Rising Above the Rule

Getting to a site that is blocked by the local authorities comes as no surprise to those who subscribe to ISP services of the national default. Those of us who live and work and subscribe to the free zone are more fortunate. We get You-Tube. And porn. And generally stuff that the rest of the free world sees. But that's just the internet. With some magazines (provided they're allowed at all) it's a completely different form of censorship: black felt-tip markers are used (almost crudely) to shade off "inappropriate" objects or actions. Most of the time, it's excess exposure of a woman's breasts or too ample a groin. It's no wonder, many find the availability of creative inspiration and expression about as arid as the desert sands that surround us.

At our agency, we've found a means to turn this restriction into a creative opportunity. Our ad for Wonderbra has raised more than a smiling eyebrow or two. But only for those of us who work in this part of the world. It's quite unlikely that if you'd get it if you're from anywhere in the free world. But for those who don't, the shaded area is supposed to say something (duh!) Another brilliant idea from the Vincent Raffray and Peter Walker wonder-team. My only contribution to this project was the cosmetic digital enhancements to make this hot chick more perfect than she already is!

Ceasefire Today

Was listening to the album of Zero 7's (The Garden) when one particular song touched me. The words sum up the sadness of the Beirut Invasion in one breath. Please visit my last entry and cast your vote for a ceasefire if you haven't already. Also if you can visit http://www.msf.org/ to make a donation, the Lebanese people need your help in medicines and supplies. And if you really feel like it, listen to that haunting, beautiful song "Today" sung by Jose Gonzales. Here are the lyrics to that song. God bless.

"Today" Zero 7
Sirens sounding out, are we going to war?
A film of yesterday on a broken down door
Send me something real to ignore or explore
And I'll show you all the things that I saw

Today
The words don't mean enough for us to say
For us to say
Today
To steal the moment that we gave away
We gave away
Gave it away

Can't remember when, but it's happened before
Saw it all played out through a crack in the door
Send me something good for the way that I feel
And I'll show you all the things that I've seen

Today
The words don't mean enough for us to say
For us to say
today
To steal the moment that we gave away
We gave away

Today
We are the light that travels into space
Into space

Ceasefire NOW

Early July I had the privilege of visiting Beirut and surrounding parts in Lebanon. Now as I watch the news, I am torn apart by images of destruction. I shudder to think that the places I've visited and the people I've smiled and said hello to are facing the worst trial of their lives. I implore everyone who reads this entry to take a few seconds to register a vote for a ceasefire. We're repeating history again and missing the chance to right some wrongs. It does not help that the world's most powerful man does not give a toss. With each day that passes without any of us making a stand, more innocent people end up suffering and even dying for it. It's not right. Living and working here in the Middle East has allowed us fair coverage of what's really going on. Stop, take a breath and know this: the news you're getting back home doesn't even begin to show you the true impact. Now click the title heading and cast that vote. If not, click here (http://www.ceasefirecampaign.org/mo/en.html)
Vote peace. Vote giving-a-damn. Vote ceasefire. And get them to leave Lebanon the hell alone.