Nu MEdia Art

The times we live in

2008-12-10T05:36:00.000-08:00

Getting off subject a little bit. I also subscribe to other blogs and get emails from reputable sources. This one from Freepress.net proved without a doubt that the mainstream media tries to spin the truth. I am not trying to preach to anyone. But, just watch the video below and come up with your own conclusions. Hopefully, you will get some insight and make your own decisions. By the way, Peter Schiff, a financial analyst, was the only financial expert that was right about our economy from all of the experts that were shown. Yet, he was made to be a fool in front of nation on Fox News.

Blood, Sweat, and Pixels

2008-11-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

I am starting a new blog called Blood, Sweat, and Pixels. This blog will talk about art in and around South and Central Texas. The topics will include video and new media. There will reviews about upcoming shows and gallery visits. I will discuss how technology has changed the way is perceived. This blog is about art, the internet, technology and how they interact with each other. I invite you to check it out. Title: Blood, Sweat & Pixels.

Another assignment

2008-10-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

Here is another assignment. Google yourself, and 5 other people that come up to mind in 30 seconds. Go to any of the links that you find. Post any information that you find most interesting to your blog. This could about yourself or the 5 other people that you thought about. You could post photos, videos or just information. Find out who you or the people you are thinking about really are in this second reality called cyberspace. Happy searching....

Vote! ¡Votar!

2008-10-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

With a pivotal presidential election this year, I started to look at the candidates very closely. Should I vote for the educated black man who, at least on the surface, has clear plan for the issues facing this country, including ending the war in Iraq, revitalizing the economy, etc. Or should I vote for the Tina Fey look-a-like that made an ass out of herself on SNL? That's a tough question. Unfortunately, we as Americans do not look at issues closely and usually vote on who seems to be more popular. We are more interested what Brad and Angelina are doing or Paris Hilton's latest grasp at the spotlight than we are in $700 billion bailout of Wall Street or mortgage meldown of Freddie Mac and Sallie Mae.

As America is a fast-food consuming media junkie society, this election will come down two questions: Will I vote for the educated black man or for the white MILF?

Go Tina!

Pick an Artist

2008-10-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here is an assignment that I would have undergrads do. It as simple or as complicated as the student wants. It is a simple premise. The student would research a particular video, new media, or film artist. The student would then find out why he or she likes this particular artist and emulate their style, structure, or even ideas. The student would give a presentation on that particular artist. The student would then create a project based on these ideas or style of the artist. This project could be a hybrid video project from the likes of Tony Oursler or Bill Viola's large installations, or Maya Deren's surreal films. The objective is to use the student's newly acquired skills to create a work that is entirely their own but with references to art history.

Artists, Art, and Media

2008-10-16T13:35:00.001-07:00

I decided to "kill two birds with one stone" so to speak. I am writing a blog entry for my presentation of artists, art and other media that I have been researching for my own work. I decided to have various works that have certain qualities or aesthetics that are similar and are evocative of my own personal work. This list is not exclusive nor exhaustive. I look at various types of work, from painting to video art to new media, computer-based art. This is in no particular order. I hope you find some inspiration from this art and these artists as I do.

Bill Viola, Reflecting Pool

Bill Viola, Ocean Without a Shore, Venice Biennale 2007

Cory Arcangel, Mauro Ceolin, Jon Haddock, Eddo Stern, and Carlo Zanni, GameScapes Group Show in Monza, Italy, 2006

Richard Prince, Untitled (Cowboy), 1989

Richard Prince, Untitled (Joke), 2000

Richard Prince, Katie Holmes, W Magazine Spread, 2007

Tony Oursler, Self-Portrait in Yellow (I Get Angry Quickly), Milwaukee Art Museum, 1996

Microcinema might be a reality

2008-10-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

I just got the DVDs from Mark for the Independent Exposure Screening. He gave me all of the DVDs, not just 2 or 3 that I asked for. So I am moving forward with the NTSC project. Leslie has spoken with the owners of Ruta Maya and they seemed very interested in working with us. Have going back and forth with contacts at the OCA (Office of Cultural Affairs). If you have never worked with anyone from the local government, then you are better off. The wheels of city government move at a grinding pace that seem to go in reverse. The basic issue seems to be security during the event. Having worked for the City's Parks and Rec department, we always had to have an off-duty police officer at any of the events that we held. This is what I been told would have to happen here as well. The going rate for an off-duty police officer is usually $45-60 per hour. You can see the dilemma. As much it would very cool to have the microcinema at the Mission Drive-In, we could just as easily have it at Ruta Maya. I feel passionate about developing and cultivating a microcinema here in S.A. I think it is time for this city be able to view artist created works in video, film and animation.

Going forth with microcinema

2008-09-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

I have not posted in about a week or so. But, I have been in contact with Microcinema International, Michael Kwiatkowski and Mark Capraro. Mark has given an opportunity to view different screenings during Halloween for free. So, I am in the process of picking one of the five different screenings available and figuring out where to screen it. I am talking with OCA about using the Mission Drive-In. I will post the info as I find out more. In the meantime, here is an embedded youtube video from one of the screenings.

Can't shift out of 1st...

2008-09-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in every artist's (or grad student's) career when we as artists seem to be stuck in first gear and grinding gears to try and reach second. Try as hard as we can, we hear nothing but grinding. (If you never have had the opportunity to drive a manual transmission in a car, find a friend who has one and go for a test drive. You will soon see what I mean.) There are obligations, whether from family, friends, or our jobs. We all have to eat, sleep, shower (please!!!), be with our family, friends, or significant others. These are real life things that get in the way of our artistic pursuit. Also if you live in a city where the commute can be hell, you will also spend 1-3 hours in traffic. Even if you are fortunate enough to make a living from your art, you will spend about 10% creating your art and about 90% on the business side of art. Yes, art is a business just like everything else.

Back to making art. You need to embrace all of these challenges and incorporate them into your artwork. If you are a painter, and you are just staring at the blank canvas and cannot seem to make even a mark, then just make a mark. It does not have to be this grand gesture that will turn into the next masterpiece. In fact, it will probably suck. Then you can go back in there and fix it and start again with more marks. Even if you are a sculptor, printmaker, photographer, or a new media artist you can still make marks. The marks could be in the form of photographs, turning a video camera on yourself and family, or marks on a stone. Or just pick up a pencil, pen, charcoal and just draw. Most artists have some training and know-how to create even the most rudimentary drawings.

These "marks" could start a brainstorm that could be your next great body of work. At the very least, these marks still have you focusing on your art regardless if it is good or not. When you are focused on your artwork, then things just start to become clear. You are able to create. That is the true definition of an artist. Just keep making those "marks".

From Somewhere in Texas,

Continuum, Addendum, and Other Flotsam

2008-09-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some ideas for some artwork that I am working on. They are in no particular order. Disclaimer: The following ideas come from the mind of the author, a visual new media artist. The ideas and commentary are the sole responsibility of its author/artist and not of the Company, its affiliates, and/or its employees. Also the United States government, President Bush and John McCain do not take any responsibility for any actions therein. However, agreeing to this disclaimer, the viewer becomes fully aware that U.S. Department of Homeland Security, along with the FBI monitors all traffic on this site and the viewer will be under observation of the forementioned government agencies.

"If these Walls Could Talk"

This is a continuing project started with the EAT! piece that i showed at Luminaria and at Satellite Space. This has expanded to create mise en scenes including a park bench, sleeping, cooking, brushing teeth. Normal everyday happenings that occur in daily life. These would be hybrid video installations with some audience participation as well.

equipment to be used:

>sculptural elements made from ready-mades, metal armatures and wood.

>LCD tablet players for the video loops.

"Being Watched"

i want to deal with how most society has turned into a voyeur form of entertainment. It is everywhere in our society. from security cameras in every parking lot, ATM machines, stores and even at traffic lights to YouTube, cell phone cameras, and reality television, everyone is being watched. I wanted to turn that notion around and have the viewer being watched by the "artist" as the viewer watches the "artist".

equipment to be used:

>two cameras, one for viewer and one for the artist.

>a television and an easy chair for the artist.

> a flat screen tv for the viewer to watch.

Well, I have more to come, but you will have to keep coming back for more.

Remember: someone is always watching.

-G.

It is indeed a small world

2008-09-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

I saw this on the Rhizome weekly email posts. It is a Biennial just for New Media and it is in Seoul, South Korea of all places. When most people think of the "Art World", they think of New York, Paris, possibly L.A. There is the Whitney Biennial in New York, the Venice Biennale, Art Basel. These institutions have been around since the middle of last century, and some are even older. (Remember, we live in the 21st century now, so I am talking about the 1950s and such.) But, these events are usually for artists that are in the middle or at the end of their career that have already succeeded in more ways than one. In the "new media" art arena though is much more diversified. We have established artists, up-and-coming artists, and artists that came from different disciplines working the genre of new media. New media art can be shown everywhere from New York City to rural China and be acknowledged. New media artists are not confined to only living in New York, L.A., or Paris. We can live where we want and still produce work and have it seen. This Biennial is proof of that. (By the way, the Seoul international New Media Biennial started in 2000.) Check out the site. The link to the site is below:

http://www.mediacityseoul.or.kr

Art and Artists to look at:

2008-09-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

This is a follow up to an older post. Here are some artists that I have been looking at recently or have found some inspiration from. They are in no special order except when I found them using Google. Look below:

Video Taped Corridor by Bruce Nauman

Giant Joystick by Mary Flanagan

John Baldessari

Artists that make you go hmmm....

2008-04-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

This is not an all-inclusive or exclusive list. This is just simply a sampling of other artists that I admire or find interesting. Take a look below:

Tony Oursler

Eyes

Nam June Paik

TV Cello

Cory Arcangel

Super Mario Clouds

Also look at Karlos Katastofsky's internet based work on Lisboa 2.0

And for something completely crazy goto the links at the bottom of my blog and click on "Little Blue Pill", or just click here.

These are just some of the things that I find interesting in the realm of New Media Art. It is not for everyone, of course, but hopefully you might get a little better understanding that Art is the dissemination of ideas, the mirror to our societies and the food to our souls. It is NOT meant to just look good above your couch!!!

From Somewhere in Texas,

You Tube Data Mining

2008-04-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a brief introspection of the Web 2.0. Here are some clips from somethings that i find interesting. You have to be a little off-kilter to understand and enjoy these:

We are the Strange by MdotStrange

Works by Bruce Nauman

Psychastenia Society@Aurora Picture Show(A Microcinema Show)

San Anto Microcinema

2008-04-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

The NTSC Project has a logo. Let me know what you think. Check it out below:

Giving credit

2008-04-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

I want to give a shout out to Joseph Duarte. I forgot to give him his props. He helped me with my video project during the Luminaria event while I was out of the country. He set up the installation and did the teardown. Thanks Joseph!

I want to respond what Joseph wrote on his blog. Joseph brought up the U.S. casualties at around 4000 people since 2003 in his blog. That is just the deaths of U.S. soldiers, not including Iraqi security forces, journalists, and civilians. Also about 1500 soldiers are maimed and have had to go through amputations, according to Walter Reed Hospital. 10% or higher, depending on which report you read, of soldiers have had debilitating injuries preventing them from returning to active duty, or even leading normal lives. As a former Navy SEAL dealing with a agonizing knee injury, I know how these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines feel. The total count according to World Health Organization study has found over 1, 033, 000 people have died since the start of the Iraq War. These statistics do not even take into account that most Iraqi citizens, who are law-abiding and just trying to live their lives, do not have running water or electricity, the basics of modern society since the American occupation of Iraq. What do you think would happen if all across the U.S., we did not have running water or electricity? Hell, there is a riot every other week in L.A. if the Lakers lose.

I think that most Americans, especially the men and women having served in Iraq, would agree that it is time to stop the war and start the healing process. Joseph, from one sailor to a marine, I UNDERSTAND!!!

Semper Fi....

From your brother-in-arms,

Updates about Microcinema

2008-04-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow vid-heads.

I am giving an update to the microcinema project in San Antonio that I am currently working towards. The project has a name finally. It is called: The NTSC Project, an San Anto community microcinema. NTSC stands for Numedia Transgressive Short Cinema Project. I got the name from the NTSC television standard that is used in North America, that is currently being phased out as the country is going all digital in 2009. On another note, I have gotten a lot support from Leslie, Andrea Grover at the Aurora Picture Show, Patrick at Microcinema International, and even from my wife, Amanda. Others have also been willing to help when the need arises. I have an interview with Elaine Wolff at the San Antonio Current about the project this week. I have narrowed the venues down to a couple of places. One is the Blue Star Brewery, which helps that it is in the Blue Star Arts Complex. Another venue option is at Sam's Burger Joint. I am currently talking with management at both these establishments for showings. Also the possibility of using the old Mission Drive-In is in the works, however it will be several months before anything will be soon there, if at all. If anyone has any other ideas places, just reply to this post. Hopefully I will see you at the screening.

Somewhere in Texas,

Lynchian?

2008-04-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

The term "Lynchian". This term has been thrown around a lot. It describes movies either made by the acclaimed film director, David Lynch or influenced by him. Lynch's movies always pushed the envelope of what a movie, especially a commercial movie, could be. Most commercial movies have a linear plot, with an antagonist and a protagonist that resolves itself over the course of 90-120 minutes. Usually movies only last 2 hours, after that the audience starts to get distracted. This is not true of a David Lynch movie. His movies are circuitous in nature. The plot, if there really is one, spirals in and out without a clear beginning or ending. The characters themselves change from being the antagonist to the protagonist and back again as the story unravels. Lynch tries to film what happens in the subconscience. This is what happens in dreams. Dreams plot lines ebb-and-flow through our subconscience, only revealing certain aspects that our minds want to us to see.

As for the camera work, Lynch uses many different styles, from the standard Hollywood-style camera on a truss to the hand-held documentary style so prevalent nowadays. Lighting is just as important to capture the true "Lynchian" aesthetic. The lighting is mixture of the old film noir style, with dark oppressive shadows and high contrast to the oversaturated color, as if the film came from surrealist painting.

The soundtrack is also not typical. Here, Lynch dissociates the sound from the visual at many levels. Most movies put the soundtrack over the film to help the story along. A simple orchestral song here to add drama or to ease the viewer. But, with Lynch the soundtrack becomes sculptural in nature. A blind person would have no idea what the plot of a "Lynchian" film was, but would be very engaged in the sound. This is the style of David Lynch. He has taken the standard Hollywood style of moviemaking and thrown it out the window. His work is closer to a true artform.

Somewhere between dreams and reality,

Ich bin ein Berliner!!!

2008-04-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

To quote a famous president, I am a Berliner. At least I was for about 2 weeks. I have just recently come back from Berlin, Deutchland. What can I say about Berlin. Walking, Walking, Walking. I did LOTS of walking!!! When I arrived with the rest of my group, all of the public transportation workers were on strike. The only thing running was the S Bahn (that is the elevated trains). The weather was completely different than back in Texas. While in Texas, it got up to the mid-90s some days, the weather in Berlin was a little more on the chilly side. The high was only around 40º, it snowed and rained a lot as well. But, the city. it was like New York without any pretension. The lights, the energy, the excitement. It ebbed and flowed through the core of the city. Berlin pulsed 24 hours-a-day. I saw so much art (Berlin boasts about 65 museums, NYC should take notice) that I felt as though I was walking through a Modern art history book. I saw the mix between old architecture and the new. You can still see the scars left from the Nazi regime, World War II, and division between East and West Berlin. There are still remnants still to be found of the Cold War. I believe that Berlin is fast becoming the New Center of the Art World. New York had good run over the last century, but New York is getting very stagnant, but Berlin is always open to new ideas, concepts, artists, etc. Berlin has already become the center of art in Europe. Yes, I know that there is Venice Biennale, and there is large show that happens in Brussels, Paris, and Switzerland, but many of the artists that go to these large exhibitions are coming from Berlin. I am not saying that everyone is a true Berliner, but many, including Americans, are ex-pats. Enough of the tirade. At the end my two week stay I slowing stopped being an American, and came closer to being a true Berliner.

Ich bin ein Berliner!

From Somewhere Between Texas and Berlin,

To the AMC!

2008-03-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the logo for the 10th annual Allied Media Conference held in Detroit. Leslie and I have proposed a discussion panel about copyright issues and appropriation form the visual artist's point of view. Click here to go to the website:

Proof that the World is Coming to an End

2008-02-21T21:39:00.000-08:00

Found this on Justin's blog site. It goes to show that money does rule the world. (The photo may be a work of fiction, but the fact remains companies want to use Smithson's Spiral Jetty for oil exploration.
You can read more about this on Justin's blog

Brave New World

2008-02-20T22:59:00.000-08:00

Here is an animation video from YouTube that explains our society in this new digital millennium.

If you require any further reading (YES, from books!!) try Aldus Huxley's Brave New World or George Orwell's 1984 (although George was a little bit off on his date, he did write it almost sixty years ago!) If you haven't picked up a book in more than 3 years try Fritz Lang's classic movie, Metropolis.

A Little Taste...

2008-02-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

Here is a little taste of what microcinema is... This video can be found on Patrick Kwiatowski's Microcinema website. Thanks Patrick.

Microcinema in SA

2008-02-19T07:56:00.000-08:00

Being inspired by Patrick Kwiatowski, the founder of Microcinema International, I have decided to start a microcinema in the Alamo City. Patrick came to speak at UTSA's New Media Speaker Series. I had a long conversation with him about microcinema and other art focused films and decided that it was time that SA need one as well.

I know SA is not like it is in Austin, with its Dobie Theater and Alamo Drafthouse (yes, I know that there is an Alamo Drafthouse here in SA, but if you have ever been to the one in Austin, there is no comparison!) and forget about comparing us to the likes of Houston or San Francisco. (Houston is where Microcinema International is located along with the Aurora Picture Show, and San Francisco is the birthplace of microcinema.) But there is even a microcinema in Shreveport, Louisiana. Shreveport! A city of around 200,000. Population of San Antonio: 1.56 million people. SA is the seventh largest city in the U.S. It is about time that San Antonians support microcinema.

A little background about microcinema. Here is Wiki's definition of microcinema. "Microcinema is a flexible term that can cover anything - animated shorts, bizarrely impressionistic video manipulations, hard-hitting documentaries, and garage-born feature-length movies." Also microrcinema also derives its name from small screenings of art-based, documentary and animation films at unusual venues, a sort of cinematic microbrewery. That is what I am trying to start here in SA, a microbrewery of cinematic shorts and art films that engages the audience, but in true San Anto style.

Any suggestions for venues, locations, and/or films you may want to see respond to this post. Also looking for any volunteers who want to help out. Keep it real...

G.

How to Become a Sellout

2008-02-15T22:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of how to become a sellout and sell artwork. This was done by John Baldessari in 1968. Enjoy.

-G.

Correction

2008-02-15T22:26:00.000-08:00

The original Modest Proposal was by Jonathan Swift, not Charles Dickens. It has been a long time since I read it. Thanks for letting me know.

-G.

Modest Proposal 2.0 - Part 2

2008-02-04T09:09:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest entry in an ongoing proposal of the current administration and a proposal to help keep America safe from the "enemy", whoever that may be at the current time. This work of "art" is loosely based off Charles Dickens' "Modest Proposal". Comments to me can be done by replying to this post, comments to the President can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/email . This post is a copy of a letter sent to the President of the United States talking about the current state of affairs. It is a conversation of sorts between myself and the President, although it will probably be a one-sided one, as I do not expect to get a response. I will post a response if I receive one. The letter is below:

January 29, 2008

George W. Bush, President of the United States
Office of the President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Reference: the security of this nation

Dear Mr. President,

In these uncertain times, we must band together and institute a united front against our enemies. I do believe that you have tremendous task set before you as you lead this country of ours during this state of national crisis. I would like to make a modest proposal for the future of this nation and generations to come.
I propose that we ostracize and deport any and all Americans that have a last name that starts with “Al” and/or pray more than once a day. Additionally, we should deport, detain, or imprison any American that has a difficult to pronounce last name. Also, a national poll should be established to learn of the public’s view of the current administration. Any American that does not agree with current Administration’s view on the war in Iraq, the global threat to the security of the United States, or the current direction of the American economy shall be immediately detained and deported to some Third World country of your choosing.
We also must detain and question all people of the Catholic faith as their loyalties can be divided between this country and the Pope in Rome. In fact, the Pope is considered a threat to national security. Fundamental Christians shall also be detained because of their belief in forgiveness. The members of Friends and the Amish faith shall also need to be detained as they do not purchase consumer goods therefore do not contribute the American economy. They also do not believe in war or fighting in general, so they are against the war in Iraq. Native Americans shall also be detained because of their proclivity to revolt. All Hispanics shall be immediately deported to their ancestral homelands. All African Americans shall also be immediately dispatched to the continent of Africa. Lastly, anyone whose first language is not English shall be immediately detained and interrogated by any means necessary.

All attorneys must find new positions as the writ of Habeas Corpus has been suspended during this time of war. Also all courts shall be dispensed with indefinitely. The President shall have final judicial jurisdiction, as the Supreme Court has been disbanded. If anyone is suspected for any number of infractions, including but not limited to, traffic misdemeanors, any and all felonies and other misdemeanors shall be immediately detained, deported and/or shot depending on the alleged offense.
Congress shall also be disbanded, as it reacts too slowly during this national crisis. Also the Bill of Rights and the Constitution shall also be dismissed. A new constitution shall be drafted in steadfast giving the Office of the President the one and only power to govern its people, even if he governs only himself. These steps are for the good of the country.
I hope that this Modest Proposal meets with your approval. I am only a concerned citizen trying to keep this country safe. I thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully yours,
A Concerned Citizen

P.S. – You can contact me via postal mail or email. My email address is context_art@mac.com. Please do not hesitate to enact any or all proposals at your discretion.

A Modest Proposal 2.0

2008-01-21T10:39:00.000-08:00

Instead of creating art, I wrote a letter. This is a post about that letter. I am responding about the recent ruling by the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) about the banning of lithium ion batteries onboard domestic and international flights originating from the U.S. If you want the TSA's report, you can find it at: http://www.tsa.gov then click on the "New FAA regulation for lithium batteries" In The News Section of the webpage. I wrote a letter to the director of the Transportation Safety Administration, Kip Hawley in the style in Charles Dickens' A Modest Proposal. I will provide a post for Mr. Hawley's response. The original letter is here:

To: Kip Hawley, Director of Transportation Safety Administration

TSA-1

Transportation Security Administration 

601 South 12th Street 

Arlington, VA 22202-4220

cc: Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Department of Homeland Security

Office of the Secretary

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

 Washington, D.C. 20528

In reply to: Recent changes to carry on items on a commercial airline

Dear Mr. Hawley Director of Transportation Safety Administration,

This letter is about the recent changes in commercial airline travel, more specifically changes in what one can bring onboard. I believe that you are doing a great job in keeping this country safe during this “war on terror”. Your recent ruling that lithium ion type batteries be outlawed onboard airplanes is a just one. But as a nation we need to go further. As a concerned citizen, I would like to propose even further steps for the safety of our people and democracy. I propose that all lithium and any other type of battery, alkaline, Nickel-Cadmium, etc. should be outlawed on future flights. All electronic devices have no purpose onboard an airliner. Who cares if it makes the passenger more comfortable during a long flight to listen to the latest Maroon 5 album on his iPod, or the business executive needs his laptop and smartphone to conduct business in some other city. This is for the safety and defense of this country.

I also propose that all animals, including but not limited to, oranagutans, hippopotami, and people who have a last name that starts with “Al” should not be allowed onboard. To go further, shoes cannot be worn onboard, as well as, skirts, ties, jackets, sweaters, button-down shirts, or shirts for that matter, jeans, pants whose inseam is greater than 30”, belts, etc. This is not an all-inclusive list. All boarding passengers should have to strip down to their undergarments while proceeding through all security checkpoints in every domestic airport and remain undressed while onboard and inflight.

This country would be better served if no luggage is allowed onboard an aircraft. Also, no beverages nor food would be served or allowed during the flight. This would also preclude any need for flight attendants. Passengers would just huddle en masse to find their seat. Since all batteries have been eliminated from all flights this includes that backup batteries that are on avionic systems in the cockpit. Thus, all electronic avionic systems that control the airplane should also be eliminated as this could cause a fire that could not be put out. Since there are no avionics, there shall be no need for pilots. A random drawing of the passengers determines who becomes to pilot, co-pilot, and navigator. This could turn into a reality based television show, where viewers can watch which of the passengers becomes part of the flight crew, see the en masse struggle to find a seat, and the big finale, is to see if everyone makes it to their destination.

I hope that this modest proposal meets with your approval. I am only a concerned citizen trying to keep this country safe. I thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully yours,

A Concerned Citizen

P.S. – Please do not hesitate to enact any and all of the proposals at your descretion.