Sometime in the last day or so, someone circulated a picture of Barack Obama in traditional Somali dress. The Obama camp immediately wagged a finger at the Clinton campaign for underhanded tactics and the Clinton camp launched an attack at the Obama campaign for trying to manufacture a crisis. The Clinton camp stated:
If Barack Obama’s campaign wants to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive, they should be ashamed. Hillary Clinton has worn the traditional clothing of countries she has visited and had those photos published widely. This is nothing more than an obvious and transparent attempt to distract from the serious issues confronting our country today and to attempt to create the very divisions they claim to decry. We will not be distracted.
Under normal circumstances, I'd agree with the Clinton campaign. The photo itself is rather innocuous and couldn't possibly be divisive, right? Wrong. In and of itself, the photograph is nothing unique. As the Clinton spokesperson pointed out, many politicians don traditional ethnic and cultural apparel as a sign of respect for the people they encounter. The current photograph of Obama, however, is circulating on the heels of the infamous Obama is a Radical Muslim! emails. Despite repeated refutations, people still continue to position Barack Obama as a Muslim. And while this shouldn't be a problem in a country that celebrates freedom of religion, the word "Muslim" still conjures the specter of terrorism. Taken in this light, the Clinton campaign's dismissal of the photo as not being a matter of significance is completely and utterly disingenuous. There are those who, when seeing Obama in this style of dress, will believe the Obama is a Muslim! myth. Given Clinton's attack oratory of the last few days--so much for the gracious Clinton seen at the debate--I'd be willing to bet my next donation to the Obama campaign that the photo did, indeed, originate from within the Clinton campaign.
For the record, Barack Obama is a Christian.
By the way, the latest SUSA poll--the most accurate pollster of this election cycle--has Obama with the lead in Texas, 49-45%. No wonder the Clinton campaign is resorting to fear mongering propaganda.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Higher What?
The University of Colorado Regents pick a Republican activist, an activist who doesn't have a graduate degree, as President of the university. Huh? How does someone with absolutely no advanced education relate to an institution where many of the employees, and clients, are required to have a graduate degree? Lest one thinks this is a regular practice in higher education: A 2005 survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education found that fewer than 1 percent of college presidents and chancellors held only a bachelor's degree. More than 83 percent held a doctorate. At my college, the President's qualifications and experience include a Ph.D., ten years of teaching experience as a faculty professor, and several years as a dean. This is a President, mind you, who has been the most successful fund raiser in the history of the college.
CU's choice, Benson, might not be able to relate to faculty or graduate students, but I bet he can raise money for the school! As far as I can tell, this seems to be the impetus for this decision. One more instance of the shift toward viewing higher education as a business rather than the pursuit of knowledge. Are colleges and universities supposed to be places of learning or diploma mills?
I also suspect the Ward Churchill scandal had something to do with this selection. When I visited my folks in Colorado last week, my dad commented on the fact that CU needed a good conservative to straighten out the liberal mess that is CSU. I believe his words were: "higher education doesn't need a bunch of liberal radicals running the show." ugh. So, as a result of the over exaggerated Ward Churchill scandal, we see a public institution making a decision based on political party (Benson is a Republican activist; all Republican regents voted for Benson while all Democratic regents voted against). Did CU wind up with the best candidate or the best Republican candidate?
CU's choice, Benson, might not be able to relate to faculty or graduate students, but I bet he can raise money for the school! As far as I can tell, this seems to be the impetus for this decision. One more instance of the shift toward viewing higher education as a business rather than the pursuit of knowledge. Are colleges and universities supposed to be places of learning or diploma mills?
I also suspect the Ward Churchill scandal had something to do with this selection. When I visited my folks in Colorado last week, my dad commented on the fact that CU needed a good conservative to straighten out the liberal mess that is CSU. I believe his words were: "higher education doesn't need a bunch of liberal radicals running the show." ugh. So, as a result of the over exaggerated Ward Churchill scandal, we see a public institution making a decision based on political party (Benson is a Republican activist; all Republican regents voted for Benson while all Democratic regents voted against). Did CU wind up with the best candidate or the best Republican candidate?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Refreshed
I spent the last few days at the Western States Communication Association conference in Denver, my old stomping grounds. Over the last several years, I've become dismayed with academic conferences in my field, particularly NCA. NCA is expensive, swarming with people, and those in attendance either have huge egos or drink too much (or both). If you're not from a R1 institution, you don't amount to squat. Even though I don't care for NCA, I typically attend. It's a great way to connect with friends scattered hither and yon, check out the new wares of publishers, and spend some time in the big city. The last two years, however, the cost to my mental wellbeing hasn't been worth the price of admission. I return home, dejected that I'm not one of the academic cool kids and that my path through higher education isn't seen as valuable as others. Who wants to hang with the guy from the liberal arts college who publishes once every 18 months? I realize most of my consternation is in my own head but I'll be damned if I don't need therapy after getting back from the national conference.
Western States, a smaller regional conference, was an entirely different experience. I spent time with friends, attended a couple excellent panels, presented some of my recent writing, and had an excellent time. A longtime mentor validated my career path and life choices, several former colleagues from my ABD/adjunct days let me know how much my presence is missed, and numerous graduate students and soon-to-be graduating undergrads made a point to tell me that I'd inspired them to pursue graduate studies or become a Speech Communication major.* A friend and I commiserated, over a leisurely three hour dinner, about the challenges of parenting, teaching, and writing. It's nice to know I'm not the only parent who can't wait to drop my kid off at daycare and get to work. We even talked about collaborating on some work (nothing related to kids, thank you very much).
While I still need therapy--I suspect that will be the case throughout my adult life to a greater or lesser degree--I returned home from this conference rejuvenated and revitalized. I can't wait to work on some of the projects I discussed with colleagues.
*My BA/MA alma matter hosted the convention. I bathed in the comfortable glow of green and gold.
Western States, a smaller regional conference, was an entirely different experience. I spent time with friends, attended a couple excellent panels, presented some of my recent writing, and had an excellent time. A longtime mentor validated my career path and life choices, several former colleagues from my ABD/adjunct days let me know how much my presence is missed, and numerous graduate students and soon-to-be graduating undergrads made a point to tell me that I'd inspired them to pursue graduate studies or become a Speech Communication major.* A friend and I commiserated, over a leisurely three hour dinner, about the challenges of parenting, teaching, and writing. It's nice to know I'm not the only parent who can't wait to drop my kid off at daycare and get to work. We even talked about collaborating on some work (nothing related to kids, thank you very much).
While I still need therapy--I suspect that will be the case throughout my adult life to a greater or lesser degree--I returned home from this conference rejuvenated and revitalized. I can't wait to work on some of the projects I discussed with colleagues.
*My BA/MA alma matter hosted the convention. I bathed in the comfortable glow of green and gold.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Yes We Can
If you're participating in a Democratic caucus or voting in a Democratic primary tomorrow, or in the coming weeks, please give Barack Obama some thought. We desperately need a change of the guard in Washington and I believe he represents the best chance for that change.
Can we replace confrontation with cooperation, animosity with accordance, and ennui with exuberance?
Yes. We. Can.
Can we replace confrontation with cooperation, animosity with accordance, and ennui with exuberance?
Yes. We. Can.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
We'd Like to Announce an Endorsement
If you can't decide who you should support in the the upcoming SuperTsunamiTorrentialDownpourHurricaneWintryMix Tuesday, let me direct you to Barack Obama's latest endorsement.
Wil Wheaton Chooses Change!
Time to transfer to the USS Obama, Trek fans. All trek and political kidding aside, Wil's an engaging writer and you should be reading his blog . . . regardless of your political affiliation.
Wil Wheaton Chooses Change!
Time to transfer to the USS Obama, Trek fans. All trek and political kidding aside, Wil's an engaging writer and you should be reading his blog . . . regardless of your political affiliation.
He's Baaaaaaaack
Looks like my I Won't Vote HRC safety net is almost in position.
Nader Explores Presidential Run.
He's rested and ready for action.
Nader Explores Presidential Run.
He's rested and ready for action.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
SOTU: dilliwag edition
Good evening my fellow Americans.
blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah surge is working blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah stand strong in war on terror blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah not a recession blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah al Queda must be defeated blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah call on Congress to support stimulus package blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah land of the free, home of the brave.
God bless America.
I didn't watch a single second. How'd I do?
blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah surge is working blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah stand strong in war on terror blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah not a recession blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah al Queda must be defeated blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah call on Congress to support stimulus package blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah land of the free, home of the brave.
God bless America.
I didn't watch a single second. How'd I do?
Friday, January 25, 2008
ABC
You know, I've been trying to keep an open mind about the Democratic campaign for delegates and the eventual Presidential nomination. While I openly support Obama, Edwards has always been second choice, and Clinton a distant third. Truth be told, the difference between the three in terms of policy is minuscule. So, I thought to myself, I'll be the good liberal voter and support anyone who takes on the Republican machine. About a week ago, I changed my position. As of today, I'll support Anyone But Clinton. I'm not going to enumerate the various shenanigans pulled by the Clinton campaign as the press has done a decent job in the last couple days of shining some light on the subject. The latest move--the attempt to have Michigan and Florida delegates counted when the states broke the rules of the DNC--is absolutely slimey. When the DNC penalized Michigan and Florida, Edwards and Obama removed their names from the Michigan primary and refused to campaign in either state. Democratic unity and all that, right? Wrong. Hillary Clinton is now calling for the delegates to count (she's the only candidate who stands to benefit significantly from the move).
Do we really need more politics as usual? This whole move smacks of something Karl Rove would cook up. If Clinton wins the nomination, it's my belief she'll lose the general election to [Insert Republican Candidate Here]. Is there any Democrat more loathed by the Right than Hillary Clinton? Is there any Democrat more loathed by the Left?
I heard Nader is thinking about making another run. If Clinton wins the nomination, Nader can count me a supporter.
[Updated] Another excellent NYTimes Opinion piece about the Clintons and campaign strategy.
Do we really need more politics as usual? This whole move smacks of something Karl Rove would cook up. If Clinton wins the nomination, it's my belief she'll lose the general election to [Insert Republican Candidate Here]. Is there any Democrat more loathed by the Right than Hillary Clinton? Is there any Democrat more loathed by the Left?
I heard Nader is thinking about making another run. If Clinton wins the nomination, Nader can count me a supporter.
[Updated] Another excellent NYTimes Opinion piece about the Clintons and campaign strategy.
Return of the Feast
Feast #177
Appetizer--How many times per day do you usually laugh? A half dozen, maybe? Not enough, lately, that's for sure.
Soup--What do your sunglasses look like? Which pair? One, two (olve green, though), three, or four (black frames)?
Salad--You win a free trip to anywhere on your continent, but you have to travel by train. Where do you go?
Seattle, the land of rain and coffee.
Main Course--Name one thing you consider a great quality about living in your town/city. Zero traffic. Non. Nada. Zilch. 5 PM rush hour means we might have to wait for four or five cars to pass through a four way stop. Less than a minute delay, tops.
Dessert--If the sky could be another color, what color do you think would look best? The reddish pinkish orangish color we see from photos on Mars.
Appetizer--How many times per day do you usually laugh? A half dozen, maybe? Not enough, lately, that's for sure.
Soup--What do your sunglasses look like? Which pair? One, two (olve green, though), three, or four (black frames)?
Salad--You win a free trip to anywhere on your continent, but you have to travel by train. Where do you go?
Seattle, the land of rain and coffee.
Main Course--Name one thing you consider a great quality about living in your town/city. Zero traffic. Non. Nada. Zilch. 5 PM rush hour means we might have to wait for four or five cars to pass through a four way stop. Less than a minute delay, tops.
Dessert--If the sky could be another color, what color do you think would look best? The reddish pinkish orangish color we see from photos on Mars.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Lost
Find out Which Lost Character Are You at LiquidGeneration.com!
Hmmm . . . oddly enough, I think this might be appropriate. If you haven't watched the show, Locke is an interesting character. To say the least.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Persons of the Year
I've been meaning to comment on Time magazine's choice for Person of the Year. In case you missed it, the folks at Time went with Vladimir Putin (Al Gore was runner up). Vladimir Putin? Huh? Boy, do I think they missed the boat.
The choice for persons of the year was unanimous here at Rhetorical Imprints. 2007 was the year of the Poptarts: Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Paris Hilton. How many times did these three paragons of excess, overindulgence, and personal spectacle grace the literal and figurative covers of our favorite mediated sources? Have three individuals ever provided, albeit inadvertently, so many life lessons? It's like these three set out to produce public services announcements regarding poor parenting skills, drunk driving/addiction, and the consequences of spoiling children. And the most important lesson of all: don't party in public without wearing underpants.
Could any professional writer produce a more poignant morality play?
The choice for persons of the year was unanimous here at Rhetorical Imprints. 2007 was the year of the Poptarts: Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Paris Hilton. How many times did these three paragons of excess, overindulgence, and personal spectacle grace the literal and figurative covers of our favorite mediated sources? Have three individuals ever provided, albeit inadvertently, so many life lessons? It's like these three set out to produce public services announcements regarding poor parenting skills, drunk driving/addiction, and the consequences of spoiling children. And the most important lesson of all: don't party in public without wearing underpants.
Could any professional writer produce a more poignant morality play?
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Hope
My argument, however, is that we have no choice. You don’t need a poll to know that the vast majority of Americans–Republican, Democrat, and independent–are weary of the dead zone that politics has become, in which narrow interests vie for advantage and ideological minorities seek to impose their own versions of absolute truth. Whether we’re from red states or blue states, we feel in our gut the lack of honesty, rigor, and common sense in our policy debates, and dislike what appears to be a continuous menu of false or cramped choices. Religious or secular, black, white, or brown, we sense– correctly–that the nation’s most significant challenges are being ignored, and that if we don’t change course soon, we may be the first generation in a very long time that leaves behind a weaker and more fractured America than the one we inherited. Perhaps more than any other time in our recent history, we need a new kind of politics, one that can excavate and build upon those shared understandings that pull us together as Americans.
Roughly one year ago, I read these words written by Barack Obama and thought to myself, "If this guy decides to run for President, I might just buck my trend of voting for third party candidates." About six weeks ago, I agreed to caucus for Barack Obama. I don't agree with all his policy positions and would probably find a better match in an idealist like Dennis Kucinich, but Obama seems the best electable option. So, I talked him up to folks I encountered, allowed the campaign to plant a sign on our corner lot (that was actually more STK's doing than mine), and marked the caucus on the calendar. Tonight, I did my civic duty and stood with Barack Obama. In fact, I even approached a couple other caucus goers who supported non-viable candidates and invited them to join the Obama camp. At least one of those folks shifted allegiances to Obama. As STK said earlier this evening, "Nice work, d. You did your duty."
I watched Obama's acceptance speech tonight and I have to say, I haven't been this excited about a candidate in, well, ever. When I listen to him speak, I hear a genuineness that doesn't seem present in the other front runners. I think some of that sincerity is the result of naivety; Obama clearly thinks he can take on the Washington establishment and make significant changes. I suspect he hasn't been around long enough to realize that much of what he wants to accomplish will be met with resistance at every turn, even from his own party. Even so, I find his "audacity of hope" compelling. I'm tired of Washington business as usual and from where I'm standing, Barack Obama presents the best opportunity to actually see some change.
I am an Obama supporter and I approve this message.
Roughly one year ago, I read these words written by Barack Obama and thought to myself, "If this guy decides to run for President, I might just buck my trend of voting for third party candidates." About six weeks ago, I agreed to caucus for Barack Obama. I don't agree with all his policy positions and would probably find a better match in an idealist like Dennis Kucinich, but Obama seems the best electable option. So, I talked him up to folks I encountered, allowed the campaign to plant a sign on our corner lot (that was actually more STK's doing than mine), and marked the caucus on the calendar. Tonight, I did my civic duty and stood with Barack Obama. In fact, I even approached a couple other caucus goers who supported non-viable candidates and invited them to join the Obama camp. At least one of those folks shifted allegiances to Obama. As STK said earlier this evening, "Nice work, d. You did your duty."
I watched Obama's acceptance speech tonight and I have to say, I haven't been this excited about a candidate in, well, ever. When I listen to him speak, I hear a genuineness that doesn't seem present in the other front runners. I think some of that sincerity is the result of naivety; Obama clearly thinks he can take on the Washington establishment and make significant changes. I suspect he hasn't been around long enough to realize that much of what he wants to accomplish will be met with resistance at every turn, even from his own party. Even so, I find his "audacity of hope" compelling. I'm tired of Washington business as usual and from where I'm standing, Barack Obama presents the best opportunity to actually see some change.
I am an Obama supporter and I approve this message.
Holiday Redux
Three weeks, three "official" holiday parties, 2000 miles, and three holiday celebrations with friends and family. And people wonder why I'm not all "JingleBellsDashingThroughTheSnowJoyToTheWorld" about the holiday season? Personally, I find it all a bit exhausting. It's always a treat to see friends and family, bask in the hustle and bustle of the big city, and get away from home for a bit, of course, but I'm glad it's all over and that I'm back in the middle of almost nowhere (although the Presidential candidates seem to think we live somewhere--nearly all of them have been through our neck of the woods the last couple weeks).
The holiday booty proved predictable--probably because I send out the same list every single year--but right on the money for my tastes. Highlights include Fahrenheit, Kaladi Coffee for a year (1 lb a month), some Aveda product (clove shampoo), a couple Barnes and Noble gift cards, and a black sweater vest. I'm on the prowl for a skinny black tie.
Throughout the holiday sojourn, the weather wizard tried to complicate matters. We left town ahead of a winter storm and while we managed to dodge the snow we spent the better part of nine hours driving through heavy fog and drizzle. Brilliant sunshine illuminated the second leg of the journey providing a beautiful view of the mountains as we approached the front range. Alas, the sunshine proved fleeting and substantial amounts of snow (8" on two different occasions) complicated travel plans slightly. The snow did provide the opportunity to do some shoveling for both my in-laws and my 'rents, thus paying forward the shoveling done by DrOneDink and AlabamaHick (they shoveled our sidewalk while we were away). While I was hoping for one of those 65 degree Colorado Christmases that turn up now and again, a white Christmas was unavoidable.
The drive back from Colorado seemed shorter this time around, largely due to my discovery of Nebraska's most excellent Public Radio network. With slight adjustments to the dial, NPR comes in loud and clear across the entire state. STK and TLO spent most of the trip in the back of the Element, dozing and watching Star Wars DVDs, while I just kept on truckin'.
A viewing of Stardust ushered in the New Year. Of all the nights on the calendar, I avoid doing anything on New Years Eve or, as I like to call it, Amateur Night. On New Years Eve, almost everyone thinks they can drink like a pro. The result is a bunch of goofy, buzzed or falling down drunk folks who aren't all that entertaining . . . unless you're also loaded, of course. Not that exciting for us sober folk. I also get tired of everyone turning to me and saying, "Hey, Derek can drive us home. He doesn't drink." Uh, no. You are responsible for your own behaviors. Assign a designated driver, call a cab, walk, or take a bus. I am not spending my evening chauffeuring drunks. The best way to avoid the entire mess is to stay home. Thankfully, STK and I are on the same page.
With the holiday season in the year view mirror, I'm turning my attention to the upcoming spring semester. I'm on mini sabbatical until January 31st and have a list of academic projects in my queue: 3rd year review personal statement, conference paper, course syllabi. A busy January for sure, but I get to work completely on my own schedule. Huzzah!
The holiday booty proved predictable--probably because I send out the same list every single year--but right on the money for my tastes. Highlights include Fahrenheit, Kaladi Coffee for a year (1 lb a month), some Aveda product (clove shampoo), a couple Barnes and Noble gift cards, and a black sweater vest. I'm on the prowl for a skinny black tie.
Throughout the holiday sojourn, the weather wizard tried to complicate matters. We left town ahead of a winter storm and while we managed to dodge the snow we spent the better part of nine hours driving through heavy fog and drizzle. Brilliant sunshine illuminated the second leg of the journey providing a beautiful view of the mountains as we approached the front range. Alas, the sunshine proved fleeting and substantial amounts of snow (8" on two different occasions) complicated travel plans slightly. The snow did provide the opportunity to do some shoveling for both my in-laws and my 'rents, thus paying forward the shoveling done by DrOneDink and AlabamaHick (they shoveled our sidewalk while we were away). While I was hoping for one of those 65 degree Colorado Christmases that turn up now and again, a white Christmas was unavoidable.
The drive back from Colorado seemed shorter this time around, largely due to my discovery of Nebraska's most excellent Public Radio network. With slight adjustments to the dial, NPR comes in loud and clear across the entire state. STK and TLO spent most of the trip in the back of the Element, dozing and watching Star Wars DVDs, while I just kept on truckin'.
A viewing of Stardust ushered in the New Year. Of all the nights on the calendar, I avoid doing anything on New Years Eve or, as I like to call it, Amateur Night. On New Years Eve, almost everyone thinks they can drink like a pro. The result is a bunch of goofy, buzzed or falling down drunk folks who aren't all that entertaining . . . unless you're also loaded, of course. Not that exciting for us sober folk. I also get tired of everyone turning to me and saying, "Hey, Derek can drive us home. He doesn't drink." Uh, no. You are responsible for your own behaviors. Assign a designated driver, call a cab, walk, or take a bus. I am not spending my evening chauffeuring drunks. The best way to avoid the entire mess is to stay home. Thankfully, STK and I are on the same page.
With the holiday season in the year view mirror, I'm turning my attention to the upcoming spring semester. I'm on mini sabbatical until January 31st and have a list of academic projects in my queue: 3rd year review personal statement, conference paper, course syllabi. A busy January for sure, but I get to work completely on my own schedule. Huzzah!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Flaming Yams
A delicious recipe enjoyed during this year's Joulupukki celebration hosted at our home.
---
2 Cans Yams in Light Syrup
1 Jar Marshmallow Fluff
1 Stick Butter
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
*Drain yams; retain syrup.
*Place yams in 9 x 9 baking dish.
*In a saucepan combine retained light syrup, butter, and brown sugar. Heat until butter and sugar are melted. Pour mixture over yams.
*Top with generous layer of marshmallow fluff.
*Broil until marshmallow fluff bursts into flame.
---
Smoke filled the kitchen and four adults scrambled around trying to decide how best to put out the fire--a lid smothered the flames nicely. Despite the "Holy Crap the Kitchen is on Fire!" moment, the holiday meal turned out just fine. Good times.
---
2 Cans Yams in Light Syrup
1 Jar Marshmallow Fluff
1 Stick Butter
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
*Drain yams; retain syrup.
*Place yams in 9 x 9 baking dish.
*In a saucepan combine retained light syrup, butter, and brown sugar. Heat until butter and sugar are melted. Pour mixture over yams.
*Top with generous layer of marshmallow fluff.
*Broil until marshmallow fluff bursts into flame.
---
Smoke filled the kitchen and four adults scrambled around trying to decide how best to put out the fire--a lid smothered the flames nicely. Despite the "Holy Crap the Kitchen is on Fire!" moment, the holiday meal turned out just fine. Good times.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
A Tale of Two Xmas Cards
The new thing in higher education holiday celebrations appears to be the e-card. I've received two in the last couple weeks. Truth be told, I find the e-card an excellent alternative to the paper holiday card. Considering how many holiday cards get sent out by institutions on an annual basis, the e-card is a winner all the way round. Fewer trees meet their doom passing on a greeting that quickly gets tossed in the circular file, although it should go in the recycling bin, and the low cost delivery system that is email probably saves schools a goodly amount of money.
Keeping all this in mind, I welcomed the two cards I received. I opened one, viewed/listened with pleasure, and felt a bit of holiday cheer emanate from my usually bah humbugish bones. When I opened the second I felt, well, like I'd been asked to pay for the card I received. One card seemed to advance the spirit of giving; one card seemed to promote the spirit of getting.
Magical Christmas.
Forever Green.
Which school would you rather attend?
Keeping all this in mind, I welcomed the two cards I received. I opened one, viewed/listened with pleasure, and felt a bit of holiday cheer emanate from my usually bah humbugish bones. When I opened the second I felt, well, like I'd been asked to pay for the card I received. One card seemed to advance the spirit of giving; one card seemed to promote the spirit of getting.
Magical Christmas.
Forever Green.
Which school would you rather attend?
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Weekly Reader: Frankenstein, Forbidden Planet, and Fire from the Sky
A while back, I saved these links as a draft and never got around to posting. Now that the semester is essentially over (I have a few tests to grade but should have those finished by tomorrow afternoon . . . and I'm grading at a very leisurely pace), I hope to have some extra blogging time.
Frankenstein. The Prometheus myth has to be one of the most prevalent cultural narratives, doesn't it? When humans play with the fire of the gods, someone always gets burned.
Forbidden Planet Soundtrack? Excellent stuff. Forbidden Planet is one of my favorite classic science fiction films.
Fire from the Sky. Interesting piece about ethics in wartime. What does the firebombing of civilian population centers say about the Allies?
Frankenstein. The Prometheus myth has to be one of the most prevalent cultural narratives, doesn't it? When humans play with the fire of the gods, someone always gets burned.
Forbidden Planet Soundtrack? Excellent stuff. Forbidden Planet is one of my favorite classic science fiction films.
Fire from the Sky. Interesting piece about ethics in wartime. What does the firebombing of civilian population centers say about the Allies?
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Light Up and Be Cool
Despite what almost everyone and their mother says these days, smoking is cool.
Smoking in the Movies
You might get cancer, but you'll look damn cool in the process. Have I mentioned how much I miss smoking?
Smoking in the Movies
You might get cancer, but you'll look damn cool in the process. Have I mentioned how much I miss smoking?
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Gobble Gobble!
It's been so long since I've made an entry that I wonder if I have a single reader who even checks my dusty little corner of cyberspace. If you're out there, I hope you're running an RSS feed and don't waste your time checking the page on a regular basis. I'm not sure why I can't seem to manage to update on a regular basis. At the end of the day, with school, family, and other obligations, blogging just drifts to the end of the "To Do" list.
Life has been very good of late. The school semester continues to fly by and, after the end of Thanksgiving break, only two full weeks of classes remain. Tons of grading looms on the horizon, but I just don't get freaked out about that anymore. Considering that I used to have 230 students every semester, 60 seems entirely manageable. I have to bite my tongue not to laugh out loud when I hear some of my colleagues complain about grading 60 papers or exams over a ten day period. I'll take that any day.
The other bit of exciting school news, I suppose, is that I finally received an "affirmative" on the long in development Battlestar Galactica essay and, barring an "I hate it" from the editor, should have another publication under my belt come next fall. The deadline for the completed draft is still ten days away and I have the difficult part of the essay finished. Another five or six pages to go, which I should finish this weekend, and I'll spend the next week or so tinkering, editing, rewriting.
Writing should be no problem this weekend as the house is completely quiet. To celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary STK's parents decided to take the family on a dream vacation to Ireland. Despite my warnings that I cannot take time off during the school year, they booked the trip during the school year. As such, I'm the only one of the family--STK's parents, offspring (STK, siblings, and spouses), grand offspring (TLO and his two cousins)--who is not enjoying the streets of Dublin and the rolling countryside of Ireland proper. Yes, I'm a bit miffed that I'm the one who got stiffed in the entire affair. And her parents wonder why I'm not all that hip to family events. Had this been my parents, and my parents would never fork out the cash to fly everyone out of the country, they would have picked a time when everyone could go. I will always be something of an outsider with STK's family. Some of that is my fault (I won't conform to family expectations) and some of it is there's (I'm not the person they would have picked for STK's partner). It is what it is. Anyway, I've been playing bachelor since Thanksgiving morning. It didn't take long to get back into my preferred sleeping habits; I stayed up until 3:30 am and slept until 10:30 am. I wish I could do that every day.
I spent Thanksgiving driving to an airport, helping STK get TLO loaded into a plane, and driving home. Driving to the airport we spotted a flock of 16 wild turkeys having their own Thanksgiving meal in a recently harvested corn field. I believe my response was, "Run, you fools, run! It's Thanksgiving Day and you're strolling around a field a 1/2 mile from town?! Run! Be free!" Later in the evening I had the not-so-traditional holiday repast with Dr. OneDink and the Alabama Hick. Most items on the menu, while based on a traditional holiday dish, had some slight modification. We ate Quorn cutlets (vegetarian meat like product), yam sautée (boiled in apple juice), cheese potatoes (baked potato slices with a tidbit of cheese), etc. As far as Thanksgiving dinners go, it was delicious and moderately healthy. We did have steamed broccoli/carrots/cauliflower, stuffing, and pumpkin pie so it wasn't a completely alternative meal. I went home feeling full, but not stuffed. I'm very thankful Dr. OneDink and Alabama Hick invited me into their home.
I leave you today with what is most definitely my favorite scene from any movie dealing with Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving, gobble gobble, and all that.
Life has been very good of late. The school semester continues to fly by and, after the end of Thanksgiving break, only two full weeks of classes remain. Tons of grading looms on the horizon, but I just don't get freaked out about that anymore. Considering that I used to have 230 students every semester, 60 seems entirely manageable. I have to bite my tongue not to laugh out loud when I hear some of my colleagues complain about grading 60 papers or exams over a ten day period. I'll take that any day.
The other bit of exciting school news, I suppose, is that I finally received an "affirmative" on the long in development Battlestar Galactica essay and, barring an "I hate it" from the editor, should have another publication under my belt come next fall. The deadline for the completed draft is still ten days away and I have the difficult part of the essay finished. Another five or six pages to go, which I should finish this weekend, and I'll spend the next week or so tinkering, editing, rewriting.
Writing should be no problem this weekend as the house is completely quiet. To celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary STK's parents decided to take the family on a dream vacation to Ireland. Despite my warnings that I cannot take time off during the school year, they booked the trip during the school year. As such, I'm the only one of the family--STK's parents, offspring (STK, siblings, and spouses), grand offspring (TLO and his two cousins)--who is not enjoying the streets of Dublin and the rolling countryside of Ireland proper. Yes, I'm a bit miffed that I'm the one who got stiffed in the entire affair. And her parents wonder why I'm not all that hip to family events. Had this been my parents, and my parents would never fork out the cash to fly everyone out of the country, they would have picked a time when everyone could go. I will always be something of an outsider with STK's family. Some of that is my fault (I won't conform to family expectations) and some of it is there's (I'm not the person they would have picked for STK's partner). It is what it is. Anyway, I've been playing bachelor since Thanksgiving morning. It didn't take long to get back into my preferred sleeping habits; I stayed up until 3:30 am and slept until 10:30 am. I wish I could do that every day.
I spent Thanksgiving driving to an airport, helping STK get TLO loaded into a plane, and driving home. Driving to the airport we spotted a flock of 16 wild turkeys having their own Thanksgiving meal in a recently harvested corn field. I believe my response was, "Run, you fools, run! It's Thanksgiving Day and you're strolling around a field a 1/2 mile from town?! Run! Be free!" Later in the evening I had the not-so-traditional holiday repast with Dr. OneDink and the Alabama Hick. Most items on the menu, while based on a traditional holiday dish, had some slight modification. We ate Quorn cutlets (vegetarian meat like product), yam sautée (boiled in apple juice), cheese potatoes (baked potato slices with a tidbit of cheese), etc. As far as Thanksgiving dinners go, it was delicious and moderately healthy. We did have steamed broccoli/carrots/cauliflower, stuffing, and pumpkin pie so it wasn't a completely alternative meal. I went home feeling full, but not stuffed. I'm very thankful Dr. OneDink and Alabama Hick invited me into their home.
I leave you today with what is most definitely my favorite scene from any movie dealing with Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving, gobble gobble, and all that.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Writers Unite!
I'll try to make substantive comments about the hollywood writers strike soon. In the meantime, check out the following link for up-to-date news regarding strike doings.
United Hollywood.
Like my support matters much, or at all, but I'm all for the writers. I can read, write, and watch DVDs (a bit ironic, given the major issues of the strike) until the writers get a fairer piece of the new media pie.
United Hollywood.
Like my support matters much, or at all, but I'm all for the writers. I can read, write, and watch DVDs (a bit ironic, given the major issues of the strike) until the writers get a fairer piece of the new media pie.
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