Happy Holidays from the Weekly Update

This will be the last post of 2014, so it is full of holiday cheer and fa la la la la-ing.

Starting with some best of 2014-ing for all of you.  We know Christina tops us all in reading (supposedly!), so here is a top 2014 book list to cross check.

Next, for some pretty amazing images- the best photos of 2014.  Checking these out has a bonus-- you get a little reminder of top news from the year, or a peak at some things we might have missed.

In case you have missed out on new songs and albums, we've got the top ten albums AND top songs of 2014, as per the New York Times.  (Don't want the NYT to pick your music?  Here's MTV's version).

Not for your shopping list, but just for your information and possible dinner party convos-- a list of 25 celebrities who came out of the closet in 2014.  Not sure how to possibly build enough background knowledge for these guys, though-- I definitely missed quite a few of these while reading about Juno and Michael Sam.

         

And if going viral is your thing, or NOT your thing so you missed it all-- the best viral videos here in a compilation, and a list of viral photos and/or videos with descriptions, here.  Just so you didn't miss anything!

Now, for some just because it is ridiculous news news:

A new subway campaign against manspreading.  Another new word for us to use around


 And Brooklyn Magazine chimes in to try to convince me to leave New York-- negating the top 110 reasons to stay, point by point, until we are left with bodega cats and sidewalk Christmas trees.

You should be able to talk about this film, Sony's decision to pull it, and Obama's remarks that it was a mistake (other celebrities agree).  Just because it really is fascinating. 

Before you book your trip to Cuba (which you can do now) check this out.

Take a look outside your window- and compare it to the holidays in Antarctica.

Happy Holidays, all!!

Week of December 14th

Hi there! 

I have a bit of a news variety show for you guys this week.  Something for everyone? 

Starting with news from the Netherlands-- the first country to open up a solar road!  It is a bike path, slightly tilted to angle towards the sun. 

The University of Virginia is looking at ways to curb fraternity drinking.  Is this do-able?  Christina, responding to your request for more background knowledge-- this is in response to the Rolling Stone article about a rape on UVA's campus and the university's failure to act.  However, new information revealed wholes in the victim's story-- this is also explained in the Rolling Stone link.

Non slacktivist activists had marches throughout New York City (and many other areas in the country) on Saturday. 

 

 

Here is an interesting take on the issue of police violence-- the idea being that police training focuses far more on dangers and risk than on deescalation of problems.  

 

We've discussed the specific  movement to increase the working wage here before-- this theory says that with job openings much higher than hiring, American companies will have to increase wages soon.  

The CIA Torture Report was released this week.  What did it say?  Here is a summary of the gist of the report.   Dick Cheney was not concerned, stating that he'd do it all again.  And Antonin Scalia says torture is constitutional, because the Constitution forbids cruel and unusual "punishment", which torture isn't.  

:Michele Bachmann is exiting Washington- and took a chance to advise Obama to "take out" Iran at her last holiday party.  (Michele Bachmann)

Remember Michael Sam?   Wondering what became of him?  Did you also predict that more athletes would come out in 2014....but really, they didn't?  This article gives an interesting summary of the events surrounding Michael Sam's quick media rise and fall.

The Royal Couple was in NYC, did you hear?  And here, for your background, is the Royal Baby-- Prince George's Christmas photos.  I have to say, the sweater vest and knee sock combo seems a bit over the top to me!  

 

And just because-- here is the supposed best in New York Street food.  Breakfast cart bagels?  What do you think?  They do not top my list, I have to say!

Week of December 6th

Welcome to December....

I've found it harder to do lighthearted news this week.  Instead, I've been thinking about and reading about white privilege and what it means to be liberal and responsive during these times.  I'm not the only one, so has she, and so many others.  It is interesting to think about the fact that the Civil Rights Movement was inspired by repeated events that eventually reached a critical mass, and to wonder what could come out of the events taking place today.  We will see.

I found myself in a conversation with my mom about the importance and/or laziness of facebook activism (slacktivism).  What do you think? 

And while I can't condone or agree with a lot of the answers here, this interview with an NYPD officer made me think about the link between broken windows theory and race relations. 

In more hopeful news, check out this burger joint in Detroit.  They are paying workers close to $15 an hour, and it is working!  They are making money and employees are happy!  Can this be replicated on a larger scale?

Did you know that literally right now, New York City 8th graders are being sorted and matched to high schools in the giant and life altering matching game we play in this city?  And, apparently, game theory is really what is used for this

A few other pieces of difficult news that you may want to read:

Hostage negotiations with Al Qaeda and commando efforts gone awry.

A huge tropical storm is headed for the Philippines, which has thankfully been downgraded from a typhoon.

A feature on the doctor and Ebola patient who was transported to Emory-- he is speaking out to draw attention to the horrible epidemic while giving thanks for his own personal care, so I thought I could comply.

The "terror report"-- or, Senate report on CIA interrogation-- is to be released this week.



 

Thanksgiving Edition

Happy Thanksgiving weekend! 

First things first- which one of you blabbed to Thomas L. Friedman about my dinner conversation starters?  Because he totally robbed me (except for, apparently, he wants you to have some really serious, dense dinner conversations!  Man, I coulda been in the New York Times!

Now, for the holiday news.....

Did you see the most googled Thanksgiving recipe in every state?   Fascinating!  Do you know what frog eye salad is?  And can we please google "cookie salad" and (if it is what I assume it is) have it next dinner party?  (If the internet's power to know us is your thing, here is what facebook users are most thankful for, in general and by state).

Also- when you think of turkey, do you picture this bird?

 

I sure did-- but apparently,  "white turkeys" are what we eat, and also what the White House pardons!

Speaking of, I noticed that the White House is clearly going with Christmas Tree rather than "holiday"-- does this mean that Obama will be left alone when Fox News starts up with their "war on Christmas" rant?

This right here pretty much sums up why I will never shop on Black Friday AND never shop at Wallmart.  Lying on top of televisions to claim them.  How many televisions do people need?  And for another type of black friday....#blackoutblackfriday calls for boycotting shopping as a form of protest (they shut down trains in Oakland through peaceful protest).

And for news that makes me want to boycott.... here is a list of corporations, ranked by the millions of dollars they have contributed to congressman who deny climate change.  The National Beer Wholesalers, really?

No holiday connection, really, but interesting-- I personally haven't done much taxi travel since Uber (oh, carseats...), but apparently the regular taxis are not doing as well as a result.  And, also in taxi news-- have you ever wanted to drive a taxi as your regular car?  I had a yellow car in high school, so I kind of know this guy's deal, but he took it all the way.

And did you get to hear the unsanctioned 44 seconds of Madonna's newest song before it was snatched back from the depths of the internet?  (Actually, I'm betting that it is still accessible somewhere, but I'm sure you'd have to at least be a Millenial, if not younger, to know how to find it now!)

Finally, on a serious note- I think I read dozens of articles, blog posts, and op eds on the Darren Wilson's non-indictment and subsequent reactions in Ferguson and beyond, trying to find something that summed up my feelings.  This was sent to me from Marni this morning, and while it doesn't perfectly summarize (maybe the point right now is nothing does), it does have some interesting insight that I appreciate: If our president and our nation now don’t show the will and courage to speak the truth and remake the destinies of millions of beleaguered citizens, then we are doomed to watch the same sparks reignite, whenever and wherever injustice meets desperation.

Week of November 22nd

This week is all in good fun or pop culture.  No deep news, nothing sad, nothing too serious.  Like it or not.

Starting with-- if you can't understand this sentence, read this to learn about the newest words.  The twenty-something slacktivist wore a normcore knitted sweater and just had to vape before returning to his job as a budtender, 

Do you think that it is acceptable that there is a dress code for journalists in England who want to photograph the royal family?  Should you be able to wear jeans before snapping a pic of William and Kate?

Not fun, but a reason to be totally over Eminem and to respect Iggy Azalea.

You have to have seen Kim Kardashian breaking the internet-- but have you also seen her here, used as SAT prep for math problems, and here, used as a discussion starter by Alyssa Milano, who has received both kudos and controversy over her breastfeeding selfies?

The midwestern girl in me is impressed with the NY Times interactive college football feature, kind of an if-then choose your own adventure for the playoffs.

Here we have speculation that despite its current success, facebook will soon fall.  My favorite line:
 In three years of research and talking to hundreds of people and everyday users, I  don’t think I heard anyone say once, ‘I love Facebook." And my biggest fear: that one of these yik-yaky sites will take over in the future and I'll be scrambling to keep tabs on my daughter!

Speaking of social media, and what has been an ongoing conversation on this blog-- is this or is this not racist, what do you think about this assistant principal's tweet?  Racist?  Job-losing-worthy?


And check out this awesome prospective park to be built along the Hudson River.  Well, I think it is awesome, anyways- I guess some aren't fans. 

So, apparently, the hairdresser responsible for the Rachel hairdo was high at the time.  That worked out well for him.

When I saw this I truly thought it was satire- but it isn't the Onion, it is the Washington Post. And actually, it may violate my rules this week, as is it a little disturbing-- seriously, check out what is happening to our backs because of smart phones!  "Textneck" will need to be a new word!

To help you with your plans for the week-- it is apparently probably fine for 90% of us to get totally drunk on Thanksgiving.  Not me (I have a little baby)-- but maybe you?

Week of 11/15

Happy update!  This week seems to have flown by.  I am pretty sure I missed following the biggest news stories this week, for sure, so below are some items of interest.  Given the fact that free time is at an all time minimum for me these days, I welcome any mid-week updates for ME that you all might want to send my way.

Starting with one of those-- I feel like there is a TON to say and consider in thinking about the use of "smartbombs"-- this piece examines some of the ethical dilemmas of weapons that are designed to work without human involvement or oversight.  Will this allow for wars with less civilian casualties, create weapons that can pick victims via robot, or turn war into a real life video game?

And shall we talk about Bill Cosby?  Cliff?  I had actually heard nothing until this recent media outbreak about Bill Cosby's rape allegations-- was I under a rock, or were they kept completely discrete? 

As for politics:  The last time the Republicans had a majority this big was 1928.  This article gives historical perspective that I thought was pretty interesting-- from the 1928 elections to prohibition and the Great Depression.

And I'm curious to see the answer to the question posed in this piece about Obamacare:  Republicans have to make a decision: Do we go forward with a blind opposition or try to find some way to improve the system where it is flawed? 

Moving on- did you know that psychotopic drug use in children has gone up over 44 percent in the past four years?  And at the same time, studies have barely been done on their impact on non-adults.  More here about this hugely challenging parenting dilemma.

If you are like me, sometimes people talk about a concept around you and you smile and nod but don't let on, right at that moment, that you're not fully sure what they are talking about.  Anyone? C'mon, be honest!  Well, if net neutrality is one of those things, this sums it up quite nicely.  I'd be interested to hear if there are any more compelling arguments that just those based on profit for internet service to be run like cable.  What do you all think?  Is internet a right?  A basic need?

You have probably heard about the Ohio women suing the sperm bank for mistakenly giving them black donor sperm.  There are several interpretations in blogs and cyberspace, but I thought that this piece in the Nation is compelling-- though obviously biased and even inflammatory.  (And the weekly update gave you the backstory referenced in paragraph one just a couple weeks ago!)

And a topic that hits close to home- stay at home dads.  These guys say that they have to band together to overcome the social stigma.  True?  Untrue?  Varies by location?

Week of November 9th

As a school employee who observes firsthand the content of school foods, this finding disturbs me-- school lunches tend to actually be healthier than packed lunches.  It makes me wonder what on earth people are packing in lunches.  And, it makes me forgive myself a little when I think I'm not good enough at healthy eatting-- no WAY is Zoe's lunch less healthy than the school foods ones!

I wish I had this story for my tech related update last week-- ROBOT PENGUINS spy on real penguins!  For real!

This one, too-- (is it that I'm hyper aware of all the technology related stories because of my focus last week, or is it just that life is proportionately at least a quarter tech related as a rule now?)---I always find it weird when my kindle shows me what other people highlighted.  Just another piece of my increasing electronic footprint.  Want to see the general favorite passages in some quality literature?  

I sometimes wish I studied science, and I always wonder about that supposedly untapped huge portion of the human brain that we all let go unused.  Obama's BRAIN initiative, explained here, is fascinating- and will take 10 years and a ton of money, so cross your fingers.  (Also- it is subplot on Grey's Anatomy!  Anyone??)

And what does this mean for schools-- a "natural" fix for ADHD is just to make life more varied and unpredictable!

Of course, we need an election update.  So, POLITICS for the rest of the issue:


 I am sure that you heard about the redwashing of the Senate on Tuesday.  Mitch McConnell will lead the Senate with 54 of his buddies in republican seats.  Wonder what will get done for the next two years? 

But the real conversation starter, I think, is about voter turnout-- less than 37% of voters, the lowest turnout since 1942.  Come on, people!  How do we know who the other sixty some percent want?  (Is it just my upbringing?  I've never missed a vote!)

This makes the Supreme Court's decision to take on an Obamacare case particularly noteworthy- we'll have more on that in the weeks to come.


And the last of the political conversation that I'll share-- this is an interesting take on where we are as a country in terms of elected women to US Congress.  My favorite line: It’s not even a half-full, half-empty moment: It’s a 20 percent full, 80 percent empty moment.
 

Happy November

Happy November!  This week is focused on a theme-- news related to technology.  I started thinking about this after talking to a friend the other day about this.  Do you have photo albums any more?  Or just digital images on your phone or computer?
                
We got to thinking...what if digital files really did fade over time, and enough time since their creation just hadn't passed yet to know this?  We would end up the only generation with no record of itself....assuming the next generation would learn about this in time.  And all pictures from the first two or three decades of the 00's would be lost!  And then, last night I had a dream I was trying to take film photos and nobody understood what I was doing or how to get the film out of the camera.

So, in other tech related news and/or information:

With election day on Tuesday, there is a lot of political news to peruse these days-- have you considered how politicians and pollsters use data about YOU in order to direct their marketing?  They have moved away from general television ads and into a much more specific way of targeting their audience.

Speaking of, this site on politico constantly updates polling information so you can keep informed on the election of your choice at all times-- currently, 50+% Cuomo.

And I am grateful that I've never really struggled with anxiety, but if I did, is there an app for that?  Do you think that these apps really help people deal with anxiety or emotional regulation?

Meanwhile, the New York Times is reporting on apps that can teach you Spanish.  I did duolingo for a while, and found it was a fun and easy way to polish my very limited Spanish skills.

Apparently, however, the internet really is running slower....on purpose.

And speaking of things you can do from your phone-- soon, you'll be able to order Starbucks straight to your house.  What will the Starbucks across the street from one another at Astor Place think of this?  I really can't picture this, by the way- will it be hot and steamy with thick foam?  Is someone making a latte the back of his van?

The mere existence of digital photos and thumb drives is likely what allowed this story to originate- a Syrian police photographer smuggled thousands of pictures of war crimes out of Syria.  He is not satisfied with the slow action of the United States in response, however.

Here is a case of social media providing a forum for people to share or find support- I thought the idea behind the hashtag #beenrapedneverreported both powerful and odd-- perhaps, comforting?

Were you surprised, like me, when you upgraded your iphone and suddenly it knew where every picture you had taken originated?  Ones from years ago were suddenly location tagged.  Have you considered your digital footprint and how it is emphasized when you simply upload or take pictures?

And perhaps not a perfect fit in this week's theme, but tech=future, and this article did a good job explaining why I am always surpised at my draw towards dystopian future novels (though it doesn't explain why I particularly like the YA version of this genre!).

Didja Know...Dinner Party Part 2

I heard the "did you hear about" edition was a hit, so we're doing it again this week.  I've included a follow up question so you can prolong your dinner party conversation.  Remember, use these lines at a dinner party or on a blind date or any forced conversation- maybe you'll be a hit!

So, here goes:

Did you hear about the guy who broke the world record for parachuting on Friday?  He fell at the speed of sound!  He set off a sonic boom!  So...what do you do when you are that guy next Friday???

Did you hear Banksy was caught by police?  Or just caught on camera?  Or, wait...was it all a hoax?   Is that really a picture of Banksy?  Do you think Banksy should be caught?  (Wait-Do you know who Banksy is?  If that link isn't enough- do your research!)

Just because it is especially on my mind....do you know how the US compares to countries around the world in regard to maternity leave?  Should we have more paid leave?  More leave in general?  Check out this map (source here):

And out of the comments last week-- did you know that a study showed that posting calorie counts is not working?  They confirm that posting the equivalent exercise needed is the way to go, just like the Atlantic article told us!  If exercise equivalencies were posted, would that motivate you?

No clever quip for this one-- simply, did you read the NY Times article on the ISIS hostages that were beheaded?  It is heart wrenching, but well written and well researched.  While I did not know James Foley personally, we are alums of both Northwestern and TFA and have crossed many similar paths, and this piece, for me, was both difficult and important to read.  No additional question, just share thoughts.  (Ok- maybe this one is not the best for the dinner party convo!)

(Depending on the dinner party, try either--) Have you heard the depressing study that shows that the brightest and best low income children may not even compare to richer failures?  How does that make you feel about your work?  OR Do you want to talk about how socio-economic status really DOES determine a child's future-- that there is not yet a level playing field?  How do you justify that? Check this out.

Did you hear about how a group of "foodies" were duped into thinking that McDonalds was fancy pants?  Do you think it could happen to you?  What if I told you the wine in your hand right now cost $85...does it taste better?

If you are on facebook, you've seen this in different forms-- but did you know that Friday makes 87 school shootings since Newtown?  What do you think should be happening as a result?

Did you see the newest cover of Time Magazine?  Is it yet another war on teachers? (Protests have been more about the cover than the content of the article itself)

Week of October 19th

So if you don't usually watch The Daily Show, I highly recommend watching this epsiode-- Jon and Bill O'Reilly debating the existence of white priviledge (at 21:27).  I liked it so much that for my first time ever I even watched the extended interview online.  In my opinion, Stewart schools him.  Show it to that ultra-conservative guy on your facebook feed and see what he says.

In the same vein- my cousin's husband (cousin-in-law?) spent time at "Ferguson October" as a community organizer-- the youth "justice for all" movement is continuing on the momentum started by the Mike Brown protests.  (And an interesting comparison between the mostly white student riots in New Hampshire and the riots in Ferguson). 

In Texas, there is a new voter ID law that allows a requirement of picture ID in order to vote- and Ginsberg has written a scathing dissent.

This NCAA fan map helps me understand my roots in college football- growing up in mid-Michigan, a "state divided".  And even in football, there is diversity in NYC.  

Have you been following the opinion of the Vatican on accepting gay members?  The report was heavily criticized and there are some absurdities (changing "partners" to "these people"....)-- but still, doesn't Pope Francis make you feel glass half full about societies progress?  Or at least like there is some forward movement?  Unfortunately, many bishops are not ready to be on board.

This article talks about the equivalent exercise that would be needed to burn off juice or soda, and the impact of seeing this exchange on buying habits.  I'd LOVE to see this become the new labeling system for food-- but, as a non-soda drinker, I am a little concerned...do I have to give up juice?

So.... much like Romeo and Juliet, my husband and I are clearly star-crossed lovers-- seeing as how HIS alma mater is on the least datable alumni list and mine is on the most!  Go Wildcats!

  

(datable, right?) 

Obama has appointed an "Ebola Response Coordinator," or, and Ebola Czar.  I don't want to trivialize the concerns around ebola, but really, don't you wish more titles included "Czar"?  I'd like to be the Academic Czar someday.

And, while still not downplaying the fact that the ebola epidemic is serious- the graph below (from this article earlier this month about myths regarding the outbreak) gives a little perspective to the attention, or lack of attention, paid.