Great Local Art

Chicago based collaborative art group, OhNo!Doom, gallery exhibit - "Invasion"

Pointing Fingers

I think the line goes, "Let those without sin cast the first stone." Thanks for setting the example Congress.

Congressional Junkets Defended as Work Based.

Just Sick and Disgusting... In a G.O.O.D. Music Way

Kanye West feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To Heartbreak

This is the best song off of '808's and Heartbreak' and is a ridiculous video that does the song justice. The little Kanye dance at the 3:10 mark kills me every time! Bravo, Mr. West.

Part of the Solution

This is going to become an increasingly more significant problem which is amazing when the national consensus seems to be that it is already a problem. Health care costs will compound the effects of this recession. If this problem is not addressed, then we are already aware of the next large bubble that will blow in a few years.

COBRA takes a Big Bite out of Unemployment Pay

Life = Art

"The training of the mind is an art. If this can be considered as art, one's life is art. I am not interested in the physical aspect of art. I simply mediate and train my mind. And as far as external appearance is concerned, nature in its pristin form is also art."

The Continuing Tilt towards Socialism?

Here are some very good thoughts on how the government should handle the insolvent banks that we have thus far "bailed-out." What he is saying here is principled, by the book, capitalism in that he is using the system, by its definition, to advocate a much more socialistic solution to the credit crisis. It is pretty brilliant to be honest. The problem is politics. If we can't get a single Republican Representative and only three Republican Senators to vote for the stimulus package, the chances are slim that something like this would pass. Here is a point where politics impedes economics.

Why We're Not Socialists.

I Would Not Want to be the President

Obama faces many difficult decisions regarding the detention of suspected terrorists. I am sympathetic to both arguments. We must have habeas corpus and due process as a part of the foundation of any legal system. Without that, it is too easy to concentrate power and destroy a free society. It is wrong to imprison someone if they have not committed a crime or if there is no real evidence towards a pre-meditative act. It is also wrong, no matter the situation, to use torture to coerce statements and information. On the other hand, if and when there is ever another terrorist attack on American soil, can you imagine how this country will react. It won't be a free society, there is no doubt about it. At that point, it would be very easy, for no matter who holds the presidency, to use the presidential war-time powers and infringe on civil liberties. Most would probably be in favor of that as well as they accepted the "I don't mind because I am innocent" mentality.

There is a fine line in interpreting these situations. Many issues still need to be defined. No matter what Obama decides to do, I believe he has set himself up for failure. He will never be able to live up to his campaign promises of directing a new path against terrorism. In my opinion, this is similar to the Palestine/Israel situation, the only real solution seems to be a lose/lose.

The Hard Cases

Happy Birthday!

"I'm from the city in the Midwest, best city in the whole wide world."

The Greatest City in the Greatest State turns 150. Congratulations Lansing. I also want to say good job on selecting Martha Kliebert as the director of the anniversary. She was a hell of a soccer team coordinator growing up and I imagine she is just as good as the director of the 150th anniversary.

Lansing Turns 150

Golden Parachute

I think this is just about as bad as any of the "golden parachutes" received by anyone at a major financial firm. He is hired and on the same day Compuware lays off 250 more people.

The only way I can justify this is by saying that people do deserve second chances but something still doesn't seem right, especially in this economy.

Kilpatrick to Get Job with Compuware Unit.

Compuware Lays Off 250 More Employees

This is my favorite favorite part...

I've been holding on to this one for a while but today felt right.

Gender Differences

I post this piece for all of the women that I lived with last year as we had a few discussions on the socialization of gender. The author did not even touch on the socialization piece of this but if you have any thoughts, please comment. Don't just read the author's post but read the comments as well.

Happy Meal Toys

The Politics of Economics

Are politics ruining economics? Interesting idea, especially when there are a lot of congressmen who don't understand the full scope of the stimulus package but are toying with it for political posturing.

Of course though, some would argue that economics ruined itself long before.

Politics is damaging the credibility of economics

By the way, I usually like what Krugman has to say.

He Does It Again

The album came out several weeks ago. I gave it a good listen. Here is my opinion on Springsteen's new album, Working on a Dream.

Great.

You probably aren't surprised that I like it. I will admit though that it doesn't hit me as much as some of his other more recent albums like The Rising or Magic but it is good. It doesn't hold as much meaning to me at this point in my life because of the point of view and perspective from which the album is written. It is more of a reflection on a long life rather than looking forward to a long life. I don't have his perspective yet so I cannot relate as well. I am sure I will come to appreciate it more as I age.

My favorite tracks on the album, in no particular order are as follows:

The Last Carnival (written for Danny Federici after he died), Tomorrow Never Knows, Kingdom of Days, Life Itself, The Wrestler, This Life, and Surprise, Surprise

Here is a review of the album as well.

The Rock Laureate

Torture

Calling Congress out on its actions, or lack thereof.

Congress' Phony War On Torture

Cool Video: Metronomy - A Thing for Me

Gender in the Office

This economic downturn is changing the look of the American workforce.

Gender and Job Losses.

So what if I'm ugly?

The designers of these toys, David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim, want to prove that Ugly also means celebrating who you are inside and showing everyone what you’ve got. Check out Uglydolls.

Stimulus and Recession

So this article details the new plan to have banks try to sell their troubled assets. This is something that should have happened back in the fall. These assets are the source of the problem and usually when you want to fix something, you go to the source. When Japan faced a similar crisis in the 1990's and then had a stagnated and deflated economy for a decade, they did not attempt to take the assets off of the company's books and it was later determined to be one of the causes for the prolonging of the problem.

If the assets are not taken off of the books (I would say that most, if not all, of the mortgages should be refinanced. I know it is a significant and broad step but then again so is $900 Billion) then it will just prolong the recession and perpetuate the downward cycle as more people lose jobs, more people will be foreclosed upon, and the cycle will continue.

If you get the assets off of the books, the companies will be more liquid (and in theory) should begin to lend again. Since the lending didn't occur the last time it was proposed in theory, this banks should be federally mandated to begin lending again. It does not have to be an outrageous sum but enough to spur on some growth and so that the only tool fighting the recession is not just the government's fiscal spending.

That is problem with this proposal. As pointed out in the article, there are no mandatory regulations that will be put in place requiring institutions to lend. An error in my opinion. Hopefully, Geithner isn't taking advice from Paulson.

On another note, all of you Michiganders out there might recognize former Governor John Engler in the article's accompanying picture.

Plan to Help Banks Sell Bad Assets.

This article is from Naomi Klein and it discusses how other countries' citizens have reacted to the credit crisis.

All of Them Must Go.

Life's Greatest Treats Often Come From Germany

I don't think I need to say anything. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Passion Pit - Cuddle Fuddle

More info on Passion Pit on Kanye's Blog.

Haiku Friday

This is my prayer
And I consider it done
By measure of faith.

Meridian

Meridian- Listen to Your Breaking Heart

I am surprised it took me this long to post these guys. Check out the video and if you like it, they have more on YouTube. Just follow this link:

Meridian

Or go to their MySpace.

Meridian

"Being out in the world is a really, really important part of the whole process."

New book, Pygmy, due out May 5, 2009.

“Begins here first account of operative me, agent number 67 on arrival Midwestern American airport greater _____ area. Flight _____. Date _____. Priority mission top success to complete. Code name: Operation Havoc.”

Thus speaks Pygmy, one of a handful of young adults from a totalitarian state sent to the United States, disguised as exchange students, to live with typical American families and blend in, all the while planning an unspecified act of massive terrorism. Palahniuk depicts Midwestern life through the eyes of this thoroughly indoctrinated little killer, who hates us with a passion, in this cunning double-edged satire of an American xenophobia that might, in fact, be completely justified. For Pygmy and his fellow operatives are cooking up something big, something truly awful, that will bring this big dumb country and its fat dumb inhabitants to their knees.

It’s a comedy. And a romance.

From chuckpalahniuk.net

Race Matters

A few articles on racism.

The first discusses police brutality on the black population. I'm not discounting the fact that the police have a high stress job but it seems like once a week when I want the local news another Chicago officer has shot and killed someone. It seems to be all too common. Also, the shooting of Diallo that the article discusses is chronicled in a Springsteen song, "41 Shots."


Still Shooting At Us.

The second article is about the health care issue in this country. I know this is a much discussed issue but we haven't done anything about it and until we do, it will only get worse. Now is a perfect time to address this problem.

Deamonte's Toothache.

Heeding Obama's Call

Joel Stein will do his part, how about you?

Uncle Sam, and Aston Kutcher, Want You

M. Ward - Fisher of Men

I heard this song on NPR's "All Songs Considered." It's a really good folky song.

He tied a feather to the hood for to get you to look
And by the time you know what took you, you already took
He's got a line in the water, he's a fisher of men

And he put the thorns on the rose for to get you to bleed
And by the time you know what stuck you, the pains in deep
He's got a line in the water, he's a fisher of men
He's got a lot on the line, he's a fisher of men

He's a fisher of men, he's wise as a prizefighter
He's like a soul martyr, mining souls on down the great divide
Aw, the fisher of men
Fisher of men
He's got a lot on the line

And he put his name in my verses and his name in the hook
Before I knew what I was cooking, it was already cooked
He's got a line in the water, he's a fisher of men
And he put his name in my chorus, and the dark before the dawn, so that in my time of weakness, I'd remember it's his song
He's got a line in the water, he's a fisher of men
He's got a lot on the line, he's a fisher of men

He's a fisher of men, he's as wise as a prizefighter
He's like a soul martyr, mining souls on down the great divide
Always a fisher of men
Fisher of men
He's got a lot on the line

Download the song here.

Charity is Only Part of the Solution

A company with a business model focused on developing products for those with a true need, not just a want. The world's population in extreme poverty has long been under-served by business.

A Company Prospers by Saving Poor People's Lives.

Animal Collective - My Girls

Putting a Face on the Economy

As Joseph Stalin once said, "One death is a tragedy; a million is a statistic."

Let's not get lost in the numbers.

Don't Let Numbers Numb You.

Wallace at His Finest

Probably some of the best advice ever given on how to approach life. I don't know if any other commencement speech could top this. Please read it more than once. Rest in Peace David Foster Wallace.

Thanks Ed.

2005 Kenyon Commencement Address- David Foster Wallace

On the Playlist

Keane- Again & Again

My song for the moment but it will most likely be replaced by something off Springsteen's new album. More to follow on that.

Reclaiming a Business Education

As I near the end of my MBA program, I can say that I have learned much, not from the actual coursework but mostly from my fellow classmates. These classmates have offered me a glimpse into their experiences and attitudes and how these have shaped their understanding of the world. I believe that I can claim that much of what I have learned is more of an example of what to avoid both in action and thought.

It is not much of a surprise but these business students, more often than not, fit the mold of the stereotypical business student. They focus on the financial bottom line and do not seem to examine the consequences of their choices. I feel like one of the most pivotal tools that I have ever been taught is always to critique what I am taught. Not necessarily to analyze each piece to death but rather to not merely accept everything as truth. I don't see my fellow business student viewing their education through the same critical eye. This has been and continues to be disheartening.

In light of recent events, I feel as though it is time to start educating business students to focus on actively seeking to improve the lives of others rather than just not causing harm, whatever that may mean. This is a focus on what is their "self-interest," a basic piece of justification for the capitalistic system. It should be taught that "self-interest" isn't just what is good for the person but also the group as a whole. That if the whole is improved, this will, more likely than not, improve everyone's situation and not leave the margin behind. Some may say this sounds socialistic. It could be but it is not exclusive to that system. It is about understanding the consequences of choices. It is an understanding of "I am because we are."

An easy example of this is the fact that currently one of the biggest concerns facing the United States is the state of the health care industry. The country has a huge number of uninsured who have helped lead to the astronomical rise in health care costs. In our current climate, more and more people are being laid-off and, as a result, are losing their health care packages, if their employer provided them with this insurance. So the numbers of people who are uninsured are rising, just magnifying the need to address the health care problem. If we want to help save the economy, a great way to do it would be through universal health care. This would eliminate much stress on families with huge piles of bills that they cannot pay and also provide an economic boost from the government. It would have a significant effect on the future of this country.

Many do not believe that it is in their "self-interest" to have universal health care. Many years ago, many thought it was a bad decision to have a social security system but now, everyone would be up in arms if social security was discontinued, even if they don't "need" it.

With that being said, here is an article that inspired this post.

From a Jesuit publication, America:

What's Good for Business?

Haiku Friday

Am I at climax?
Or is this falling action?
Where do I stand?


Could my life, my death
be told in a million ways?
Would my truth be lost?


You told my story-
the one I live everyday.
I didn't do that.


His past hurt for years
Freedom came when ink left pen
Praise the Lord today.


You cried foul all week
Then you remembered my friend
And justice reigned.


Iron and Wine
As I close my eyes tonight;
You're here in my mind.

Tomasulo's just looking out for the kids

Finding Faith

A good account of the humility that is needed but found in an unexpected fashion.

Act of Faith

Some More Economic Stimulus Articles to Bore You

Here are a couple of articles about Obama's proposed stimulus package that offer a critical eye.

Economic Stimulus or Simply More Misguided Spending?

A Stimulus with Merit, and Misses Too.

Then finally, this last article is about non-profits and how they will be affected by the recession. A sad sight to see as those who are the most vulnerable will more than likely be or already are the hardest hit by the recession. Unfortunately, organizations whose focus it is to address the needs of this set of people are also struggling and many may have to close. All this does is just compound the effects on the marginalized.

Credit Crisis is Leaving Charities Low on Cash.

A word off my chest + The Cool Kids

I just heard the new Lil' Wayne song, Prom Queen. Decent enough but serious, Wayne? Prom Queen? That's your musical subject? PROM QUEENS? You are 26 years old. And a rock song for your new rock album? Obviously you're out solely for the money. Since 15 year old girls love you, they'll eat this Prom Queen song up like Pop Rocks. Have fun rocking your concerts in the 'burbs with Miley, homey!

BUT... Chicago still has The Cool Kids and a new video!

The Cool Kids - Pennies

Futuristic Youth from Asia

Teriyaki Boyz - Teriya-King feat. Kanye West

Examining Life

This article seems to oppose much of what I have been taught in my life and Brooks acknowledges that. I think he is onto something though. The institutional thinking that he discusses is less about conceding to an age old practice merely because of the tradition but rather because of the wisdom it holds. It is not mindless acceptance but an appreciation of the ethics involved as the ethics reflect experience and experience is invaluable. Experience isn't everything but when it is neglected then it repeats itself. I mean, not many really remember the Great Depression.

What Life Asks of Us.

The Spiritual Journey of Ol' Dirty Bastard

No Father to His Style

In Anticipation of the New Album

Since tomorrow the new album is released, I thought I would share with you a great article about an even better musician. It is a few years old but it is still great. Enjoy.

The Greatest Catholic Poet of Our Time.

Economic History 101

Here is a good link to see recent recessions and the policies implemented to control the problems. It might offer a little more perspective on our current recession.

How the Government Dealt with Past Recessions.

Empire of the Sun - Walking on a Dream

A-Trak on making music for running

A-Trak is Kanye West's touring DJ and won the DMC World DJ Championship in 1997 at age 15.

Lost is back!

The story of redemption and destiny is back on Wednesday nights and I couldn't be happier. Add in the new thematic element of time travel this season and we've got ourselves something worth watching every single week. This is a great website to check in on what other fans are talking about or to see the latest Lost related news.

Lost.com

Haiku Friday

Each has perspective
Millions focused just on you.
Jesus, which is true?

I'm trying to leave
But that call won't go away.
How can I be free?

Sold drugs and did time
"Now I live or die trying."
My brother in God.

I'll lose yesterday
And make something good happen.
It's time for a change.

Let's take a deep breath.
We need a faith of action;
Exhale and be bold.

I thought it was me
But then you drew a spaceship.
You've caught the vision.

Bonus Haikus - by Stephen Baker
Love over the phone
Flowers, letters and email.
The best birth control.

Kanye and Weezy;
Silenced by a janitor
with smiles and wise words.

LupE.N.D.

Word is that Lupe Fiasco's last album, titled LupE.N.D., will be out sometime this year and while being one final album, it will consist of three separate CDs. The three CDs will be titled Everywhere, Nowhere, and Down Here (E.N.D.). Each will tell a separate story - similar to that of The Cool - but the three stories will come together for one final, grand narrative written by Lu himself.

"Do I sound like a robot?"

The new Amazon.com box bot is the latest Japanese corporate mascot. It is officially called the Revoltech Danboard and come complete with light up eyes. Perhaps even cooler is the Danboard mega bot.

Failing our Veterans

A pretty sad story that I heard on NPR this morning. More needs to be done in response.

Veterans Turn to Online Strangers for Financial Help

Now He Needs to Prove Himself

As he stated, we are all responsible for the future of this country and the world, but Obama still has an agenda that he needs to address. Is he doing it? This is a start but we still need more.

Guantanamo Trial Of Canadian Halted

What This All Means

It looks like the idea of banking is and should return to more of a traditional approach, one that is practiced by the banks in the industry that have been the most successful through this whole turmoil, community banks. I know that it won't be a complete transition but it is for the best. Thoughts?

Fair Game.

Also, here is an initiative to save the rain forest. Thoughts?

For Peruvians, Baskets for the U.S. Market Bring a New Way of Life

I'll steal from Kanye... DOOOOOPE!!!

Mr. Hudson - There Will be Tears

Mr. Hudson is from England and apparently is having his new album produced by Kanye West. Mr. Hudson is featured on Paranoid from 808's and Heartbreak.

Still Ringing True

"When I speak of love I am not speaking of some sentimental and weak response. I am speaking of that force which all of the great religions have seen as the supreme unifying principle of life. Love is somehow the key that unlocks the door which leads to ultimate reality."
- Dr. King

Still working towards that Beloved Community...


Why I Cannot Be Silent.

Power of Education

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically... Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."
- Dr. King


The Last Professor.

From Books, New President Found Voice

As Expected, Amazing

Bruce Springsteen- The Wrestler

Here is Springsteen's latest. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. The new album is out January 27th so expect more later.

Haiku Friday

"Chris, this Bertha." "Hey,
how are you?" "Good, just thinking
of you this morning."


In years and miles
I'm apart from those so close;
Love still finds me here.


God, you spoke to me.
Two calls on the telephone.
Grace is real today.


Frustration built up.
Beating heart and clicking mouse;
The horses of Hell.


There is no one who
can match my fresh haiku skill.
I think syllables.


Today we also have two guest haiku posts:

Wonder what he meant?
I thought it was romance
maybe its just friends.
- Kristin Lundquist

Homeless and freezing
"Can you roll my cigarette?
I'm shaking too much."
- Stephen Baker

Demanding Change

Check these out.

I was slow to recognize the stain of Guantanamo.

100 Days Campaign

Camp Hope 2009

Money Hole

In The Know: Should The Government Stop Dumping Money Into A Giant Hole?

Courtesy of Matt Japinga

Now We are Thinking

Is it any wonder that the most prosperous time in America's recent economic history was the 1950s when there was a huge focus on economic egalitarianism? If we want to rise out of this recession, we need to focus on those who are hardest hit.

Stimulus Plans that Help the Poor.

The Case for Small-Government Egalitarianism.

Dissent is the Highest Form of Patriotism

Obama can't deliver the change on his own, we all must contribute.

Is Pragmatism Overrated?

The Next Step

Now that Obama is set to arrive in office in a few short days, people are both considering the impact of different statements and promises he made while on the campaign and also the Bush legacy. How will the new views and focuses of the White House affect national security? How will Obama atone for the errors of Bush? Where is the justice in this process? Specifically, it has been admitted by the White House (Cheney himself in December of last year) that they supported the use of waterboarding as an interrogation technique. How does the US as a country respond to this? I would hope that we wouldn't continue these policies but how do we "right the ship" and come to represent the ideals that we espouse? Here are a few opinions on what should be done.

Bringing Justice to the War on Terrorism.

Also, here is an assessment on the viability of some of Obama's campaign claims.

Assessing Obama's Promises

Is this the future?

Kid Cudi - Sky High

Haiku Friday!

From this day forward
We will post my best haikus;
Always on Friday.


I need perspective
Preferably not my own
Then I'll see our love.

I can't know your past
But I see it in your face;
A beautiful time.

I'm scared for my friend.
The Kingdom is in the kids;
Never lose your hope.

Clean cut and picked up;
That was how I presented.
Inside I'm a mess.

The Tribune reports:
"More women loving short men;"
There is always hope!

Its your first birthday
Frosting, cake and red balloons.
Please remember well.

Stepping on Chris' Toes

N.A.S.A. ft. Kanye West & Santogold & Lykke Li - Gifted

Not only am I going to post some music but I am posting Mr. West. Next thing you know I will be posting some haikus.

Impressive Debut

B.o.B. - Generation Lost

Also check out B.o.B. - I'll be in the Sky. It's a fresh song but sounds like Outkast.

DJ Wiensy Has Some Competition

Ronald Jenkees is the name.

Pride

Never forget the past as what you reap is what you sow. Never forget where you came from. Pride.

The Courage of Detroit.

The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself

I know this is dumbing down most of the world's problems, but isn't this often what leads to violent actions? Either we are afraid of someone we don't know and/or don't understand or we choose not to view someone else as a fellow human, thus denying them the dignity and respect they deserve. This then leads people to treat others as less than human. Just a thought.

The Cost of Fearing Strangers.

Looking for Business

An interesting idea by Hyundai. There are strings attached of course. The companies that will last through this purging are the ones that will have the most imagination and innovation in terms of offering services to customers.

Hyundai Offers Car Assurance Deal.

Peaceful Protest

Ordinary people taking the initiative.

In a Quiet Rebellion, Parishioners Keep the Faith

Private Eyes, They're Watching You

Violation of civil liberties.

More Groups Than Thought Monitored in Police Spying.

Cut Copy - Time Stands Still

I was listening to Cut Copy all day at work. They are great to keep you moving and rocking, which is why they get two posts in a row!

Cut Copy - Out There on the Ice

2 Old and 2 New Haikus

Caterpillars change
Rejecting yourself conforms
The cycle won't stop.


Losing touch with home
Two cities grab at my heart;
Are friends now family?


Without beginnings
there are no endings to find;
I found you. Please, hide.


The slump is over;
Fresh starts bring inspiration.
Two days. Two haikus.

Mind Blowing

Akon - Right Now (Na Na Na)
Eddie doesn't like this but everyone else will.

Information, Awareness, Impact

It can be an exhausting exercise but it is essential to always remember your impact and I am referring to more than just consumer behavior. Happy New Year.

How to be an Ethical Consumer without Breaking the Bank.