Sunday Music: Do You Hear That Thunder? That’s The Sound Of Strength In Numbers (IDLES)

It’s a march really. Not a military parade type of march or the kind you hear on a carnival ride, but a steadily paced “we the peasants will now storm your palace” march. From their song “Grounds,” Do you hear that thunder?That's the sound of strength in numbersI am IUnify IDLES are back. There’s a … Continue reading Sunday Music: Do You Hear That Thunder? That’s The Sound Of Strength In Numbers (IDLES)

Sunday Music: April 29, 1992, There Was A Riot On The Streets Tell Me Where Were You?

When I first heard Sublime’s “April 29,1992” in the mid-90s I thought it was just some punk/anarchist stuff. These last few weeks it’s been one of the songs I’ve revisited several times. It’s not just about looting and rebelling, it’s about inequity. It’s about the dark side of our consumer culture, where when the things … Continue reading Sunday Music: April 29, 1992, There Was A Riot On The Streets Tell Me Where Were You?

Podcast Of The Week: The Importance Of The Nationwide Protests Over George Floyd’s Death

Perspective matters. Seeking not just views that differ from our own, but also diverse life experiences that have greater nuances to their view than our own, it matters. I’m sharing three today, all that expanded my understanding of connecting what is going on in America this past week to our collective history. I know I … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: The Importance Of The Nationwide Protests Over George Floyd’s Death

In-dependent (What’s in a Word?)

Independent breaks down into two parts: “in” and “dependent.” The prefix “in” means “not” in this case, and “dependent” means “contingent on, or determined by.” It’s a powerful word - it can be used to make a powerful statement. So on Independence Day, besides America's birthday, proudly celebrate whatever you are not to be determined … Continue reading In-dependent (What’s in a Word?)

Saturday Catch-up: Weinstein, R. Kelly, and Art vs. Artists

With Weinstein turning himself in, remind yourself of the still unpunished horror show that is R. Kelly. Jim DeRogatis was on the NYT’s Popcast this week talking about his long running coverage of the allegations against R. Kelly. If you haven’t already, see his Buzzfeed work in particular. It is shocking. Beyond the story itself … Continue reading Saturday Catch-up: Weinstein, R. Kelly, and Art vs. Artists

Sunday Music: Lady Liberty Celebrates Mother’s Day Too

Childish Gambino’s video for “This is America” has gotten quite a bit of attention, and for good reason. Discussion question: if this isn’t America, then what is? Frank Turner’s anthemic “1933” picks up on some of the same themes, along with (probably what most people find troubling) the "happy-pop / bleak-despair" dichotomies. Turner's worried about … Continue reading Sunday Music: Lady Liberty Celebrates Mother’s Day Too