| This page features links to information about people or organizations who have inspired me in some way. It's divided into four sections: political heroes, literature, music, and spirituality. |
Political Heroes |
Martin Luther King
He was an inspiration to anyone who cares about social justice. His creative, nonviolent methods fostered a national consensus for civil rights and ultimately changed history.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Directory Contributors include the Martin Luther King, Jr. Papers Project at Stanford University and The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center in Atlanta.
Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute From Life Magazine.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi's use of nonviolent civil disobedience to oppose British rule in India later inspired Martin Luther King, who applied the same principles in the civil rights struggle.
Gandhi Today Treats nonviolence as a political and spiritual matter.
Mind of Mahatma Gandhi by R.K. Prabhu and U.R. Rao.
Mahatma Gandhi Ashram Information about Gandhi's life and times.
Nelson Mandela
It takes people of extraordinary character to risk their lives in opposition to injustice. For 30 years, Nelson Mandela sacrificed his freedom on behalf of the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. He did it with an astounding sense of humility and dignity. And he wasn't the only one; many other heroes and heroines took part in the struggle. There's something about extreme oppression that brings out the best in some of its victims--even if it brings out the worst in others.
Long Walk to Freedom Autobiography of Nelson Mandela.
General Strike, June 1961 Statement by Nelson Mandela on behalf of the National Action Council following the stay-at-home in May 1961.
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Paul Wellstone
People of all political stripes were saddened by the tragic death of Sen. Paul Wellstone--along with his wife, daughter, and five others--in a plane crash October 25, 2002. An unabashed progressive, he fought on behalf of the poor and disenfranchised even when it was politically unpopular to do so. I wrote of my encounter with the Senator during the 1997 California Democratic Convention.
Wellstone.org. Features tributes to the Senator and links to news stories.
Jim Hightower
Jim Hightower, "America's Most Popular Populist," was once the Agriculture Commissioner in Texas. Now he uses his sharply honed wit against the economic establishment.
Jim Hightower's Web Action Center. "Your one-stop connecton for grassroots populism."
Interview with Jim Hightower From Mother Jones.
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Literature
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Kurt Vonnegut
Vonnegut writes literary treasures that are also fun to read. The Sirens of Titan is among my favorite novels, simultaneously one of the funniest and most serious books I've ever read.
Kurt Vonnegut.com. The official Web site.
Kurt Vonnegut's Artificial Family Utopia Dedicated to saving America through Kurt Vonnegut's plan for an artificial family utopia.
Kurt Vonnegut Corner
Trout, Kilgore Collection of Kilgore Trout's stories excerpted from Kurt Vonnegut's novels.
Isaac Asimov
Asimov wrote some great science-fiction, but in his books on science fact, he also showed a rare ability to make complex concepts understandable to lay people. He provided a great model for those of us who try to explain computer technology to the masses.
Asimov Online. Edward Seiler compiled this comprehensive resource about the author, including lists of his works and links to other information on the Web.
Asimovians. A memorial site with links to reviews and other information.
William Gibson
The father of cyberpunk fiction, and author of the groundbreaking Neuromancer.
Gibson bibliography. With links.
Postmodern SF and Cyberpunk.
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Philip K. Dick
Many consider him the greatest science-fiction writer of all time. His stories inspired numerous movies, including "Bladerunner."
Philip K. Dick.com. Comprehensive information about the author, with some great artwork.
Wonderful World of Philip K. Dick Includes reviews of his novels .
Raymond Chandler
Chandler raised the private eye novel to the status of great literature; his stories defined the Los Angeles of the 1930s and 1940s. (Unfortunately, one novel, Farewell My Lovely, uses gratuitously racist language.)
Raymond Chandler's Los Angeles by Alain Silver and Elizabeth Ward. Reissued in honor of the 50th anniversary of The Big Sleep, this book combines excerpts from Chandler's work with photographs of the L.A. locations described.
Raymond Chandler Web Page Comprehensive resource with links.
Ross Macdonald
Macdonald followed in Chandler's footsteps, with deep psychological insight and some of the best-crafted prose ever seen in detective stories.
Thrilling Detective: Ross Macdonald. A biography that also includes a thorough bibliography and links to other Web sites.
Ross Macdonald Anniversary Tribute. From January magazine.
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Music
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John Coltrane
One of the most influential musicians of modern times, Coltrane brought a rare sense of spirituality to his work; there is even a church in San Francisco that regards him as a saint (check it out if you're in town--it's great experience). His music certainly lifts my spirits.
John Coltrane: The Complete 1961 Village Vanguard Recordings
Keith's John Coltrane Page
John Coltrane African Orthodox Church Service (with great music), 11:45 a.m. every Sunday.
A Love Supreme: Ian's Guide to the Ecstatic Spirit In Jazz Information about John and Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders.
McCoy Tyner
Coltrane's pianist went on to forge a successful solo career that continues to this day. I especially like his Blue Note and Milestone recordings of the 1960's and 1970's, as well as his more-recent Big Band CDs.
JRC: McCoy Tyner. Biography, discography, picture gallery and sound clips from the Jazz Resource Center.
The Jazz Files. A short bio with photos and a list of recommended recordings.
Herbie Hancock
In addition to being a legendary jazz pianist and fusion pioneer, he's also a true humanitarian and a Mac aficionado. His Rhythm of Life Foundation seeks to educate underprivileged kids about using computers in creative ways.
Herbie Hancock.com. The official Web site, with links to the Rhythm of Life Foundation.
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Peter Gabriel
Another influential musician with a strong social conscience. I still remember my second rock concert--at age 15--Genesis live at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia, March 1974, with Peter Gabriel in a variety of costumes. "But the birds were happy, because Supper was Ready..."
Peter Gabriel.com. His official Web site.
Graham Nash
A true legend in the history of rock music, Graham is also an accomplished photographer and digital imaging pioneer. Nash Editions, his fine art printmaking shop in the L.A. area, was one of the first firms to offer high-quality output of digitally created artwork. For several years, he graciously served as a judge in the Micro Publishing News digital art contest.
Graham Nash.com. His official Web site.
Nash Editions. Web site for the digital printmaking service.
Sci-Fi
You probably haven't heard of these guys (unless you've looked at my Animation Projects page). This is a Bay Area rock group that deserves much greater exposure. Under the stage name "Captain Pixel," I have produced several music videos for them, as well as a multimedia show that I project during their performances.
Sci-Fi.nu. The official Web site, with downloadable MP3s and a concert clip.
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Spirituality |
Alan Watts
Alan Watts could be considered the Isaac Asimov of Eastern spirituality. In clear, undogmatic prose, he made the concepts of Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism relevant to me.
Alan Watts Electronic University
Jiddu Krishnamurti
He was raised to be a great spiritual leader, then abruptly dismissed his followers, telling them that no one had a monopoly on truth. He challenged all forms of dogma and ideology. "Do you know what intelligence is? It is the capacity, surely, to think without fear, without a formula, so that you begin to discover for yourself what is real, what is true."
Krishnamurti Foundation of America.
Lives in the Shadow with J. Krishnamurti Biography by Radha Rajagopal Sloss.
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The Enneagram
Often misunderstood, the Enneagram is (in part) a model of human personality that has helped me come to a greater understanding of myself and the people in my life. Combining elements of mysticism and contemporary psychology, it holds that there are nine basic personality types, each with their own way of viewing the world and dealing with life's challenges. It might appear to be a form of stereotyping, but it is highly flexible, and its proponents warn against using it to manipulate people or put them in "boxes." Above all, it seems to be effective when applied in the real world. Numerous theorists have written about the Enneagram, each with their own perspectives on the nine types.
I'm a Type Six with a Seven wing, which helps explain my political activities and many other aspects of my life.
International Enneagram Association. A good clearinghouse for information about the system. The site includes an overview of the Enneagram and a description of each type.
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