Decibel Dragon Journal

- Wednesday, July 31

The National Space Science and Technology Center has recently created a map of satellite images that reveal high-strike zones throughout the world. No, not air-strike, but lightning strikes. Images were created by two satellites equipped with near-infrared optical sensors. Want to avoid lightning at all costs?? North Africa would be a good place to live, along with western China or perhaps a small island out in the Pacific. Some great trivia here as well. Some Pacific island languages don't even have a word for lightning.

The postal sticker scene has recently exploded in London. Heading up some of the most notorious stickers, the Toasters. Covering global locations in the past 3years, this crew has not only been busy, they've been quite successful in spreading their image.According to Toaster A, (the crew consists of Toaster A, B and C), 'It's about pushing people's perceptions of what is right or wrong and what they think is legitimate.' In just over 3years time, the Toaster has evolved from tiny stickers to massive wall-coverings to full on mass production. They coverage is quite impressive, stop by their online presence and check out their photos and clothes.

CompactFlash damage!! Released in January, but coming to my attention now is a press release from the CompactFlash Association about the risks of irradiation damage through U.S. Mail. Since the unforturnate discovery of anthrax and other harmful materials being passed through the mail the USPS has implemented e-beam irradiation systems to sanitize these materials.CFA has issued a warning to users, that these e-beam irradiation systems WILL damage CompactFlash cards. Such damage will not only cause loss of data stored on the cards, but the cards will no longer be operable. Keep this in mind when sending out your next CompactFlash card, USPS is not reccommended.

- Sunday, July 28

Bora-Bora, French Polynesia. A beautiful turquoise gem lofts above the deep blue waters of its surrounding ocean waters. Photographer Jodi Cobb captures a gift from nature. Glowing white sand beaches create an outline of this South Seas paradise. Jodi Cobb is also a featured photographer in a new book from National Geographic's Women Photographers.

- Thursday, July 25

Entries are being accepted worldwide for the Canon Digital Creators Contest 2002. With a Gold Award fetching US$ 20,000 it may be worth a look at. All entries must be submitted and received by 03 September 2002, so stop reading and start sending; we could all use a bit more pocket change.

Never paid much attention to Olympus in the recent past, but this new digital camera they've released looks pretty nice: Olympus E-20N. i've yet to take it out for a test run, but from the looks of it, it could be sooner than later.

- Wednesday, July 24

SmartMonkey Foods presents the next raw and living foods dinner event in Hollywood, CA. Saturday is coming up soon, and our limited guest list is filling up quick!! Check out the site for current updates and to see when the next event will be.

Just getting back from Oakland / San Francisco. Was an excellent trip. Celebrated Ani and Max's birthday at Roxanne's. Beautiful restaurant and fabulous food, best of all we could order everything on the menu, it's all raw!! Also had a chance to connect with some amazing people i've really missed since leaving the Bay Area. I miss you all and see you soon.

- Friday, July 19

Decibel Dragon will be spending the next few days in the bay area. Visiting SF, Oakland and hoping to go to the raw vegan restaurant in Larkspur, called Roxanne's. Will reconnect as soon as the crew returns.

- Thursday, July 18

I'm sure i've mentioned Patagonia previously, but i just wanted to share how commited they really are. It's all about the human scale and commitment to grassroots environmental activism. Working to reduce the amount harm to the environment, understanding that organic cotton is a much better choice than cotton grown with poison and pesticides. A lead to follow for sure.

Spending some time recently in Palm Springs, CA at one of the state's largest wind farms reminded me of a recent articel in Mother Jones Magazine: Prevailing Winds. Their July/August issue, It's Easy Being Green, brings light to clean energy and why the US should follow Europe's lead and make some big investments in our future.

Been offline for the past week. A bit of traveling: Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley. Back in from the heat, it was an average of 115degrees Fahrenheit or 46degrees Celsius in the desert. Hot enough to melt film in direct sunlight. Did some scouting for an upcoming photoshoot with a music group in a few weeks. Also had a chance to get up and personal with some of the newest energy producing windmills. Quite fascinating actually. Wind power has become the fastest-growing source of electricity, and it's a beautiful source of renewable energy.

- Thursday, July 11

'Genetically Engineered Food', an article by Gabriel Cousens explores a situation where more pesticides and herbicides are needed, has significant health problems that have been associated with it within a few years of its use. In essence, Genetically engineered (GE) food threatens human health, and the health of the total planetary ecology.

Photolink.de, a huge place for links to photography, photographers, magazines, agencies, manufacturers, directories and more. Huge thank you to Juergen Stumpe in Berlin, Germany for putting this all together.

Should We All Be Vegetarians? A recent Time Magazine cover story explores this question. I have not yet read it, but i did recently find it online–now it can be read without having to purchase the magazine.

- Tuesday, July 9

Compound Records, the west coast's only all drum & bass shop, located in SanFrancisco has released a few sweet records from the likes of Ram Trilogy, Dagga, Mace and Kenny Ken. Tons more to choose from in their online shop, they've also put up some apparel for sale as well.

Cusack in 2004? If Ronald Reagan could be president, and Warren Beatty thinks he can–why not a guy like John Cusak? Cusak for President has struck a chord with the young and politically disaffected and college students have founded over 143 chapters on campuses nationwide. Although Cusack has yet to weigh in on this campaign, you can still show support by picking up a t-shirt or grabbing one of the limited action packs. 'Cusak for President: He can act the role of president better!'.

- Monday, July 8

Marcel over at pogoyoyo has some excellent photos up on the site. The design is nice and tight, the photos are fabulous and i hope to see more of this work. Keep rockin' it.

Clamor Magazine, new perspectives on politics, culture, media and life; bring us, IssueFifteen. Clamor's fashion issue, focusing on the social contructs around fashion and beauty, big business selling identities to kids, sweatshops and fair-trade fashion. Their site has a ton more, clean design and great content.

Issue #2 now available from Faesthetic, a huge collection of amazing contributors and interview with Shepard Fairey. They tell me supplies are limited, so if you like, buy before it's gone.

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the ABSOLUT CHALK Street Painting Festival in Pasadena, CA. This year over 600artists from LosAngeles and Southern California gathered to create beautiful chalk murals in support of the Light Bringer Project, a Pasadena-based non-profit cultural organization. Some artists spend nearly 20hours to create their 'masterpieces' and you can check out photographs from the celebration on the site as well. Congrats to everyone who participated, braved the hot summer temps and showed off some amazing talent.

- Tuesday, July 2

Leave it up to the crew at Vice Magazine to keep tabs on what's really happening out there in the land of fashion. Check out their latest: don'ts. If you still need more, check out these don'ts as well.

DesignForFreedom, the July release of the Freedom Project is now online. A group of designers with one goal: to create art that expresses FREEDOM to them. Especially check out the guy in the red shirt: +ASH.

- Monday, July 1

TinKin.com. Very interesting collection of images, news, art projects and enough links to fill up your favorites folder.

The Association of Photographers is a non-profit making trade association for fashion, advertising and editorial photographers. Founded in 1968, based in Leonard Street, London, from where a staff of eleven, working alongside representatives from the membership, co-ordinate a variety of services, competitions and benefits for Association members. Call for entries here as well.

The John Kobal Photographic Portrait Award, now in its 10th year, has firmly established itself as the leading showcase for new talent in portrait photography. They are looking for entries now!! It's a very unique platform showcasing work from students, young professionals and gifted amateurs.

ei8ht magazine is the culmination of three years working on the internet (foto8.com) with photographers and web designers to provide an outlet for the work of professional photojournalists.