The Art of Writing (Analog vs Digital) July 20, 2010

The art of writing. A beautiful and ancient art which has been one of the most important technologies in modern society. The ability for information to become transcribed and shared with the masses has transformed society from being a verbal one into a written one. Information-sharing aside, it is also one of the most sacred [...]

An Online Turned Offline Encounter July 8, 2010

A few days back, I was able to have the great pleasure of meeting Cydney Alexis over at Material Lives in person. The way that we first met on the internet was quite fascinating. Cydney works over at the Admissions department in the University of Madison-Wisconsin, and she happened to have a photo intern working [...]

Many Are Called but Few Choose to Listen June 18, 2010

While working at my internship at DemandMedia, I met this man by the name of Bailey who worked in the lobby. He is an African-American male in his mid-forties and always wore a well-pressed grey suit and red tie–perfect for his job of greeting guests and assisting whenever he could. His nose carried a pair [...]

100 Things I Have Learned About Photography June 16, 2010

Written: 10-14-09 A list that I wrote while traveling in Europe about 100 tips/things I have learned about photography that I would like to share with others: 1. Just because someone has an expensive camera doesn’t mean that they’re a good photographer. 2. Always shoot in RAW. Always. 3. Prime lenses help you learn to [...]

UCLA Sociology Commencement Speech June 16, 2010

Hey all, So as you may/may not know, I recently graduated with a B.A. in Sociology at UCLA. Here is a speech that I submitted to be a student speaker at the Sociology graduation, but it was not accepted. However, I would like to share it with you guys regardless: – “Voices of the Class”—Sociology [...]

Strength in Disability June 8, 2010

The other day I went to mass at the University Catholic Center (the Catholic church next to UCLA). During the end of mass I took the communion, headed back to my seat and did a short prayer and opened my eyes. Across from me I saw a male student who was waiting in line to [...]

Photography Artist Statement May 16, 2010

So I am going to be featured in an art exhibit at UCLA titled: “Lost Angeles” in the Powell Rotunda. It is the first time that I have actually been interviewed by a curator named Tanya Yorks. Here is an amazing artist bio that she actually wrote for me… and I wanted to share it [...]

Experiment: Assuming a False Online Identity April 13, 2010

So for you of those who do not know, I am teaching a “Sociology of Facebook and Online Social Networks” course at UCLA. Link to my course site: http://sociologyoffacebook.com Anyways, I assign weekly “experiments” which are to be done online which pertain to the weekly theme. So for this week, it was about the “Online Persona” [...]

Teaching March 29, 2010

I think that teaching is one of the most beautiful things that we have in the world. Looking at the student’s eyes–beaming at you. Eager to absorb knowledge as well as contribute their own feelings, thoughts, and aspirations. Every time I experience this from my Sunday School kids my heart just melts. Teaching is a difficult path. [...]

On Paris January 12, 2010

If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast. -Ernest Hemmingway (ty to Cindy!)