This page is under construction as I sketch out the content of this site and should be changing relatively frequently throughout 2008. I'm basically interested in finding a way to use the internet as a tool to cope with the problems of modern life while steering clear of the intellectal purgatory usually inflicted on those who passively accept the dictates of mass media.

I'm interested in particular in a few topics; open source software (currently in relation to operating systems and GIS), food issues (orgainics, locality, CSAs, hunting/gathering, gardening), North American Native culture, and a whole mess of concepts around epistomolgy (language, education, media, and communication).

As a geographer, I follow theories on the major forces that shape and determine our lives. However, of greater interest is the often ignored (and even more often exagerated) way in which we as people impact these very same forces. How do we use the grand revelations of science to sustain our lives as individuals as opposed to turning science into a new religion and people into lab animals in a maze of technology? Can epistomological study lead to the widespread empowerment of humanity or is it a device that inevitably leads to growth of the monolithic Western hegemony?

Of course as a real person, I'm even more interested in making practical choices that are in line with a way of life I feel worthwhile. For example bicycling for transportation helps me to stay in shape, reduces the need to obtain fuel and maintenance for a large vehicle, reduces local traffic, pumps less pollutants into the air and less money into regions of the planet where it would upset local economies and stimulate "terrorism". Knowing food producers more directly brings me quality food (without needless chemicals entering body and environment), and builds a stronger local community while avoiding the added cost of trendy grocery stores. It also cuts out the bloated ag-businesses that are a major factor in developing food technology that makes damage to sound, traditional food sources more likely and facilitating "third-world" impoverishment. I'm under no illusion that my personal economic habits are going to impact the hegemonic influence of multinational oil or agriculture corporations, but I've found such a lifestyle is the only way to gain the ability to sleep soundly without using drugs. Eventually I hope to find and help build a community that is willing and able to adhere to values that are both functional and admirable.

If you have any inclination to exchange ideas, email me. If you are just generally frustrated with the modern world check out the Anti-Bureaucracy Committee. [note: direct links from my site will only lead to pages without formal advertising - let me know if you experience otherwise] For lack of much other content so far, here are some hypothetically asked questions in the form of a wh-movement