Monthly Archives: April 2008

End of the Semester (Grading Time)

Posted on April 30, 2008 by

It’s that time of the semester…the end. That means loads of final papers to grade and less time for the blog. I hope to be done with all of that by May 9 and then have more time to write. … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogroll, Education | Leave a comment

Charles Tilly, 1929-2008

Posted on April 29, 2008 by

Sociologist Charles Tilly passed away today (April 29, 2008). He was a mentor to and influence on a number of my professors. I’ll be writing an obit shorty. In the meantime, here is some information on the man and his … Continue reading →

Posted in Academia | Leave a comment

Three Cinematic Orchestra Videos

Posted on April 27, 2008 by

You enjoyed the last one so here are some more. “Breathe” performed live at the Barbican, 2007. Much different tempo than the last vid. Here’s a studio vid. for “Reel Life (Evolution II).” It takes a while to get going … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and Culture | Leave a comment

Free Markets and Food Riots Redux

Posted on April 26, 2008 by

In a previous life (1990s) I studied the political-economy of development with an emphasis in the Indian subcontinent, in particular India and Nepal. I traveled to India in 1993 when the market was first opening to Foreign Direct Investment. Like … Continue reading →

Posted in Books and Book Reviews, International Politics | Leave a comment

Tag, I’m It

Posted on April 25, 2008 by

I’m not much for these tag games, but I like the Contentious Centrist so I will comply and shut up… Here are my tasks: 1. Pick up the nearest book. 2. Open to page 123. 3. Find the fifth sentence. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books and Book Reviews | 2 Comments

Thoughts on the Current Debate: A Perspective from the U.S.

Posted on April 24, 2008 by

[Image courtesy of Zombietime.] I haven’t found the time to post a response to what Bob, Marko and the Drink Soaked Trots for War have been writing the past week or so. I’ve found the discussion stimulating aside from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Allies, and Frequented Sites, Radicalism, Theory | 1 Comment

Cinematic Orchestra at the Jazz Standard

Posted on April 23, 2008 by

The Cinematic Orchestra played last night. My wife and I had the opportunity to check them out last September at Webster Hall and it was a great show so I knew we’d want to check them again when they came … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and Culture, NYC | 3 Comments

Are Religious Americans and Gun Owners “Bitter”?

Posted on April 21, 2008 by

I know it’s ancient history in the time frame of American politics but I intended to write a few words regarding Obama’s recent jab at working-class Pennsylvanians. As informative as it is to deconstruct the content of Obama’s comment, just … Continue reading →

Posted in U.S. Politics | 1 Comment

Hag Pesach Sameach

Posted on April 19, 2008 by

[The Marx brothers as the Four Sons. By Dick Codor, USA, 1981.] Pesach is the story of liberation from slavery and a return to the land of Israel. All very positive things and a cause of celebration. But an important … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Carter’s Middle East Study Mission: Peace Tour or Terror Tour?

Posted on April 18, 2008 by

Jimmy Carter is in the Middle East allegedly on a mission of world peace. According to the Carter Center website: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will lead a study mission to Israel, the West Bank, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and … Continue reading →

Posted in (Counter)Terrorism, Israel and Zionism, West Asia | Leave a comment