Faith Based Initiatives

Even if Obama is not religious at all, he is very smart in forming social policy. His work as a community organizer taught him that faith based groups will always be working with those who are oppressed and embracing these groups will not only help those who are seeking the aid but also the government as well. This alone is not the answer but it is one step closer.

Crafting Policy Agenda, Obama Team Brings in Faith Groups

Perspective

David Brooks - Lost in the Crowd

We haven't heard from Mr. Brooks in a good while. Never forget individual free will within any preconceived determined situation.

MGMT - The Youth

I love this song and this homemade video is crazy.

Who is Going to Heaven?

Who do you think is admitted to Heaven?

Heaven for the Godless?

Have a Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy Hanukkah!

Competing religions. American consumerism. Christmas vs. Hanukkah.

Are you ready to rumble?

The Invisible Hand of God.

Development as Freedom

Profitability and justice are not mutually exclusive.


A Small Bank Juggles Its Roles.

Revolution in Economic Thinking?

Here is a little summary of where the study of economics has been and will be going. I think the article misses a few points of why we are in this mess but nonetheless it is worth a read.

Paradigm Lost

Rick Warren

Thoughts on the Inauguration selection.

Taking Yes for an Answer.

Top 10 Quotes of 2008

Predictable.

Top 10 Quotes of 2008.

Falling

In order to find our way out of this financial crisis, one of the most important things that needs to happen is to have housing prices return to an accurate pricing level from the inflated levels of the past few years. It hurts but we are getting closer to the bottom.

Southern California Housing Prices.

The Funniest Man on Morning TV

Could be Potential...

Charles Hamilton - Brooklyn Girls"

I feel this song like I felt "Kick, Push" when it first came out. Not sure what that means yet.

More of Chicago's Finest

The Big Dance.

We Are Just Finding This Out Now?

I think most sociologists could have told you this years ago.

Lost in the Crowd

An older article that I liked and thought was relevant

If You Are Open to Growth, You Tend to Grow

God

An old book review that was just recently sent to me. It contains some deep thoughts on God.

Lunging, Flailing, Mispunching

Amazing!

Kanye West performing an incredible combo of Heartless and Pinocchio Story on SNL. This is why he is THE ARTIST of our lifetime. Absolutely incredible!

A Few Articles

Here are a few articles for your enjoyment today.

The Age of Mass Intelligence.

Pop Psychology.

Most Likely to Succeed.

In Honor of Wordsmiths

An excellent piece showing appreciation for those who truly understand the English language. I wish I was a good writer and I dedicate this post to everyone who is.

Typing Without A Clue.

I Know I'm Late But...

Lupe Fiasco - And He Gets the Girl

Unemployment in the US

So the news that the US lost 533,000 jobs in November is obviously significant news but it doesn't tell the whole story.

Unemployment is defined as, "an economic condition marked by the fact that individuals actively seeking jobs remain unhired. Unemployment is expressed as a percentage of the total available labor force. The level of unemployment varies with economic conditions and other circumstances."

The key to this definition is the labor force, which is defined as, "the labor force of a country (or other geographic entity) consists of everyone of working age and below retirement age who are participating workers, that is people actively employed or looking for work. Child labor laws in the United States forbid employing people under 18 in hazardous jobs."

So what is the real number of people who are unemployed?

Read this.

"...cold cocking red headed dudes just for the F of it."

See more Adam "Ghost Panther" McKay videos at Funny or Die

Holla Holla Holla...

I was running on the treadmill tonight. My music was on shuffle. Rihanna's Umbrella came on. Besides Jay-Z and the sexual innuendos I pictured a "hip" mega-church getting really into this song as a Praise and Worship song. I thought it was funny and hope to one day see my vision fulfilled... on TV preferably.

Regardless, Rihanna is worth watching. And yes, I listen to Rihanna. So what?

One of Chicago's Finest

This is a pretty old video since the album was released about a year ago but if you are new to Lupe and his work, it is a great introduction before you take your first listen. Enjoy.

A Bigger Threat to the US

Not that we shouldn't be concerned with terrorists but a domestic issue like this one will more likely be our downfall than a terrorist attack.

College May Become Unaffordable for Most in U.S.

Racism in the US of A

Now, by no means is the author of this article "average." He is, I assume, very well paid and highly educated, not to mention a number of other things. He is "average" though, in the sense that he is no scholar of racism and race relations, but let me qualify that by saying that I am not either. The "average" person has not read Racism Without Racists and everyone has their own biases. I do like this article though because, even though it is probably not sociologically correct in some places, it is an "average" person's approach and in that sense it is real. My brother sent me this article and although I do not necessarily agree with all of it, I think it is worth a read.

You might wonder why there is a picture of Malcolm X, well, that is because of my crush on him.

Enjoy.

Will You be my Black Friend?

"Vogelocity"

My brother at his finest.

Smart, Very Smart

This is a good essay but it is pretty technical with lots of background reading. It is definitely worth the read if you have the time.

The Greatness of Keynes...