Wednesday, December 23, 2009
No legs? No problem: professional skier, photographer, and skateboarder...at 24 years old.
Check this out:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
The 2000's in Sports (video)
So it's kinda broken...do you still want it?
Hide and (still seeking) with John McCain
And then he ran for president.
Even in his concession speech, I thought I caught a glimmer of the moderate McCain that I had once debated supporting.
And then he joined his radical comrades.
Maureen Dowd does a fantastic job of questioning whether this "worthwhile" John McCain actually exists:
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Best Facebook SNAFU's of All Time
In case you missed it, my nomination for funniest compilation of 2009:
The Dead Grandma Exam Syndrome Study
Hilarious study of just how low some students are willing to sink to "save" their grade.
Jersey Shore Handbook
Now, I have not seen a single episode of "Jersey Shore", and perhaps I should to be fair before I blast it's "characters", writers, producers, and the MTV network for continuing to sink the image of young America to an even newer low.
(Even those young viewers who mock the show and truthfully cannot relate to the show's many TMZ-headline-snagging antics are pulled down by how other generations view these young wastes of space as even the most modest metaphor for all 18-24 year-olds across the country.)
But, it appears that I've already begun my tirade.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Alcoholic Monkeys
Yes, I do occasionally post clips from the Huffington Post Comedy Page on here.
This is no exception.
I swear, this clip would help clear the air about evolution for any moonshine-sipping creationists.
Reppin' UM Alums' blogs
Hail to the Victors.
To make sure I point out other UM alums' blogs:
Hairy Lime: A Blake GoBlog - Blake Goble
Making Curriculum Pop (ning) - Ryan Goble
Boyer Meets World - Matt Boyer
Am I missing more? Add them, please!
Unbelievable Architecture
(Long story short: took one university drawing course and immediately clicked my way over to the U of M's School of Education website and followed my real passion.)
Anyhow, as my family knows that I am still amazed by creative style and design, my sister sent me this:
IMMD
If you don't already frequent this site for wonderful pick-me-ups (not the Spitzer kind), check it out:
Bill O'Reilly Throwdown (video)
The Yglesias Award is for writers, politicians, columnists or pundits who actually criticize their own side, make enemies among political allies, and generally risk something for the sake of saying what they believe.
WHABAM!!!
Google is taking over the world, and I like it.
Anyone who has been clicking through these links over the past month knows that I love Google. The platform for "Share It: Links" - Blogger - is owned by Google. Their advertising campaign, Google Search Stories, is fantastic.
Now:
Get on the bandwagon and check out
1) Google Wave (hit me up on a Wave if you're on)
2) Google Voice
And for crying out loud, if you don't already have a Gmail account, get on that, too.
1952-2008: Presidential Campaign Commercials (videos)
A fascinating collection. Click through for an incredible history lesson.
Thanks, SJ.
Anyone else notice tackling is non-existent?
I'd been wondering about this for a while, and even though Al Michaels offered a predictable explanation, I'm still wondering if this new trend is okay...
Adding a little spice to your Christmas dinner...
Bring this up with family and see where it gets you:
HP: Create Amazing (video)
(Wait for it to load - takes a little while)
Water Safety
A topic many of us take for granted, but this is worth your time:
3) That Tap Water is Legal, but May Be Unhealthy (lengthy)
Staying with Gender and Education...
A length, but worthwhile read on teaching guys and girls in public schools:
The Known Universe (video)
Wow...
Let it load - this can only be seen in HD.
Even if pay limited attention to the first minute or two, I promise you'll be roped in to the end:
Computer Science as a Core Class or Math Elective?
"If you look at history, the nations with economic superiority are building the tools the rest of the world is using."
--Chris Stephenson, executive director of the New York-based Computer Science Teachers Association
Our young generation is very adept in using technology...if we want to maintain our tie between empowering education and an economic stronghold, wouldn't computer science education become one of many viable answers?
Fewer high school students taking computer sciences classes
What do you think: are advanced high school mathematics classes outdated? Should Computer Science be offered as an alternative to AP Calculus classes? Am I completely full of it?
--Chris Stephenson, executive director of the New York-based Computer Science Teachers Association
Our young generation is very adept in using technology...if we want to maintain our tie between empowering education and an economic stronghold, wouldn't computer science education become one of many viable answers?
Fewer high school students taking computer sciences classes
What do you think: are advanced high school mathematics classes outdated? Should Computer Science be offered as an alternative to AP Calculus classes? Am I completely full of it?
"Gender Balance" in Higher Education
My mom informed me that this has been a hot-button issue for a long time inside professors' circles at many different institutions. Time to bring it out (further) to current students and recent graduates:
And, finally, some of my own thoughts (originally composed in a reply email):
Hmm...I can see the arguments from both sides: women should not be held to different admission standards based on their gender, and it is an inherent requisite for any organization who provides education based on the credo of equal learning for all to keep admission rates even between males and females.
Regardless, I feel it boils down to this: even in the interest to maintain a balance in student population, if more females are applying to school, then there is absolutely no reason they should have their hard work held against them. The best applicants are the ones who should be admitted, and if the top prospects are more female than male, then that's how this should be.
I feel like this is another instance in which educational "gaps" in later education (high school and college) really boils down to the root of the issue, which exists years before these "trends" gain noticeable attention. With the "racial gap", predominantly white (read: middle-to-upper class) students enter kindergarten with an unbelievable advantage over non-white (read: poor, low-SES) students in vocabulary, manners, educational opportunities, etc because of their household environment and educational values (not to mention the countless opportunities that money provides for those who have it). With this "gender gap", it boils down to the fact that middle and high school boys do not apply themselves (or, more acutely, do not see the need to apply themselves) to succeed in the same way that their female counterparts do. (Excuse the fact all of these statements are, for the most part, sweeping generalizations.)
Many young males (and young females, for that matter) in schools see grown men in positions of power, or what our society holds to be important roles. I feel that for some females, this image partly serves as a catalyst for determination to succeed and surpass prejudiced expectations for female achievement, not to mention encouraging others (male and female) to help right the ship of gender inequality. On the other hand, for many males, seeing these images of men holding societal power serves to reaffirm a shallow and ill-advised belief that being a male in our society will grant you whatever power you need to be successful (supported by the many studies have pointed out this idea of male (and white) entitlement exists beyond a doubt).
So often in a school setting (especially in an English classroom), I see a tremendous effort to snag seemingly unmotivated young guys to read, write, and practice multiple forms of literacy. Although, as a male, I am rightfully admittedly sympathetic to this issue, I often wonder whether we are neglecting female students by doing so.
The parallel of math and science achievement comes to mind. For years there was the concept that men were simply better at math and science than women. Then, over time, and over positive and rightful efforts that still continue today, the pendulum began to shift: female students found more support from their teachers in subjects such as math and science and soon found the pendulum of gendered academic success swinging towards the middle. Although the concept of male supremacy in certain subjects has not yet been erased, it's closer to a simple sense of equality than it was 20 to 30 years ago.
Now there are many efforts to bring up male reading and writing scores in subjects such as reading and language arts that have long been dominated by female students. I think we are in the right frame of mind to encourage young guys to read and write, but I hope we are not neglecting female students in this effort. Supporting both genders when attempting to raise a specific aptitude of only one gender is a tricky line to walk, but it shouldn't be.
We need to strike a balance between inspiring unmotivated male youth and continuing to encourage, and most importantly, support female youth in celebrating academic accomplishments and encouraging further educational endeavors. By raising standards for female college admissions (to, in short, balance student populations on campus) is a direct violation of the concept of balanced support. Right now, it seems that women are more interested in higher education. This should be supported. This should also be a rallying call for educational activists to encourage young male students to achieve success in higher education, but it should not at all hurt the chances of female applicants applying to college.
If men aren't interested in college right now, then tough. Support those applicants who are determined to continue their education, even if it means an disproportional balance in student populations.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Let Cody Stay!
Go to the original link, and consider the petition here (http://www.buzzfeed.com/eliot/let-cody-stay-26q).
The A/V Club — Best of the Decade: Films
My pops said this was stupid. I disagree with the top choice. "The Dark Knight" gets the nod, but was outranked by "The Prestige." There are already dozens of these comes coming out, and I'm working on my own top 25, to then hopefully change it by 2020. This list also kinda reflects of our (Eric, Linz, Sofia, Beef) generation. No? Ch-ch-check it out:New Banners?!? Or, How Blake Went Nuts on the Photoshop
Alright folks.
I have photoshop again. And in the last half-hour of making sure the bizness still works, I've come up with the following two proposals:
Might these be suitable as banners? Any ideas? Am I being a passive agressive jerk? Is my text design still in tact? Can we design this site all together now?
Notice: This doesn't necessarily reflect the views and opinions of this blog and all its authors. But, Blake is a pinko. And this is a "Share It" exclusive.
After reading far too many Vanity Fairs, and watching many a Clooney or Newman flick, I began to wonder: what celebrities are Republican? A couple of years ago, there was an AMC documentary called "Rated R: Republicans in Hollywood" (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0425390/) and it put some of the "top-tier" Republicans on display, talking about their politics like it's taboo in Hollywood, because, well, it really is. I remember watching like I was seeing behind the Wizard's curtain, only to realize it was a Grand Wizard for the Klan...
Now, my liberal bias aside, I'll admit that a trained Brad Pitt talking about out freedom of pot on Bill Maher is almost as annoying as any gay-bashing, god-shilling, war-mongering, woman-hating Republican. Now, I'm all for fairness and listening to differences in partisan opinion. Butcome on. I know my niche audience for this blog. You really gonna swing red? I've voted for Obama twice, and I feel no remorse. I don't think I have social psychosis.
So, out of sheer curiosity this weekend, I looked up celebrity Republicans. And, I found a circumstantial list on America's greatest natural resource: Wikipedia. Some of it could be gobshite. Mostly though, it looks legit. We know Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone and Arney are among the Elephants. We knew about Heston and Britney thanks to Michael Moore. But, there were some sad disappointments.
Among my biggest surprises (and possible disappointments):
But, "High Noon" is argued as a great anti-Republican, Communist witch hunt movie. Bill Clinton loved this movie! I know it was a different time, but, come on!
All that effort of portraying the great Nixon whistle-blower Deep Throat? All the great NPR coverage on your Mark Twain show, and how fought TV censors and won? What did I miss?
Come on Coach.
Come on Coach. Well, I suppose you have to freakin' nuts to coach a team to success. But, you're a Blue hero...
All that feel good music and drug usage, only to play at the RNC?
Hmm. I guess my disappointment is really just confusion and/or difficulty keeping the faith with folks that work for a party that drives me cuckoo.
Do me a favor: look at this list (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Dwain/Republican_Celebrities_Page), and share your thoughts. Any bummers? Surprises for you?
- B
Sunday, December 6, 2009
The Best of "Wait, Wait"
If you don't already listen to NPR's "Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me!":
The best of:
- And with the purchase of your new home, a complimentary can of beans!
- I think pulling the pin on a grenade will win over the jury
- "Gaaaatorraaaddeeeee!!!" Tormenting Wisconsin National Guard troops in Iraq
- "It's the kind of luxury top people want."
- Bankers stripped of big elaborate holiday parties, settle for small 'get togethers'
- Well gosh darn it, those liberal media fact checkers just don't understand how 'The Real America' finds its quotes!
"Pundit" = Politician?
"But now, just by their willingness to be whisked off by Town Car to appear on some pundits’ panel at a moment’s notice, our legislators can bypass the hard work of governing and fashion themselves the televised leaders of populist mini-movements, celebrated heroes of the ideological fringe."
Veterans in Education
More efforts in supporting the troops fortunate enough to return home:
Organization: Troops to Teachers
For the college reader...
Cool! Hogwarts! In my university!
Granted community-building is absolutely necessary in higher education (especially at colleges with massive student populations), but can't schools tune down the entertaining-but-hollow spirit activities and grant more power to their young scholars through grown-up collaboration?
Give big business a gold star! ...for environmental strategies?
Don't overlook how some big businesses are making formidable changes in their operation to converse energy and boost their environmental conscience.
Does this excuse some of their decisions? Not in the least. But at least give yourself a balanced perspective.
Some of us could actually take a page from their books...
Respect (some) journalism
It seems incredibly easy for bloggers (::cough cough::) and amateur news agencies (not excluding certain cable 'news' stations) to tear modern journalists apart.
I mean, many journalists make it pretty easy, after all.
You mean...you DIDN'T like our military coup?
Unfortunately, amidst golfers crashing cars and socialites crashing parties, much of the American 'news media' has bypassed ::gasp:: how America is effecting governments other than in the Middle East.
That whole Honduran military coup? It does mean something about how our foreign policy strategies are viewed in other countries...
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Life Decisions
If you ever read anything on this blog, consider this:
"The Referendum is a phenomenon...whereby people...start judging their peers’ differing [life] choices with reactions ranging from envy to contempt."
One More Try vs. Rebuilding the Homeland
Not necessarily entirely conflicting concepts and sentiments, but some thoughtful considerations on Afghanistan.
Leaving the Right
In case these posts hadn't already hinted towards any political leanings...
Kind of reminds me of a certain Republicans lament from the Michigan Daily.
Where does our generation stand in past political trends?
Even though our future is up to us, historical patterns illuminate different possibilities.
Make a point to check out the secondary links within the piece, too.
Because we all need more reading in our lives!
"Bellevue Hospital, the oldest public hospital in the United States...has created the Bellevue Literary Review, a forum for illuminating humanity and human experience."
AMAZING.
Check out the Fall 2009 issue - very worthwhile.
Who needs Broadway when you're serving tables?
While many aspiring-artists-posing-as-waiters "...spend all their time trying instead of doing," this group of waiters is putting on performances (outside of work).
Using Fame for Good
Finally, another musical act (besides U2, DMB, and many others) bringing their musical and social influences to make a difference in the lives of others (aside from subconscious emotional education).
(yes, very witty)
Disgusting.
I don't want to re-open wounds that are still healing, but this is just plain revolting.
Justice deserves further investigation.
The Gaza Strip Attacks: An Account
No matter whether you have any true emotions on everything Israel-Palestine, I merely hope you keep your opinions well-grounded in a balanced self-education of what is happening.
Warning: you might need to set some time apart to read this one.
Portraits of Power
Heard this article on NPR -- "An interactive portfolio of portraits by (photographer) Platon of world leaders."
"That" Couple
I despise the attention news outlets have showered onto this pair, but I feel this article needs to be read by all.
Thank you, SJ.
Campaign Obama vs. President Obama
Hmmm, not sure I agree with everything here, but I think his point is valid:
Hmmmmm???
Hofstra (and Northeastern) football is no more
Now, as an educator, I have to agree with this:
“In times of economic distress, academic programs should and will win out.”
--E. Gordon Gee, Ohio State President (blasphemous, I entirely understand, but hey, Tressel came to Rich Rod's aid during initial investigations about "practice violations").
But this still is a travesty. Financials, logistics, politics are important, but I feel someone's forgetting something here:
The individuals most effected by this decision are...
KIDS. YOUNG ADULTS. STUDENTS. PEOPLE.
Brothers
Check out the trailer for yourself:
Step 3: Wait for B to weigh in on this one.
You've been summoned, Mr. Goble.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Post Stuff: The Greatest Entrance Ever Period
On Wednesday night this week, I got to see my first Chicago Bulls game in person since MJ was on the team. And that's not Michael Jackson. But seriously, it was freakin' amazing. We played, and then beat the Pistons (raspberry to you Eric). We had various domestic and imported beers. We ate Chicago style dogs and a $15 pretzel. We hypothesized the ethnicity and sexuality of our mascot Benny the Bull. It was damn fun.
I was with my future in-laws, and I just had a hell of a time. And unlike the Big House, I wasn't asking Eric to explain the technicals to me. Hell, I just had a spledid time.
But the part that made my night? The part that brought a tear to this eye, that once watched his Airness slam dunk six champions? The entrance music has changed much at all:
It makes me go bananas every time I watch it. I used to love the entrance more than anything. Same went to wrestling. Yes, I used to love pro wrestling. But I guess it's the remix of The Allan Parsons Project's "Eye in the Sky," that's just so... Bulls to me. I loved it.
So in conclusion. I love Chicago. Still. And always.
- B
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Quality Christmas Commercials
Target has found a pretty hilarious recipe for holiday shopping.
Enjoy:
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Exceptional jazz
I dare you...to try some jazz (or Americana, ambient, and more guitar work all rolled into one).
Phenomenal concert at the Kennedy Center:
Just let it play. You might just be pleasantly surprised.
Another reason to turn in earlier
Hopefully you aren't experiencing any memory issues. If so (or, if not), you might want to invest in more rest:
Get it?? It's a pun...!!
So, about that Facebook quiz you took...
How Facebook quizzes actually make your "private" information easier to leak out onto the intrawebs:
You have been warned.
And YOU thought freshman year was tough...
Faith in justice and love for education brought one man to his first autumn in college...at 30.
Talk about a sense of perspective...
Grocery stores...in Tehran.
Fantastic find from SJ:
Politics and open mindedness on Aisle 6.
Rich with conversation to be had...
Dissecting 'Rogue'
SJ's find:
"...a party unto herself."
Everyone and their mother has weighed in on this one -- don't stop now!!!
Obama: Lost and Found
SJ coming through again:
Very thoughtful, articulate piece (a little long, but remember: reading is good for you; settle in):
In time with tonight's address...
Thoughtful article from SJ:
Somebody's got somethin' to say - I can feel it...
A delicious, delectable educational blog: "Making Curriculum Pop"
I love eating cake. As an English teacher, I also love toying with figurative language, specifically metaphors.
...What does this have to do with a blog?
The 2009 EduBlog Awards are upon us, and I need to nominate a particular site for
BEST GROUP BLOG
BEST RESOURCE SHARING BLOG
BEST TEACHER BLOG:
"Making Curriculum Pop" - the best cake I've had the pleasure to eat (online, in blog form).
---The moist, flavorful core: Making Curriculum Pop is not just helpful because of its vast amount of classroom resources, but you can actually USE these resources in class. All material is designed specifically to easily implement into any curriculum.
---The luscious icing: these are resources that students actually enjoy! They are relevant, witty, and actually accomplish the most important goal of teaching: making the curriculum relatable to our students.
---Even MORE sugary, gooey icing: the blog is incredibly user-friendly. Ryan Goble has set up a colorful and humorous platform to pass along meticulously planned "best practice" tips, information, and resources.
Are you hungry yet? I hope so.
Go eat some cake .
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Your 'second' education
Ah! Thank you, David Brooks! Finally bringing to light that art - and in this case, music - educates the emotional mind.
yeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss.
NYT: Back to the Land
Creative article on healthy, sustainable eating and food production. Format makes for a fun read =)
Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?
Thoughtful, hilarious question: does education, especially our current test-frenzied system, overlook some of the real creativity that fuels the minds of "unmotivated" youth?
Warning: 20 minutes long (but WORTHWHILE!!! =) )
He has a point, but on everything?
Post Stuff: The Inaugural Video
Gentlemen. Ladies. Welcome to the fantastic and fabulous concoction of one Mr. E-rock Kursman.
I know I already bookmarked and favorited this page. Why? Because this is a grand opportunity for modern communication. As the simple philosophies state, this site's all about Collaboration, Conversation and Challenge. Well, seeing as it's my civic duty to challenge people into having conversations with me, I present this inaugural nugget: The first video post... on this blog.
Think about it.
In it's own, oddball way, this clip from "Ed Wood" says it all about this site. They work together. The challenge each other. They discuss ideas with other.
Yes, that's pushing it...
But damnit, I'm on first. What do you got?
- B
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Google Search Stories
Search Stories
Short, creative videos promoting Google searches in the wake up Bing's threat for competition.
Which clip is your favorite?
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