Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom.
   Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of t he Pelican as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry our successes and zest for living to future generations.





Digital diary in works at the Pentagon



USA Today
June 3, 2003
Section 11A

The Pentagon is seeking bids on a contract to develop LifeLog, a multimedia, digital diary that would be a record of everywhere a person goes and everything the person sees, hears, reads, says and touches. The goal is to create software that helps analyze behavior, habits and routines, according to Pentagon documents reviewed by the Associated Press. The data would be used to help understand how people learn and then to tailor military training accordingly.

LifeLog would capture a person’s “experience in the interactions with the world” through a camera, microphone and sensors worn by the user. Everything from heartbeats to travel to Internet chatting would be recorded. A user would have to consent to be monitored. The products of the unclassified project would be available to both the private sector and other government agencies.

But John Pike of GlobalSecurity.org, a defense analysis group doubts it would help the military. He is concerned about possible violations of privacy.





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