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.