be a better friend. Friends don't let friends use credit.

Since I'm on a holiday roll...here's a feature length film about credit. This one is called "Maxed Out" and is directed by James Scurlock.





To book James Scurlock as a speaker, please contact Jonathan Tunick of Mainstage Productions at (212) 647-0947 or jtunick@main-stageproductions.com.

Thanks to Kieran for reminding me about this one.

The Movie Santa Doesn't Want You To See.

In honor of the coming shopping season, Reverend Billy is on a crusade. He has a new movie, produced by Morgan Spurlock called "What Would Jesus Buy?" I had a blog entry regarding Reverend Billy being arrested for reciting the 1st amendment to the Constitution. You can see it here.

What Would Jesus Buy? follows Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir as they go on a cross-country mission to save Christmas from the Shopocalypse: the end of mankind from consumerism, over-consumption and the fires of eternal debt!

(Click on movie poster to view trailer)

So...this one comes with a warning. I shared this with a number of friends and acquaintances. Some found Reverend Billy to be over the top, in-your-face and a bit offensive. (I like those things about him)

Can I suggest a follow up movie? Who Would Jesus Waterboard?

Thanks to Shelly for this one.