photomarkseelen Peeps, In spite of the actions of some, there is still much to celebrate. We are now living in a time where everyday individuals, common-place persons just like ourselves, have begun to look beyond the facade presented (and maintained) by big businesses, unscrupulous politicians, and 'the system' which sought to control free thought and speech, and movement(s). And advances in technology should be given credit for much of the slow unraveling of a hegemony that stretches back through many decades. The Internet (and social media) has allowed for many, who previously voice-less and thus inconsequential, to voice their displeasure and dissatisfaction at the status quo and the inequalities experienced by many in the world, save the privileged and powerful. Information, flowing unrestricted across borders and barriers, now more clearly reveals the transactions and 'deals' once conducted under the cover of darkness, behind closed doors, or for...
image,karinarems courtesy79ideasblog Peeps, First, one, then the other, and another, we slowly and steadily departed from our parent's home after high school to walk further on the path of our respective lives. Sometimes hesitantly, or fearfully, or resentfully, each sibling exited on a certain day, at an unfixed hour. Not quite a tradition, though certainly customary by the time my turn arrived, all winds blew out towards adventure and adulthood, and in my mind, total freedom. Some returned, if just for a brief visit at holidays, others would not for reasons to varied to remember, yet certainly discussed in great length at the breakfast table, or whispered about behind closed doors to which I habitually pressed my ear. I am told that my mother seemed to have lost some of the glow she once had, now living in a silent and child-less house. I am told that she would swing on our front-porch early in the evenings through nightfall, staring into the dis...
imagecourtesydesignsponge Peeps, Today, it's Election Day in my former home-town (Alexandria, VA) and the stakes are high. I believe that fourteen candidates are vying for eight seats on the City Council. While I no longer reside within that county, I am well aware of two pressing issues which need to be addressed, either by new council-members or those who remain for the next term of office. Recently, in the city's zeal to embrace new growth (in the form of more housing, retail and office space) zoning variances and tax breaks were granted in exchange for a larger number of 'affordable units' to be made available to low-income residents, many of who previously resided in public-housing complexes (now razed by the wrecking ball). While the opportunity to live in the charming row-house style units (complete with a manufactured charm suggestive of Old Towne gentility) that have cropped up in the northern sections of the city may seem like a godsend, some...
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