November 18th, 1978

30 years ago, yesterday, most of the followers of Jim Jones' People's Temple perished in a mass suicide. The grisly, yet fascinating demonstration of Jones' control over his followers illustrates the power of man and mind. How does one identify, penetrate and exploit the needs of his disaffected followers? How is one so injured mentally that they seek out and submit to such control?

Once this control is established, anything is possible. The malleability of someone enthralled by a demigod such as Jones is easy to understand. Fear, abuse and deceit can ensure compliance, but how is that door even opened? I certainly don't have an answer... merely curiosity.

Listen to the audio recording of the suicide sermon.



I can't make mention of Jim Jones without also tipping my hat to...

Rediscovering This Blog

I just dredged up this blog that I created for a school project last semester. I think I'd like to keep it updated more regularly.



Here's a map of the route that I took on my walk this morning. It was a short walk, but I took some cool pictures. I also found a creepy little staircase that cuts right down through the sidewalk and drops you down on the street below.

Walking Route