Thursday, December 14, 2006

I'm back, with new blog philosophy, and new technology with my Firfox 2.0 browser with great blogging support.

The philosophy is that rather than trying to write long articles, I will try to write something, even if it is a few sentences on a regular basis.

Now that I have screened out all but the most dependable readers, I am here for you to try and give a glimpse of what life is like volunteering and living in New Orleans. I have been extremely busy. Learning open source, programming and new web design techniques. I have actually moved more toward the media collective here and I'm less involved in the tech collective. I just finished uploading new versions of the Common Ground Documentaries to the Common ground Website.

It was an interesting week. It began with a bullet hole through my tent (don't worry, I wasn't in it and it was a freak shot not aimed at anyone here). Apparently there was a shootout at the corner store, and a stray bullet came through the fence and then through my tent.

There really is a tension here in New Orleans caused by not only the results of Katrina, but years of growing levels of corruption and racism. There is also a disproportionate number of people returning who have been unable to create a new life after evacuation. While others who have been able to find work and resources elsewhere have not made a decision to return.

I am going to take a break and visit the monastery from the 19th til the 27th or so. Looking forward to some time away, good friends and indoor living.