Sunday, December 6, 2009

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."

Remixing the ethical dilemma

The first part of a great documentary:

RIP: A Remix Manifesto

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.

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)

Take a break from news about the States!!!

...and review a history lesson from across the pond.

Disgusting.

I don't want to re-open wounds that are still healing, but this is just plain revolting.

Justice deserves further investigation.

Dancing brush strokes on...your iPhone?

Finally: a very cool medley of technology and art!

ONLY 30 SECONDS!!!

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

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...

Google Books

Courtesy (again) of SJ:


Proponents? Opponents? Bring on the feedback...

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 .