We must. Otherwise that’s it. All there is. Over. And in order to move from war to life, we must first realize that a shift is even possible. That our histories do not continue to simply converge into violence with nothing to be done about it. We can do something. We can make this shift. But we first must collectively say, “Yes, we will.” A rising up of one voice in unison that will break this war cycle from the hands of the powerful few. A people’s decision. A people’s action. A people’s will. A movement that grows, pulses outward across boundary, class, race, religion, sect, tribe. And shatters the idea of a political party. A movement whose voice resonates so loudly that the unpopularity of the war cycle will simple fade away into memory — a way we used to live, a way that we will courageously push out of our will — as we realize there are far better things to do with our wisdom, understanding and resources.
In the future, how will we communicate?
Locally, globally, and everything in between. On every level we will embrace new technologies. And at every turn we will continue to hone the fundamental principles essential to the sharing of ideas. Mass movements for change in the future will be about the ideas we can successfully communicate. Those movements will utilize a vast array of tools and resources with the central focus being a tolerant and engaged populace, at the heart of the dialogue where all ideas can be shared. As technology will continue to make us marvel and want to participate, we will make the human factor even more prevalent, whether right next door, in another state or across the world. With increasing levels of connectivity covering any space between people and ideas, we will be conscious of making sure that everyone is present who wants to be, recognizing the value of diverse thought and united action. No one will be voiceless. If you want to speak, you will be heard. A certain closeness will come with this total communication of the future as it becomes increasingly more meaningful and more crucial to the idea of democracy, from local to global. Ideas will be shared, people will be moved, and we will confront the most pressing issues of our times.
We have been Trumped. Now what?
This official statement is Action Backed:
Design does matter. For its thinking and problem-solving. For the way it simply says, “how can we make this better?” This is its heart. This is why it matters. But it isn’t enough.
Round and Round (and Round) Year 2
Days go by. The world keeps spinning. And we keep going round. The end of 2016 marks the completion of the 2nd year at our midspace of makers in the heart of Omaha. Our little experiment with independent design coworking continues to be quite exciting. We’re working with some amazing changemakers and do-gooders. The projects are challenging and engaging. The music is still loud. The laughs fairly original. And the way that none of it feels all that much like work is still palpable. We do want to have an open house at some point. Maybe we can make that happen in year 3.
Regardless, we’re looking to 2017 with heightened ferocity. We have all been shocked and dismayed by election 2016. But we certainly are not ready to go quietly into the night. Instead, we’re going to get after it, in the only way we know how. By rolling up our sleeves and getting to work. But first we’re taking a couple weeks off to recharge. Enjoy the downtime, and we’ll see you in 2017.
Check out our brief case study on 2016. To keep up with the antics, best follow us on Tumblr.
Closed for the Holidays
The offices of JKDC and co-working time at Round and Round will be on hiatus starting December 22nd. Back at it January 4th. Enjoy the downtime ya muckrakers.
The Top 10 Albums of 2016
The albums that pushed me through this year of intensity and loss, of dread and motivation. The music out there in the world is always a sign of our great potential for beauty, harmony, understanding, and hope. For me, these are the albums of 2016, in no particular order:
A Tribe Called Quest, We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service
Kate Tempest, Let Them Eat Chaos
Radiohead, A Moon Shaped Pool
Beyoncé, Lemonade
Conor Oberst, Ruminations
Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, A Man Alive
David Bowie, Blackstar
Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam, I Had A Dream That You Were Mine
Common, Black America Again
Blood Orange, Freetown Sound
I’ve always known Beyoncé is really something special. But until this year, nothing she’s done has really spoken to me. Then she released “Formation.” And the Earth stood still. Also, special shoutout to that new Beck song “WOW.” Still can’t believe how amazing it is. Finally, I discovered Valerie June this year. Can’t wait for January 27, 2017.
Must Seek Truth
Must Warn Others. Must Seek Truth. Must Search On Forever. Must Seek Truth. Must Look Under Every Rock. Must Seek Truth. Must Look Past The Counter Clock. Must Seek Truth. Must Not Give In To Boredom. Must Seek Truth. Must Not Seek Life Down In The Showroom. Must Seek Truth. Must Know The Sound Of The Droning Hum. Must Seek Truth. Must Know Where To The Liars Run. Must Seek Truth. Must Hold Firm. Must Seek Truth Because The Naysayers And The Salesman Are There At Every Turn. Must Seek Truth.
