September 24, 2006
Yesterday I covered a demonstration at the Indian Island Weapons depot, which is the west coast port that ships the most weapons to Iraq. The demonstrators marched 3.8 miles from a park to the depot, thinking it out a enough to take a water and bathroom break at a local QWC. Along the way they drew far more waves and thumbs up then middle fingers and jeers. Only one man yelled “LOSERS” and walked away in the QWC parking lot.
State patrol officers were waiting when demonstrators arrived in front of the munitions depot. They stood alongside the edge of the road for what several demonstrators called “the mandatory photo-op” while a large group of people who had decided to do a symbolic act of civil disobedience and be arrested for refusing to move from in front of the depot had a meeting. They then linked arms, walked across the street and sat down in front of the munitions depot.
The present law enforcement were remarkably cordial and calm. After the demonstrators that were to be arrested sat down an officer with a loudspeaker said that if they didn’t leave within 10 minutes they would be arrested. The officers then, knowing there was no threat to them and that the demonstrators, who had cordinated the event with law enforcement, were not hostile, flex cuffed them one by one and walked them to a bus. The demonstration was highly symbolic and seemed more to be for cameras and to keep the anti-war movement active. The below picture summed up most people’s feelings well.
Seattle Music September 18, 2006
This weekend I was up in Seattle shooting some music events. Seattle third annual Decibel Fest may have convinced me I’m not much of a fan of electronic music, but a show by The Pharmacy showed me that just because big music companies aren’t putting out many bands that have a unique sound, it doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. The three photos below are of Pharmacy bassist/keyboardist Joey and some shots of their rabid fans
Back in Action September 13, 2006
After a month away from posting anything I’m back. I’ve been relaxing and hanging out in the Bay Area for the past couple weeks, returning to Washington for just two days to shoot a wedding and then flying back. I’ve fallen in love with my Alaska Mileage card and the fact that flying back and forth between Oakland and Seattle is less expensive then driving.
Since I’m back to stay for a couple of months I did decide to drive all my staff (clothes bag, camera gear, laptop, books=too much stuff) in my spanking new to me 1989 Nissan that was given to me for free by my sister. While it may have required me to chant a little more acceleration a little more acceleration a little more acceleration as it tried to make 40 up in the hill in Oregon, its great having a car again and I’m paying my sister back in karma.
Saturday I’m going to shoot a night of Seattle’s 3rd annual Decibel Festival which looks like it will be a lot of fun. I’ll be working from 10pm to 6 am and will be covering the after party! I probably should drink some caffeine. I hear it solves a lot of problems.
