July 24

Was talking with my son about the possibility of him doing an independent study for a semester. Just the sound of that is interesting to me. Independent. Study. I was standing in the shower thinking about that this afternoon and wondered, "Why doesn't everyone do independent studies through school?" What is the other option.....dependent studies? Yeah, I remember going in and sitting for 90 minutes and frenetically taking notes. Not really listening to the lecture. Just trying to grab what I could, knowing that I would need to regurgitate some of that info in an exam. 2-4 weeks later I would have very little memory of anything on the exam much less all those notes from class. I know without a doubt, if I had done independent studies, I would have been a completely different student. Ah, there I go again, going against the system. Silly me. Independent studies?! Now that wouldn't prepare me for an assembly line now would that? I wouldn't be a very valuable human resource would I? Just listen to that. HUMAN RESOURCE.....

Maybe now would be a good time to introduce one of my favorite writers/speakers/researchers on the background of the formation of the education system in America. Below you will be able to listen to John Taylor Gatto being interviewed by Alex Jones.

July 3

Books/Magazines
I couldn't stop myself. Went to the cafe at the Shirokanedai Book-Off and ended up picking up a couple of books and 3 magazines. Work has been slow and money low but couldn't resist spending ¥1000 for these things.


A look further into the "transhumanist" movement and beyond into "posthumanism". "Posthumanism?" Yes, it seems as though there are millions of dollars being pumped into think tanks, university research departments, etc studying the period after humans have been completely genetically altered and/or merged with machines/computers. Sounds crazy? Yep. I thought so too. But, the more I check into this, the more real it gets. Went to see "Terminator 4" a couple of days ago and I just read some things in Cyborg that were identical to things I saw in the "predictive programming" in the movie.

"We are told almost daily and from many sources that it is impossible for human beings to direct their common life intelligently."
John Dewey - Experience and Education (pg 100)

Wow! Isn't that nice? And I grew up thinking John Dewey was a guru in the American education system. For more info on the background of the education "system" that was installed by corporate America, click on the links below for a shocking interview with John Taylor Gatto.

John Gatto Interview with Alex Jones


John Gatto Interview with Alex Jones (part 2)

I've been having some trouble with night photos. As I scanned this book, I quickly saw a couple of things that I think will help me out with my technique.


Found a few really good helpful bits of information as I read this on the train going home from the store. Great magazine!


Some great articles on yoga. The photography and lay-out of the magazine is beautiful.