I heard the 900th American GI died in Iraq today. How many other people have died since the start of this maddness? It has been an expensive war for George W. Bush. I hear even the Republicans are starting to back-paddle; fearing their own short tenures in office perhaps. We sure have been through a lot in these four years. I can't say that I would want to do that again. I was thinking the other day that Bush's way our of this mess would be start a more sincere campaign against Osama bin Laden. In my opinion, he went after the wrong guy. Like father, like son.

Meanwhile, here is a web site that allows you to throw onto your site a little bit of code to track the financial cost of the war.

An internship with Brian Storm and MSNBC.com several years ago knocked into me the notion that if journalists were to survive in this tumultuous media business they had to evolve. It's as simple as that.

For some time now I have wanted to post this link to an article by Storm (it's a bit dated in only one small fact – Brian Storm is no longer with MSNBC.com) so that you too will see the writing on the wall.

Evolve or evaporate.

Via Laura Taflinger

The BBC carried this report about an enterprising journalism project. Something almost revolutionary about a popular newspaper produced by slum dwellers, for slum dwellers. While circulation numbers aren't going to threaten the Deccan Herald in Bangalore, Slum Jagathu, or “Slum World,” promises to address the often muffled voices of the poor and disenchanted.

Keeping in line with the paper's motto, I wondered if there could be a way to teach kids and adults to use cameras so that they could document their lives and the image published on a regular basis in their own newspaper. Question is if they would even consider an outsider stepping into their lives to teach them? Treading social class dynamics is a tricky business, but it can be done gingerly.

Via Anne Conneen

I never got into drawing or sketching as it just took so much time and well, my representations of people would have set you all off on a laughing spree.

But I have temporarily set my ego aside thanks to Mr. Picassohead. Mr. Potatohead meets Picasso? Well, you have got to try it out.

Here is my attempt at Art with a capital A!

As you can see, I am sure glad I took to photography. I really enjoyed creating this for this site, so much so that I am experiencing the pangs of a growing addiction. So, yes, you will see more of this here. I even told my father in India about it, and he heartily welcomed the idea to sit and create something out of nothing. The interface is intuitive; all it takes is some patience and a pinch of creativity. I am sure you can all do it.

I'll be happy to post the first twenty links you send me (one per person only please) after you have had a chance to create something of your own. Email me at: tiffinbox AT pipalproductions DOT com. Deadline is July 31.

I am curious to see what people conjure up. Aren't you?

Via Melissa Lyttle

If you are a photographer who has ever been harassed by the cops or other “authorities” raise your hand (I am raising mine). Yesterday, via Aphotoaday.org, I came across Ian Spiers' blog Brown Equals Terrorist. Spiers outlines the ways in which his civil liberties were deep-6'd while on an ostensibly innocent photo venture to the famous locks in Ballard, a burb of Seattle.

Today I learn from the same incredible source (thanks Melissa) that Kevin Bjorke began a resource for freelance photographers called PhotoPermit.org on July 4. The forums (to discuss your woes) and other links provide an outlet, should you need one to vent your frustrations while working in the field.

Take a load off; you will feel better once you have shared your story.