12ozProphet

Healthcare (Insurance) reform is on everyones minds, right now (if you pay attention to news or politics). Tonight on Frontline (PBS) was a fascinating news story by TR Reid comparing (mostly state run) healthcare systems from around the world. “Sick Around The Word” can be watched in full online here. And I highly recommend it if you want to have a better understanding of alternatives around the world. Reid’s preference is definitely a single payer system akin to Taiwan.

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On the American side of the issue, there were 2 really great must-listen episodes of This American Life, digging deeper into the background and hidden economics in the American System. More is Less about why prices keep rising in our system. And Someone Else’s Money which is an incredibly pro-free market argument for NPR.

My own preference is similar to the argument put forth by David Goldhill in Septembers issue of The Atlantic putting the impetus and empowerment on the individual for their own care, making Doctors and procedures costs transparent and insurance more toward catastrophic care as opposed to upkeep care not that dissimilar from auto insurance.

We celebrate the fall of a wall, and the beginning of the death of a cold war that held 3 generations in fear. And in many ways a marker of our current era. But long before that, artists were striking at our political divides. Maybe if our more mislead US leaders actually create that wall between us and Mexico thats been talked about for years we can hope some restless youths will learn from history and start to destroy before it gets completed.

So I recently got bit by the motorcycle bug (well a little while ago) but I finally got around to getting my license and just bought my first bike.  A 75 Yamaha XS650 for those who care. Stock. Wrong season for a newbie in New York, I know. But I’m doing a lot of reading and lurking on motorcycle blogs, getting ideas. Most likely I’ll do a little cafe inspired customizations. Keep it more or less stock. But damn there are some nice bikes out there. I recently came across 4Q Conditioning aout of Oakland, and this little dudes bobber. Pretty damn inspiring. Good work Pops.

The Real. Act like you know.

A great new book called Cholo Writing: Latino Gang Graffiti in Los Angeles has come out by 3 of my favorite people. I have had extensive conversations with Chaz Bojorquez (who wrote the forward), Francois Chastanet (who authored the endeavor) and Howard Gribble (who has the most amazing collection of photos from the golden era) over the last several years, and they all have an appreciation for graffiti and letterforms, and even the often overlooked influence gang culture has played in its development over the years. I can’t wait to get a copy of this book. Congrats to all who had a hand in it.

Shepard Fairey has released a statement regarding his lawsuit by The AP. (As seen on worlds best ever)I have the utmost respect for the way Mr Fairey has chosen to take the very difficult road to make a statement that choses honesty, even if sacrificing his defensive position, in order to defend his work, and his right to create work by his methods. Making my living in the world of Skateboarding with its own history of destructive creating within the moral/ethical gray area of copyright infringement. And my Handselecta project which lives within the realm of copyright as related to font creation/use/licensing and ownership. We all live in a gray area in the internet age. Who purchased every one of their mp3’s? And it compllicates things even further because Sheps portrait of the president was done at no fiscal gain to himself. Does that change the way we see things? I am torn by this myslef. And don’t think I have a solid opinion yet, but lean toward erring on the free use side of the argument in my gut. Probably because Metalica left such a bad taste in my mouth with their napster lawsuit 10 years ago.

STATEMENT ON ASSOCIATED PRESS FAIR USE CASE
In an effort to keep everyone up to date on my legal battle to uphold the principle of fair use in copyright laws, I wanted to notify you of a recent development in my case against The Associated Press (AP).

On October 9, 2009, my lawyers sent a letter to the AP and to the photographer Mannie Garcia, through their lawyers, notifying them that I intend to amend my court pleadings. Throughout the case, there has been a question as to which Mannie Garcia photo I used as a reference to design the HOPE image. The AP claimed it was one photo, and I claimed it was another.

The new filings state for the record that the AP is correct about which photo I used as a reference and that I was mistaken. While I initially believed that the photo I referenced was a different one, I discovered early on in the case that I was wrong.

In an attempt to conceal my mistake I submitted false images and deleted other images. I sincerely apologize for my lapse in judgment and I take full responsibility for my actions which were mine alone. I am taking every step to correct the information and I regret I did not come forward sooner.

I am very sorry to have hurt and disappointed colleagues, friends, and family who have supported me in this difficult case and trying time in my life.

I am also sorry because my actions may distract from what should be the real focus of my case – the right to fair use so that all artists can create freely. Regardless of which of the two images was used, the fair use issue should be the same.

- Shepard

Cool Hunting does it again. Showing you how Burton makes their snowboards.

I think I may have posted a Tomi Ungerer post before. If I did, you’ll excuse me because he’s that cool. NYTimes had an article about him the other day The second in the last few months. His work spans from work decidedly for children to work decidedly for adults. And (American) publishers apparently decided never the 2 shall meet. A juxtaposition that was apparently too unnerving for American audiences. Which is why his work is less known on our side of the Atlantic.  But amazing nonetheless.