Here is a summer reading/viewing list of books and documentaries relating to my internship at Creative Commons and to my ongoing personal interests. It’s a self-assigned curriculum for summer self-improvement if you will. The general themes include technology, the internet, copyright, culture, creativity, and food. I haven’t actually read all the books yet, but I have seen all the movies.
At the time of writing, all of the works are available for free (legal) viewing or download online except for Food Inc., which is now in theaters around the US – and a must see for EVERY American. I know I have kind of geeky interests, and not everybody cares to read 300+ page books about copyright, but everybody eats, so go see Food Inc already!
Books
The Wealth of Networks How Social Production Transforms Markets and Freedom
Yochai Benkler
Music and It’s Reflection on Society
Catalan: La Música i el seu reflex en la societat
Spanish: La música y su reflejo en la sociedad
Edited by Indigestió
A collection of essays about the role of music in contemporary society. Only in Spanish and Catalan for now though.
Tales from the Public Domain: Bound By Law? “Bound by Law translates law into plain English and abstract ideas into ‘visual metaphors.’ So the comic’s heroine, Akiko, brandishes a laser gun as she fends off a cyclopean ‘Rights Monster’ – all the while learning copyright law basics, including the line between fair use and copyright infringement.” -Brandt Goldstein, The Wall Street Journal online
Documentaries
Good Copy/Bad Copy
A Danish documentary about the current state of copyright and culture
Food, Inc. Filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government’s regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA.
The Legend of Leigh Bowery The Legend of Leigh Bowery explores a life lived as if it was a performance. Leigh Bowery was a costume/clothing designer, nightclub impresario, performer, and musician whose vision influenced many of today’s most important artists. He later became known to the world at large as the muse and subject of preeminent British painter Lucian Freud.
The Creative Commons Salon San Francisco took place on June 24th at PariSoMa, “a coworking space that provides desks, wi-fi, coffee and community to independent professionals.” The theme of the salon was “[t]he digital intersection of art, history, and culture, and how CC can play a defining role in enriching all three.” Videos after the jump.
My research is primarily focused on how we work together in groups, particularly how to make collaboration more fruitful, and efficient (and less painful – because it sometimes is). Specifically, I am looking at groups we are part of online.
My thesis project came out of a midterm paper I wrote in March for Clay Shirky’s Social Facts class. I studied a forum online and discovered that there are some people who can be pretty disruptive in groups – even though they may not be violating the rules of the group. Its these people I’m interested in studying, to see how we can structure and govern groups to make collaboration enjoyable, not painful – and to ensure that group decisions reflect the group as a whole….
One small explanation about the term ‘Noisy Idiots’ – my main aim is to find ways to include people in debate and groups. The phrase came about in a playful manner due to sheer frustration at seeing some people dominate group discussion in a disruptive way. This paper tackles tricky issues such as balancing free speech and constructive conversation, but the aim is to get us all talking and listening to each other. I also understand the very important role that minority voices play in conversation – and am in no way suggesting that we shouldn’t listen to those with a view that is different to ours.
I’d be hugely grateful to hear your thoughts – and your ideas, thank you.
Live Sushi Bar
2001 17th St (at Kansas St in Potrero Hill)
San Francisco, CA 94103-5012
(415) 861-8610
On Sunday, After spending the whole day outside watching the San Francisco Pride parade and checking out the festival in front of City Hall, I went back to the tranquility of Potrero Hill and treated myself to a nice sushi dinner at Live Sushi Bar. I ordered the Live Sushi Combo – 6 pieces of nigiri, 4 pieces of sashimi and 6 pieces of spicy tuna roll for $16.95 and the sake tasting sampler ($9.50). They kind of have a weird name and a logo that looks like the Jesus fish, but they are close to my summer crash pad, so it’s become a good place for the occasional splurge. Last time I had dinner here, I had the grilled shio saba (salted mackerel) and tempura, which were decent, but nothing mind blowing. This time, my decision to actually order sushi paid off. The sushi rice was perfectly prepared and the fish tasted very fresh and clean. I’m not sure what is going on with the Pepto-Bismol-colored salad dressing, but it didn’t taste bad.
Above: Sakes in the intended sampling order from right to left (click on image to view enlarged version)
The Masumi tasted like a pretty standard junmai to me, a good starter sake. The Dewazakura, with a seductive floral bouquet, was definitely my favorite. My white wine taste tends towards Rieslings and Gewurztraminers, so it’s no surprise that I like the fruity floral sake. The Hoyo had a strong star anise taste in it’s flavor profile, which I would expect from sake. It went really well with the earthy spiciness of the spicy tuna rolls, and I bet it would
One of Adam’s friends suggested that I check out another sushi place called Umi, which is also in Potrero Hill. I will definitely be there to check it out soon!
Burmese lady who cut my hair told me: "you hair have no shape, that's why you cut." Gotta love those straight-talking Asians.
10:25:54 PM July 01, 2009
from web
