Monday, August 22, 2016

After the Campaign: Gestalt

Dear Internauts,

Well, as of 11:41am this morning, the kickstarter campaign to record a new EP came to a close. Of the 2,950 goal, we were able to raise 2,300. I'd just like to thank those who backed and encouraged me throughout this process.

It was a very new sort of challenge to ask folks for money, but every single step of the way there you were willing to make a sacrifice of your own means and time to give me a shot. That means so much more than any numbers can express.

My word for today is gestalt, a noun meaning "an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts".

From the wiki:
"This principle maintains that when the human mind (perceptual system) forms a percept or gestalt, the whole has a reality of its own, independent of the parts. The original famous phrase of Gestalt psychologist Kurt Koffka, "The whole is other than the sum of the parts" is often incorrectly translated[1] as "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts," and thus used when explaining gestalt theory, and further incorrectly applied to systems theory.[2]Koffka did not like the translation. He firmly corrected students who replaced "other" with "greater". "This is not a principle of addition" he said.[3] The whole has an independent existence."

Here's to you dearest Internauts, to you friends and family, to you fans and believers and truly lifetime members of Odist Abettor Music. It's never been just me, even when the madness is mostly my own. Great art always rises highest on the support of a community.

What lies ahead is uncertain, but isn't that always the case? 
My hopes and dreams ever increasing in pace
My life and my mind may wander and wane
Yet still there is courage and healing in pain
For nothing worth remaining remains quite the same 
And there is more room in the world than its space
And more sides to a thought than its face

Thanks,
Odist

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Thank You and Something Else

Dear Internauts,
As we head into the final hours of the kickstarter campaign to record my next EP (40 hours and $1, 015.00 left to go as of this posting), I continue to ask for your support and continue to thank those who've backed and encouraged me so far. I am overwhelmingly grateful and astonished by your generosity.

That said, I would be remiss to ignore a much more important goal than getting me into a studio. While I will definitely appreciate anything given to that goal—and it really does mean so much—I feel like I should write to you about something more important. Of course, I would never tell you what to do with your money, and I can assure you of how it will be used far more in the former case. Still, the following I at least ask you to walk through with an open mind and open heart. It is far more worthy of your time and attention than any product I could make for you. 

These are the photos of the Louisiana flood the media hasn’t shown you

The situation is devastating. 
It’s been raining every damn day over there. Twelve days of storms…and counting. Two feet of rain in less than 72 hours. They said the water came up so fast…
Is the government doing anything? Sending boats in to help? Anything?
I’ve heard mostly about private citizens helping each other or businesses matching donations to the red cross. I don’t know if I haven’t heard about the government helping because me and the fam didn’t need to be rescued or because they are doing the minimum to help
So I know I just reblogged this but I’d just thought I’d let those not in Louisiana know that it’s raining again
The rain isn’t gonna let up until next Sunday. Plus the high humidity…That shit is insane. 
Here’s a list of organizations that are seeking resources and/or donations:

IN-PERSON DONATIONS

NEW ORLEANS, METAIRIE and KENNER

Second Harvest Food Bank
  • Accepting: Nonperishable food items such as canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned meat, soups, stews, beans, chili, peanut butter, pasta, rice, breakfast cereal and shelf-stable milk. Cleaning supplies such as bleach, disinfectants, sponges, gloves, trash bags and scrub brushes.
  • Where to donate: Second Harvest Food Bank at 700 Edwards Ave., Elmwood
  • When: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
United Way of Southeast Louisiana
  • Accepting: Buckets, bleach, cleaning detergent, mops, Shockwave for mold, mops, brooms, paper towels, large garbage bags, rubber gloves, masks, scrub brushes, scouring pads, sponges, air freshener, toiletries, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, hand soap, adult diapers, disposable razors, shaving cream, toilet paper, diapers for babies, baby wipes, baby food, baby formula, sippy cups and bottles, pet cages, kennels, leashes, collars, pet food, cat litter, bottled water, nonperishable food items and school supplies
  • Where to donate: Weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2515 Canal St., New Orleans, or weekdays from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. at 411 West Coleman Ave., Hammond
Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office
  • Accepting: Clean, usable clothing in all sizes. Underwear should be in original packaging. All clothing should be bagged or boxed.
  • Where to donate: 819 S. Broad St.
  • When: Normal business hours
Zeus’ Rescues, which is hosting more than 60 animals that have been evacuated from flooded areas.
  • Accepting: Cat carriers, clay littler, square litter boxes, canned cat  and kitten food.
  • Where to donate: 4601 Freret Street
  • When: Between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Various New Orleans businesses
  • Accepting: Blankets, bedding, feminine hygiene products, diapers, baby wipes, cleaning supplies, pet food, pet crates and pet bedding.
  • Where to donate: Church Alley Coffee Shop & The Good Shop, 1618 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.; Dashing Bicycles, 1234 N. Broad St.; Balance Yoga, 120 S. Cortez St.; Solo Espresso, 1301 Poland Ave.; Dirty Coast, 5631 Magazine St. and 2121 Chartres St.; Dancing Grounds, 3705 St. Claude Ave.; Rouler, 601 Baronne St.; The Stacks, inside the Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St.; Buff Beauty Bar, 720 Carondelet St.; Electric Expressions, 2317 Veterans Memorial Blvd., #3
New Orleans restaurants
  • Accepting: Bulk food items and water to help feed volunteers and those in the shelter at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center. Also accepting clothing and shoes in various sizes, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, toiletries, diapers, garbage bags, coloring books and children’s toys. The group is also working with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.
  • Where to donate: Langlois, 1710 Pauger St.; Sylvain, 626 Chartres St.; Meauxbar, 942 N. Rampart St.; Barrel Proof, 1201 Magazine St.; Cavan, 3607 Magazine St.
Treo and Finn McCool’s Irish Pub
  • Accepting: Nonperishable foods and basic needs items
  • Where to donate: Treo, 3835 Tulane Ave., and Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, 3701 Banks St.
  • When: Business hours through Wednesday
Junior League of New Orleans
  • Accepting: Diapers in all sizes, feminine hygiene products and gift cards in $20 amounts for Target and Wal-Mart
  • Where: Junior League of New Orleans Headquarters, 4319 Carondelet St.
  • When: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
City of Kenner
  • Accepting: New and unused toiletries, feminine hygiene products and baby needs like wipes, diapers and formula
  • Where: 1905 24th St., Kenner
  • When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 16, through Friday, Aug. 19
Caroline Fayard for US Senate New Orleans Office
  • Accepting: Nonperishable food items, blankets, bedding, feminine hygiene products, diapers, formula, baby food, baby wipes, cleaning supplies and pet food
  • Where to donate: 4327 Canal St.
  • When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday
Crescent City Farmers Market
  • Accepting: Canned food, water, cleaning supplies and toiletries.
  • Where to donate: All week at the main office at 200 Broadway St.; Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Uptown Square, 200 Broadway St.; Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the American Can Building, 3700 Orleans Ave.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at Reily Foods, 700 Magazine St.
O'Henry’s and Waitr
  • Accepting: Canned food, clothing, toiletries, bedding and any other immediate needs items
  • Where: 8859 Veteran’s Memorial Blvd., Metairie
  • When: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. through Wednesday, Aug. 17
Magnolia Physical Therapy
  • Accepting: Nonperishable food items, toiletries and household cleaning supplies
  • Where: 5606 Jefferson Highway, Harahan; 2372 St. Claude Ave, New Orleans; and 2525 Jena St., New Orleans
QCS Logistics
  • Accepting: Bottled water, nonperishable food, baby formula, diapers, clothing, sleeping bags, toiletries and batteries
  • Where: 150James Dr. East, No. 180
  • When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., through Thursday, Aug. 18
Jefferson Parish Parent
  • Accepting: Books, new toys, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, phone chargers, craft and school supplies, baby formula, diapers, baby wipes and unopened bottles of OTC medicines like aspirin and cough syrup. Not accepting clothing donations.
  • Where: First Look Ultrasound, 4621 W. Napoleon Ave., Ste. 205, Metairie; Flavors Snowballs and Ice Cream, 500 Vintage Dr., Kenner; Monogram Express, 2109 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie; Laser Tag of Metairie, 6801 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie; Elmwood Self Storage, 1004 S. Clearview Parkway, Elmwood; 1st Source Servall, 400 Lapalco Blvd., Suite A, Gretna; Phil’s Grill, 3020 Severn Ave., Metairie; Jefferson Auto Service, 901 Shrewsbury Road, New Orleans; Dance Innovation, 7343 Jefferson Highway, Harahan;Atonement Lutheran Church, 6500 Riverside Drive, Metairie; Kindred Studios, 5228 Magazine St., New Orleans; 5 Minute Oil Change, multiple locations across New Orleans metropolitan area
The Social Club Barbershop
  • Accepting: Water, pet supplies, nonperishable food, diapers and other baby items, clothing in various sizes, blankets, toys, toiletries, cleaning supplies and household items not including furniture.
  • Where: 3515 Melvil Dewey Drive, #104, Metairie
Triangle Roofing
  • Accepting: School supplies, pet food and pet treats.
  • Where: 563 Hickory Ave, Harahan
  • When: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 19.
Mattingly Motors
  • Accepting: Nonperishable food items and water.
  • Where to donate: 6900 Veterans Boulevard, Metairie
  • When: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Saturday (Aug. 20)
Ray’s on the Avenue
  • Accepting: Disposable cameras, sunscreen, toiletries, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies and baby items.
  • Where to donate: 1139 St. Bernard Ave., New Orleans
  • When: Daily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Chalmette Movies
  • Accepting: Clothing in all sizes
  • Where to donate: 8700 West Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette
  • When: Daily, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Given 2 Give
  • Accepting: Toiletries, nonperishable food items, clothing, new packages of underwear in all sizes, feminine hygiene products, and baby and children’s needs, including bottles, diapers, formula and wipes.
  • Where to donate: Uniform Apparel, 1683 North Broad St., New Orleans
  • When: Through Friday, Aug. 19, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pagoda Cafe
  • Accepting: Cleaning supplies, personal care items, baby and childcare items, bedding, toilet paper, nonperishable foods and water.
  • Where: 1430 N. Dorgenois St., New Orleans
  • When: Business hours through Saturday, Aug. 19
Cafe Reconcile
  • Accepting: Cooked meals, which they are delivering three times per week for two weeks to Baton Rouge. Deliver meals in disposable containers. Suggested dishes are chicken, beef, fish, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, rice, gumbo, green beans, mixed vegetables, corn, red beans, black eyed peas, bread and cookies.
  • Where: 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans
  • When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Aug. 26. Drop off items between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The Computer Geeks
  • Accepting: Non-perishable food items, new blankets and bedding, feminine hygiene products, packaged diapers, baby wipes, baby food and formula, baby supplies, pillows, bath towels, toiletries cleaning supplies, pet food, pet crates and new pet bedding. No bulk items or furniture.
  • Where: 4409 Magazine St., New Orleans
  • When: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 19
Crescent City Clouds
  • Accepting: Dry goods, nonperishable foods, water, towels, new packages of socks and underwear.
  • Where: 4344 Earhart Blvd. Ste. C, New Orleans
  • When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday through Friday and noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays
New Orleans Harley-Davidson
  • Accepting: Nonperishable items, canned foods, clothing in bags or boxed and other basic needs items. They will be donated to the Red Cross.
  • Where: 6015 Airline Drive, Metairie
  • When: Business hours through Aug. 31
Little Pnuts Toy Shoppe
  • Accepting: Children’s items including books, clothing, toys, arts and crafts supplies, coloring books and school supplies.
  • Where: 209 Harrison Ave., Suite C, New Orleans
  • When: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays
Mignon Faget
  • Accepting: Canned goods, water, nonperishable food items
  • Where: 3301 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Metairie; 3801 Magazine St., New Orleans; 7350 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge
  • When: Business hours through Aug. 31.
Alarm Protection Services
  • Accepting: Books, pillows, diapers, baby wipes, new toys, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, phone chargers, formula, craft supplies for kids and school supplies.
  • Where: 4440 Trenton St., Metairie
  • When: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Realty Point
  • Accepting: Water, clothing, bedding, toiletries and nonperishable food.
  • Where: 230 Polk St., New Orleans
  • When: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays through Aug. 31
Urban League of New Orleans
  • Accepting: Cash donations online or the following items in-person: Clothing, new packages of underwear and socks, toiletries, nonperishable food, baby formula, baby food, disinfectant wipes, blankets, towels, wash cloths, pillows, Ziploc bags and baby bottles.
  • Where: Urban League of Greater New Orleans, 4640 S. Carrollton, New Orleans
Brown Butter
  • Accepting: Cleaning supplies, toiletries, baby care items and pet supplies.
  • Where: 231 N. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans
  • When: Through Tuesday, Aug. 23

NORTH SHORE

United Way of Southeast Louisiana
  • Accepting: Buckets, bleach, cleaning detergent, mops, Shockwave for mold, mops, brooms, paper towels, large garbage bags, rubber gloves, masks, scrub brushes, scouring pads, sponges, air freshener, toiletries, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, hand soap, adult diapers, disposable razors, shaving cream, toilet paper, diapers for babies, baby wipes, baby food, baby formula, sippy cups and bottles, pet cages, kennels, leashes, collars, pet food, cat litter, bottled water, nonperishable food items and school supplies
  • Where to donate: Weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2515 Canal St., New Orleans, or weekdays from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. at 411 West Coleman Ave., Hammond
Various Northshore businesses
  • Abita Roasting Co., 1011 Village Walk, Covington
  • Abita Springs Cafe, 22132 Level St., Abita Springs
  • Ain’t Life Grand Investments, 1950 N. Highway 190, Covington
  • Mugshots Grill & Bar, 300 River Highlands Blvd., Covington
  • Glory Bound Gyro Co., 500 River Highlands Blvd., Covington
  • Friends Coastal Restaurant, 407 St. Tammany St., Madisonville
Honda of Covington
  • Accepting: Basic flood relief items
  • Where: Honda of Covington, 100 Holiday Square Blvd., Covington
  • When: Between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Tallow Creek subdivision volunteers
  • Accepting: Cleaning supplies such as paper towels, brooms, mops, tools, mold masks and gloves plus general use items like socks, flip flops, boxes and toiletries
  • Where to donate: 755 Solomon Drive and 630 Amy Court in Covington
  • When: Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Project Blessings St. Tammany
  • Accepting: Toiletries, cleaning supplies, baby items and gently used blankets
  • Where to donate: Victory Bible Church’s Faith Outreach Building, 317 W. 30th Ave., Suite B, Covington
  • When: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Chimes - Covington
  • Accepting: Water, food, clothing and cleaning supplies
  • Where to donate: 19130 Rogers Lane, Covington
  • When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tammany Oaks Church of Christ
  • Accepting: Water, food, clothing, baby items, cleaning supplies, school supplies and uniforms.
  • Where: 3700 Highway 59, Mandeville
South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists
  • Accepting: Pet supplies, which will be donated to the St. Tammany Humane Society and the Tangi Animal Shelter
  • Where: 2631 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville
The Little Gym
  • Accepting: Gift cards to home goods stores such as WalMart, Target, Home Depot and Lowe’s
  • Where: 51 Park Place Drive, Covington and 442F Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette
  • When: Business hours through Aug. 19
Cure, Cafe Henri and Cane & Table
  • Accepting: Cash donations or nonperishable food items for Second Harvest Food Bank
  • Where: 4905 Freret St., 800 Louisa St. or 1113 Decatur St.

BATON ROUGE, LAFAYETTE and OTHER LOCATIONS

United Way of Acadiana
  • Accepting: Buckets, bleach, cleaning detergent, mops, Shockwave for mold, mops, brooms, paper towels, large garbage bags, rubber gloves, masks, scrub brushes, scouring pads, sponges, air freshener, toiletries, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, hand soap, adult diapers, disposable razors, shaving cream, toilet paper, diapers for babies, baby wipes, baby food, baby formula, sippy cups and bottles, bottled water, nonperishable food items and school supplies. No clothing donations can be accepted.
  • Where to donate: United Way of Acadiana, 215 E. Pinhook Rd., Lafayette, LA 70501
  • When: Daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Capital Area United Way
  • Accepting: Buckets, bleach, cleaning detergent, mops, Shockwave for mold, mops, brooms, paper towels, large garbage bags, rubber gloves, masks, scrub brushes, scouring pads, sponges, air freshener, toiletries, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, hand soap, adult diapers, disposable razors, shaving cream, toilet paper, diapers for babies, baby wipes, baby food, baby formula, sippy cups and bottles, bottled water, nonperishable food items and school supplies. 
  • Where to donate: 700 Laurel Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802
St. Charles Parish
  • Accepting: Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, tooth brushes, tooth paste, soap, shampoo, deoderant, feminine hygiene products, baby food, baby formula and bottles, diapers, wipes, buckets, mops, cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, towels and packaged underwear
  • Where: Edward A. Dufresne Community Center, 274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway, Luling, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or the Allen Arterbury Building, 14564 River Road, New Sarpy, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
St. Charles Parish Animal Shelter
  • Accepting: Cat litter, plastic litter boxes, pet food, Dawn detergent, prepaid Visa gift cards. Items will be delivered to the Lamar Dixon Expo Center.
  • Where: 921 Rue La Cannes Drive, Luling, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Baton Rouge River Center, a temporary shelter for evacuees
  • Accepting: All items must be brand new. They most require pillows, underwear, baby clothes, socks, men’s shoes, blankets and deodorant.
  • Where: 275 S. River Road, Baton Rouge
Lamar Dixon Expo Center, a temporary shelter that is also housing animals
  • Accepting: Volunteers, hay, buckets, brooms, cleaning supplies, cat litter, plastic litter boxes, pet food for dogs, cats and horses. 
  • Where: 9039 S. St. Landry, Gonzales
ReMax Synergy
  • Accepting: Water, nonperishable food items, garbage bags, cleaning supplies, wipes and rags. 
  • Where: 1904 Ormond Boulevard, Destrehan 
  • When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 19
Lafourche Parish Animal Shelter
  • Accepting: Pet supplies and volunteers to assist with the increased number of animals as the shelter accepts those that have been evacuated from flooded areas
  • Where: 934 Highway 3185, Thibodaux
In & Out Smart Repair Stores
  • Accepting: Ziploc bags, blankets, pillows, towels, wash cloths, toiletires, water, coffee, tea, nonperishable food, new packages of underwear, gift cards, cleaning materials and tools.
  • Where: All locations in Thibodaux, Houma, New Iberia, Lafayette, Mandeville and Hammond. See map for details.
Urban League of Greater New Orleans’ Baton Rouge drop-off
  • Accepting: New packages of underwear, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deoderant, disposable razors, shaving cream and lotion
  • Where: Star Hill Church, 1400 N. Foster Drive., Baton Rouge OR the James Law Office, 830 Main St., Baton Rouge
Denicola’s Furniture & Upholstery
  • Accepting: Furniture, especially mattresses, bed-frames, kitchen tables and chairs, dressers, end tables, night stands and lamps.
  • Where: 2152 N. Foster Drive, Baton Rouge.
  • When: Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. until further notice

ONLINE DONATIONS

Red Cross 
  • Accepting donations via telephone. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or text LAFLOODS to 90999 to donate $10
Companion Animal Alliance, Baton Rouge’s city animal shelter
  • Needs: Foster homes to house pets temporarily, large bath towels, paper towels, water and food for volunteers and staff. Donations can be made online to assist with these needs by going to the organization’s website, www.CAABR.org.
NOLA Pay It Forward
  • Accepting: Greater New Orleans Foundation collecting donations to aid neighboring parishes in early relief and rebuilding efforts. Access the site here.
United Way of Southeast Louisiana
United Way of Acadiana
Capital Area United Way
Denham Springs Animal Shelter, which was devastated by the floods
  • Accepting: Donations via a GoFundMe account, which PetCo is matching dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000. The shelter also has an Amazon Wish List. By making purchases on Amazon, needed items will be sent directly to the shelter.
Tangi Humane Society, which is privately run and was devastated by the floods
Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana
  • Accepting: Donations, 100 percent of which will be turned over to teachers who have lost classroom materials in the floods. They can be made online through APEL’s website. Teachers can also apply for the financial aid through the same link.
Assess the Need
  • Accepting: Donations for Livingston Parish schools, 15 of which flooded. Donations can be made online by going to Assess the Need’s website. They can also be emailed to Assess the Need, PO Box 1802, Denham Springs, LA, 70727
Catholic Charities
  • Accepting: Donations to aid families in immediate and longterm needs. Accepting donations online.
Save the Children’s Gulf Coast Disaster Relief Fund
  • Accepting: Donations to help protect children and support immediate needs of families affected by flooding. They can be sent online.
Baton Rouge Area Foundation
232-HELP
  • Accepting: Donations to help purchase emergency medications, medical equipment, appliances and transportation for flood victims in 10 parishes across Acadiana. Donations can be made online.
Foundation for Louisiana
SBP
  • Accepting: Donations to assist in cleaning, gutting and rebuilding homes for those affected by the floods. They can be made online.
Lighthouse Louisiana
  • Accepting: Donations to clean up its Baton Rouge facility and repair and replace damaged items. Theycan be made online.
Northshore Weather Relief Fund
  • Accepting: Donations to help those affected in Tangipahoa, Washington, St. Helena and Tammany parishes. They can be made online.
Foundation EBR
Accepting: Donations to assist with cleaning and resupplying flooded East Baton Rouge Parish schools.They can be made online.

Mail Donations

United Way of Southeast Louisiana
  • What they need: Buckets, bleach, cleaning detergent, mops, Shockwave for mold, mops, brooms, paper towels, large garbage bags, rubber gloves, masks, scrub brushes, scouring pads, sponges, air freshener, toiletries, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, hand soap, adult diapers, disposable razors, shaving cream, toilet paper, diapers for babies, baby wipes, baby food, baby formula, sippy cups and bottles, pet cages, kennels, leashes, collars, pet food, cat litter, bottled water, nonperishable food items and school supplies
  • Where to mail items: United Way of Southeast Louisiana, 2515 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119. Phone: 504.822.5540;  United Way of Greater New Orleans, 411 W. Coleman Ave., Hammond, LA 70403. Phone: 985.542.8680
Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter
  • What they need: Leashes, pet treats, pet food, dog toys, cash donations, temporary fosters.
  • Where to mail items: Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter, 1869 Ames Blvd., Marrero, LA 70072. Phone: 504.349.5111
Companion Animal Alliance
  • What they need: Leashes, pet treats, pet food, dog toys, cash donations, temporary fosters until transportation is available Wednesday, Aug. 17.
  • Where to mail items: Companion Animal Alliance, 2680 Progress Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70807. Phone: 225.774.7701
Capital Area United Way
  • What they need: Buckets, bleach, cleaning detergent, mops, Shockwave for mold, mops, brooms, paper towels, large garbage bags, rubber gloves, masks, scrub brushes, scouring pads, sponges, air freshener, toiletries, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, hand soap, adult diapers, disposable razors, shaving cream, toilet paper, diapers for babies, baby wipes, baby food, baby formula, sippy cups and bottles, bottled water, nonperishable food items and school supplies.
  • Where to mail items: Capital Area United Way, 700 Laurel St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Phone: 225.383.2643
Junior League of New Orleans
  • What they need: Diapers in all sizes, feminine hygiene products and gift cards in $20 amounts for Target and Wal-Mart
  • Where to mail items: Junior League of New Orleans Headquarters, 4319 Carondelet St., New Orleans, LA 70115. Phone: 504.891.5845
Tangi Humane Society
  • How to mail items: The society has an Amazon Wish List. By making purchases on Amazon, needed items will be sent directly to the shelter.  
Denham Springs Animal Shelter
  • How to mail items: The shelter has an Amazon Wish List. By making purchases on Amazon, needed items will be sent directly to the shelter.
Louisiana Bobcat Refuge
  • How to mail items: The shelter has an Amazon Wish List. By making purchases on Amazon, needed items will be sent directly to the shelter.
SOURCE: http://attndotcom.tumblr.com/ 

Friday, August 12, 2016

Cave Comics and YOU!

Dear Internauts,

For the first time in far too long, I decided to walk to the cafe today instead of drive. It's just over a mile, but it felt like ten. It didn't used to be this hard. I stretched. I work good walking shoes. My backpack was light with only my laptop, a book, and some papers. Still, as I stepped into the AC and went to wash my face and hands in the restroom, the full-body suit of sweat I'd accumulated was fairly swamp-like.

It's not that I'm out of shape. I'm just in a different shape. A squishier shape.

Speaking of shapes, what kind of shape has 2 faces and infinite sides?

A poly-tician!

Anyway, I think I might try walking some more. It gave me some time to think up a little analogy for how I've been feeling of late. I even made a comic about it.





(Despite the original sketches not taking too long, the process of starting any new artistic endeavor—in this case the setting up and editing part—always takes somewhere around 70% longer than that same process after practice. Yes, I did just make that statistic up.)

Thanks for being you, 
Odist


p.s.—With 10 days to go, the crowd-funding campaign to help me record a new EP has 11 backers and a little over halfway to go till our goal. If you'd like to help out, know someone who might, or just find out more information, please check out: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1610720524/odist-abettor-ep




Friday, August 5, 2016

Single Shots of Sacharine Splendor

Dear Internauts,

Sup?

So I'm sitting here half-watching the Olympic Opening Ceremony/half playing Kingdom Hearts Unchained on my phone. It's basically like any other quazi-rpg phone game but with Mickey Mouse. I'm thinking how weird TV commercials are, as I rarely see them anymore. Sure sometimes I wait through or skip an ad on YouTube, there are ads on the side of diff sites, or clickbait on the bottom of articles. This whole two-three minutes of content for every fourish minutes of ads, though, just feels desperate. The commercials themselves are a mix of sentimental, manic, hyper-patriotic, and clueless.  But then I've gotten so used to a media culture of compilations and top ten lists that don't pad their content for time. Instead content creators rush from point to point so as to grasp the attention of a buffet audience.

I could get all political about Brazil classism and the twisted parade of fascist dick-measuring proclaiming unity that is the Olympics, but I'm not a cynical guy. I can get emotionally manipulated by the right montage soundtrack as much as the next consumer. I'm not above buying tickets for a 3D screening even if it doesn't do much besides darken the colors.

What I'm trying to say is I loved Suicide Squad. I crave a coke. I wish I could skateboard. And I understand the irony of railing against commercialism while running a crowd-funding campaign. I guess the difference is that I will continue to make content for you no matter what because I make art out of love. Still, your help makes that love grow exponentially.

The best stuff I've ever made--the essence of what Odist Abettor Music is all about--has been a work of cooperative creativity. Whether from musicians, engineers, singers, financiers, and encouraging fans, there is no worthwhile endeavor achieved entirely alone. Even haters help.

Of course, the daily struggle to keep moving forward is a very personal one. Putting pen to paper or fingers to keys or picks to strings--these are cerebral challenges of astonishing weight. And yet, all those who have encouraged me or questioned me or denied me or inspired me keep me trying and doing and achieving.

So maybe it's just another silly commercial, but if on some oddball chance you would like to participate in helping me make some more art, please click the link below and tell your friends.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1610720524/odist-abettor-ep


Thanks,
Odist