Death is something rarely talked about and even more rarely ever seen. We view it through the eye of television programs like crime dramas or the news - safely kept at a distance that doesn't necessitate our having to deal with the real emotional issues at hand.

I pretended to die for a little while so I could snap this photo. Really, it probably doesn't look much different than if I'd have passed out drunk or taken a nap. The idea came to me after reading an article in Slate about the greenest way to go. I know I may not have absolute control over what happens to me when I die, but does my dead body have to be a burden on the environment?

If you don't have time to read it, basically your body leaves a carbon footprint, obviously, that can be reduced or enhanced depending upon your method of disposal. Embalming leaves a greater environmental risk than natural burial, and standard 6-foot graves can cut off needed oxygen and cause your decomposition to release methane gas.

Of course cremation is a possibility, but what I'm more interested in is a process called promession. Essentially, you frozen by liquid nitrogen and shattered to pieces - yes, Terminator-style. Your coarse ashes can then be placed in a small container and buried beneath a sapling or bush to become living soil. Cool, huh?

And while all the details aren't yet sorted out, I've already made one decision about my death. Like my grandmother who selected Morning Has Broken to played at her funeral, I've known for some time now what song I'd prefer be played. The YouTube link below is Beirut's After the Curtain. (*ignore the random amateur video - this is obviously not an official Beirut YouTube video)

Darlene and I finally arrived in DC around 1:00 a.m. this morning - what a drive. It's been a busy weekend that carried over into President's Day, so I'm just now uploading some of the photos. Below, I've added a few highlights from TAP in Atlanta. It was a hell of a time, I just hate the camera batteries died half-way through.

The gang: Darlene, Nathan, Natalie, Chuck, Kathy, Amanda, James and myself. I can't wait until I make it down again.

What an great weekend. I'm down here in Atlanta with Darlene, saw my best Atlanta friends (photos to come) and even had some time with my parents, who made a special trip down from Indiana. Me and The Dar completely emptied two grocery stores of their Sweetwater supply, which you can't find anywhere near DC. And Darlene and I have been setting up the wedding Web site - DC Wedding.

We're also sitting pretty in first place in the photo contest (see below). Fingers are still crossed, though. If you haven't already, go vote! Tell your friends, tell your family and use every computer you can get your hands on. The winner will be announced next Saturday.

Hello from Atlanta! It's Valentine's Day and I just received an excellent surprise - Darlene and I are finalists for an engagement photo giveaway! True Expression Photography, run by photographer Kelly LeBruyere, announced the contest in late January and asked couples to submit a fun photo that expressed our personalities.

Darlene entered the contest for us, and now we're among seven finalist. We're encouraging everyone to log on and cast their vote (and tell your friends!) before Saturday, February 21. Vote early and often (use different IP addresses!) - we need these photos!

Vote here

Yesterday, Michael Cherenson, chair and CEO of the Public Relations Society of America, posted on the PRSA blog, PRSAY, an entry titled "Public Relations' Diversity Problem." I give Cherenson credit for addressing an important and sensitive issue, but I think he does the profession a disservice by not pointing out that Public Relations has been for years a progressive hallmark for gender diversity.

According to the Department of Labor Women's Bureau, a 2007 survey concluded that women comprise 49 percent of the US labor force. In PR, a 2005 survey commissioned by the PR Coalition determined that women make up 66 percent of the labor force. Even though this information is hosted on the PRSA.org Web site, Cherenson missed a great opportunity to praise the what the industry has done for women in the workplace. 

I understand Cherenson's concern that PR needs to think critically about its approach to cultural and racial diversity, but let's give credit where credit is due.

Ok, I've gotten a bit Flickr-crazy over the past few days. I went ahead and upgraded to the Pro account, which is only $24.99 a year for unlimited photo/video uploads. I've been adding photos from my iPhoto library, so check if you're reading this you're probably in there somewhere. Kill some time and head over to my Flickr page:

http://www.flickr.com/people/jonathanriethmaier

Just click on the Photostream for access to most of my folders. I'll be adding more over the next few days, and hopefully tag most of what's in the Misc folder for now.

I'm using Flickr's Uploader application for Mac. Mac and Windows versions are available at www.flickr.com/tools if you have a Flickr account.

It's so hard to believe the temperature here in DC reached 68 yesterday. It was just days earlier when I was freezing my butt off in ORLANDO! for a a client trade show. I took advantage of the wonderful weather and set out on a walking tour of Rosslyn. Here are some photos.

An active Twitter user since June 2008, what most amazes me is the speed with which news travels through personal networks on the site. I've come to rely on those I'm "following" for rapid information and insight before it registers with mainstream news sources. Similarly, I credit Twitter and my online network for the majority of social media updates, hints and tips I come across. Hey, it's the reason I'm on Weebly now. So thanks in advance for your patience as I try to sort this site out, and hopefully add plenty of content here on my Weebly page.