A must view image for all the Jews out there (those who aren't may not get some of the humor) on this fine Purim holiday.

"Above all, we are coming to understand that the arts incarnate the creativity of a free people. When the creative impulse cannot flourish, when it cannot freely select its methods and objects, when it is deprived of spontaneity, then society severs the root of art." - JFK

Isn't creativity awesome? The word is so evocative, so invigorating. The process of creating. Something from nothing. Something that did not exist before. It's an art; it's a passionate expression of thoughts, beliefs and ideas that combine to create. It's an arrogant process - I'm not satisfied with what's out there, so here's something new. It's inspirational to others - Maybe I can do something new too.

Of course, new doesn't mean good. It just means new. The creation deserves respect for the dedication taken to bear it. Since creativity comes from an indefinable mix of imagination and determination, it can't really be good or bad. It can only be either meaningful for you or not right for you.

The potential to be creative is innately born within us. We were created. We can create. It is that simple. What is not simple is the world of barriers (literally and figuratively) that surround us. Priorities, work, responsibilities, survival, laziness and other factors come between us and the creations lying dormant within.

It is our responsibility to this unspoken potential to indulge in the deeply personal and introspective process of creativity - regardless of its final form. Whether you are creating poetry, humor, paintings, films, songs, or customized chrome replacements for those plastic thingies at the end of shoelaces, you are creating. And that's awesome.

Not giving into those natural tendencies is, in a word, natural. It's normal. It's common. That doesn't make it right. Our other responsibilities are more immediate and more clearly defined. That's fine. I admire those who take the time to give over to their creative responsibilities and spend time bringing newness to the world.

One of the principles that I founded GAZM.org on is the undeniable premise that people should not define themselves, nor be defined by others, according to their 'day job.' You are not an accountant (if you are, email me). You are not a sanitation engineer (if you are, you missed a spot). You are not a reality game show contestant (if you are, you got jipped). And you aren't anything else that may be written on your business card.

You are a human being. You have within you some amazing things. Use. Indulge. Offer. Create.

By the way, this was not just one big advertisement for GAZM.org. It is a topic I care very deeply about and try to implement when brainstorming offerings for my company. Many of the people who post their photography to GAZM.org's "digital campfire" never dream of being professional photographers. But when they get emails from people asking to purchase their work, they are amazed and send me amazing emails of gratitude for helping to make the connection between them and the single person half way around the world that is inspired by their creativity.

I will refrain from shifting focus and applying what I just said to the blogging phenomena. Suffice it to say that I'm happy if one person reads this blog and gets something out of it. And you know what, even if that doesn't happen, I still learned, grew and indulged my creative urges by writing it. For a deeper look at creativity when it comes to technology read Lawrence Lessig's recent article. Also: Liquid Art, Creativity Workshop, Restless Creativity and Creativity and Work.

Of course, that's just my opinion. I may be naïve.

"I must create a system, or be enslaved by another man's." - William Blake