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Guatemala #2
 So much for everyday. I'm busy, alright? Here we are on top of Pacaya, an active volcano an hour away from Antigua. This is a rock turned yellow by sulphur. The shudder of my camera wasn't opening all the way all the time because of the dust I think, but it creates a nice effect here. There were volcanic rocks like this all over the place, dyed by natural intensity and lava. We didn't start the fire, it was always burning since the world was turning.
Guatemala #1
 OK, I'm going to try to do a post on my Guatemala trip everyday this week. Each post will focus on an especially poignant picture. This first one is from the finca (farm) we stayed at. They pick cardamom and coffee. All the children are educated in an on-site school and a lot of the boys have American clothing. I tried to tell one boy that the "NY" on his hat represented New York, a very big city. However, their first language is Q'eqchi, the name of their Mayan group (it's one of the country's 22 indigenous groups). Here, Kyle, who doesn't even speak Spanish, tries to explain to a boy, through gesticulation and enthusiasm, the significance of Chuck Norris in American culture.
Guatemala
 I apologize, it's been a little hard to catch on work since getting back, but rest assured, there will be many posts. Here's a picture I love of Semuc Champey, a place where pools of turquoise water form from springs bringing up a little bit of a raging river. It's confusing but beautiful, like many things.
Next Week
I'm going to Guatemala until next Monday, but I'm sure I'll have about 400 pictures to post so don't worry. Gotta pack.
Steve Keene's Paintings
 I've always liked Steve Keene's work. I had a small Daft Punk cover painting of his, but as of tonight I have 15 more. I bought what I thought was 5 from his website, but he treated me to much, much more. I'm very happy with them. In subject, they vary from "TRAILERPARKER" to "PIGEONSINLOVE" to "ABRAHAMLINCOLN." I really like the philosophy of making art cheap, quick, accessible and fun. He's really Andy Warhol for the Twenty-first Century without all the crosses, guns and knives. A lot of people don't like his work because it looks simple and mistakes are apparant, but to Keene, the speed of production is just as important as the way it looks at the end. I like Keene's perspective; The more of his work you see, the more you see the world through his eyes. As awkward and unsettling it might seem to the museum fan, he has said in interviews that he's tried to get his work into stores like Costco. Luckily, the public isn't quite ready for it. Are you Kean on Keene?
Wardrobe Update!
 Perhaps you remember my dad's coworker and his wife dressed in matching red outfits for their cruise. Well, this year's theme is purple!
Adagio Debacle
I just found out via a website advertisementthe worst way to find something outthat Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" has been redone into a techno song (of the trance style) by a DJ Tietso. I never thought I'd say this about a DJ, but is nothing sacred? I suppose nothing is, and I'm all right with that, but it (which a sample of can be found here) isn't even that good. According to wikipedia, several versions of it have been made, but it's difficult for me to imagine it in a different form. Generally regarded as one of the finest classic compositions of the twentieth century, "Adagio for Strings" is often invoked for meaningful and lush background music. I've heard used in odd places, like podcasts, and famous places like in "Platoon." I just think it might be too surreal for me to hear it at a basement rave.
The Museum of the American Indian
 I know it's new, and the architecture is beautiful; I just wasn't left satisfied by the Smithsonian's latest installment. There were bits and pieces of certain cultures and summary rooms, like the one that makes you feel guilty (rightfully) for being a white American. And I like the richness and vibrancy of the exhibits, but some are just sensory overload. Unfortunately for me, the heritages I'm really intersect in are of the peoples of the Delaware river and other North-eastern Indians. They were hardly represented. I want to see vintage lacrosse sticks! However, I did enjoy all the crow imagery.
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