Internet as mosh pit

For the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jonathan Zittrain on his book, The Future of the Internet – and How to Stop It. Throughout the process we kept thinking it would come together, but weren’t quite sure how. It’s clear that it has. Last night, Z appeared on the Colbert Report to talk about the book. Watch it soon, before comedy central takes it away!

A place to volunteer for awhile

From mid-August until I feel like coming home, I’ll be free to travel. In the past I’ve spent some time in India, Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, and Japan, mostly touristing but sometimes doing work or hiking or some such.

For this next excursion, I’m hoping to strike a balance between meaningful work and wandering, with the hope that meaningful work might bring me closer to the places I’m visiting, as opposed to being the passive outside observer that a tourist often is.

There are tons of organizations that will take your money in exchange for some kind of volunteer placement. Many of the opportunities sound amazing, from community development to sustainable agriculture, to ICT for Development projects, to media. I’m hoping to do one better — to find people, organizations and projects that are close to my friends’ hearts, and see if my time might be useful to them. So. What organizations have you worked with, been inspired by, or followed the progress of? I’m interested in hearing about them.

Where have you seen a need for someone to go, do research or help a process along (I’m pretty good at that)? I’d go pretty much anywhere, though mountains are most appealing to me. As is community. I could do anything from basic education to project management, web design, writing, swinging a hammer, etc.

Lend me your ideas!

A little piece of quiet

Sometimes we just have to get away. That’s what I’m doing now, holed up in Northern Vermont at the place we still call “camp”, even though it’s now re-built and nicer than any place I’ll live for a long time. I joke that I’m going to write my book here. But maybe not… I take too many naps when I’m here.

I’m also attempting to teach myself how to play the guitar, in the space between napping and work. It’s different from cello in every way, and almost no way, at the same time. It’s still notes and music and chords. I’m looking for a good web or print resource for finger picking, and for some easy Irish music to start with.

The noise that bellows forth from the guitar when I pick it up competes with the shrill cry of the loons. They nest down the lake, not so far away. Moths beat against the windows, insanely attempting to get towards the desk lamp I’ve turned on. So it’s not all peace and quiet up here, just mostly.