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.