Given America's current state of war, lack of international good will, national debt, polarized political parties and citizen dissatisfaction, what society in early 20th century history do we most resemble?
Think about it for a minute...
If you guessed Germany's pre-Hitler Weimar Republic, you're right!
If you didn't... no surprise, most of us would never think of that comparison. But Brian E. Fogarty, a sociology professor at St Kate's, makes that case in today's StarTribune - with interesting results. Not to imply that we're on the brink of fascism, but he does assert that we're on the brink of losing sight of our democratic ideals out of fear and distraction. Hmm...
See what you think: http://www.startribune.com/562/story/574377.html
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
FLOW
FLOW: A NorthSide ArtsCrawl is this Friday night 6-10pm – visual & performing arts of all kinds, at several different venues - www.flownorthside.com for more info.
I’m a little annoyed that I haven’t seen anything in the press about this yet. It’s the kind of wonderful, positive thing that happens on the north side but doesn’t get the coverage that the big killings do! Our poets are performing, along with many other youth & adults. It’s going to be great – if the city actually finds out about it!
I’m a little annoyed that I haven’t seen anything in the press about this yet. It’s the kind of wonderful, positive thing that happens on the north side but doesn’t get the coverage that the big killings do! Our poets are performing, along with many other youth & adults. It’s going to be great – if the city actually finds out about it!
Monday, July 24, 2006
Courage
“Courage is the most important virtue, because without it we cannot practice any other virtue consistently.”
- Maya Angelou
I have had this as a poster on my classroom walls for years. Bottom-line truth! We talk about all the things that people should do, but so much in life is easier said than done. What’s tough requires courage.
- Maya Angelou
I have had this as a poster on my classroom walls for years. Bottom-line truth! We talk about all the things that people should do, but so much in life is easier said than done. What’s tough requires courage.
More Flashbacks!
RSVPs are (finally) pouring in for our 20th reunion next month, and I’m talking with people I have not seen in years! Some in Minnesota but not nearby – some in other states – one just moved back. I’m impressed with the positivity I’ve heard in all the conversations – people who have not registered yet are working on childcare or their spouse’s work schedule, but they are planning or at least hoping to come. I’ve made several calls to old friends and not one has said that they don’t want to come. I’m really looking forward to seeing people – I had a lot of fun in high school and expect the reunion weekend to be a lot of fun too!
I still wonder what can really be said of our generation – how are we different, unique? Maybe I'll have some insight after seeing everyone...
I still wonder what can really be said of our generation – how are we different, unique? Maybe I'll have some insight after seeing everyone...
Monday, July 17, 2006
Questions
From a fun little book called "I'm Not a Feminist, But.." by Lang & Rajah:
* Why is doing anything "like a girl" a bad thing - even for a girl?
* Why is it that when you own 51% of a company's stock you control the company, but if you make up 51% of a society you don't control a thing?
* Why is a bachelor always eligible, but a spinster never so?
* Why aren't there any father-in-law jokes?
Food for thought! :)
* Why is doing anything "like a girl" a bad thing - even for a girl?
* Why is it that when you own 51% of a company's stock you control the company, but if you make up 51% of a society you don't control a thing?
* Why is a bachelor always eligible, but a spinster never so?
* Why aren't there any father-in-law jokes?
Food for thought! :)
Monday, July 10, 2006
Coleman on Ellison
Getting to the point on Keith Ellison's candidacy for Congress, Nick Coleman articulates in yesterday's column the view - which I share - that all the news about his parking tickets and late report filings is really much more about our DFL-endorsed candidate being black and Muslim. Even though it's 2006, I guess that still freaks some people out.
He points out that our governor has had much larger sanctions for doing much worse things than Ellison ever did while campaigning, and that many of our fearless leaders in the state legislature & executive branch have lots of driving & parking tickets too. (And none of them were pulled over for DWB...)
http://www.startribune.com/357/story/539892.html
It's nice to see someone cut so articulately through the BS...
He points out that our governor has had much larger sanctions for doing much worse things than Ellison ever did while campaigning, and that many of our fearless leaders in the state legislature & executive branch have lots of driving & parking tickets too. (And none of them were pulled over for DWB...)
http://www.startribune.com/357/story/539892.html
It's nice to see someone cut so articulately through the BS...
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Post from Santa Cruz
I was too busy to get to the computer while in Santa Cruz this week, but we can pretend! ;) Interesting to be in California & have the weather be cooler than Minneapolis, but that was the case. It was beautiful, but mostly in the 70's.
The training I attended was an excellent example not only of great professional development, but of Gen X at the helm - an organization run by 3 people pretty close to my age! The guy who ran our training was actually several years younger than I am. (I love that!) The woman who led the small group I worked with for the week was about 27, but had no problem leading folks of all ages.
When folks know what they're doing - become experts in one particular area - age ceases to matter and expertise becomes the currency. Onward & upward, Gen X! :)
The training I attended was an excellent example not only of great professional development, but of Gen X at the helm - an organization run by 3 people pretty close to my age! The guy who ran our training was actually several years younger than I am. (I love that!) The woman who led the small group I worked with for the week was about 27, but had no problem leading folks of all ages.
When folks know what they're doing - become experts in one particular area - age ceases to matter and expertise becomes the currency. Onward & upward, Gen X! :)
Who Thinks up This Stuff???
A fun website: http://www.thecoolhunter.net/home/
Endless entertainment – just click & scroll. Crazy-interesting ideas, from practical to just-for-fun. I was intrigued by the wheelchair car, the floating pool lamps, and the landmark houses. I love things that make me ask: Who thinks up this stuff???
Endless entertainment – just click & scroll. Crazy-interesting ideas, from practical to just-for-fun. I was intrigued by the wheelchair car, the floating pool lamps, and the landmark houses. I love things that make me ask: Who thinks up this stuff???
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