Friday PSTSS: "Summertime Blues"

Poignant and incisive, "Summertime Blues" addresses one of the pressing issues of our age: horny kids, bored during summer vacation. Enjoy the ne plus ultra of covers, courtesy of Hanson.

My Mission, Twenty Years On

I'm a self-linking Mormon. I spent a year and a half in Korea preaching Mormonism, which I talk about on the Times & Seasons blog.

On Red Tories and Libertarians

In pondering the range of ideologies on the fringes of the Republican party, I think, "Could a lefty like me ever fit in?" After posting seven superfluous links to myself, I catch my readers off guard by revealing that I would not be a good bedfellow with Republicans.

The Future of Communitarianism and (or in) Quebec

A lot of French-Canadians in Quebec are xenophobic, so the government paid a philosopher and sociologist to think about that. (This is a model for how all governments should handle problems.)

I will list some key observations in their report.

1) If the French-Canadians aren't going to get off their asses and reproduce, they had better get used to immigration.

2) Since French-Canadians are still the majority in Quebec, they should insist that French be the official language for all their new neighbors. This approach is referred to as "interculturalism," as opposed to "multiculturalism." (In the US, it would be referred to as nativism, chauvinism, and/or bigotry.)

3) Quebec should be officially secular. Religious culture clashes should be resolved informally, rather than through legislation or litigation. (Young siblings should also work things out non-violently on their own, without running to their parents for resolution.)

This is a monumental study that should be (but will not be) read by everyone.

Blasts from the Past

Yesterday I learned that someone I barely knew twenty years ago died two years ago. Actually, I first heard of his death last year. Instead of belatedly dwelling on the sadness of his passing, I will reminisce about my college escapades (i.e., ska and a cap concerts, war protests, student newspapers), then leave you with links to three old posts from yours truly (and a favorite song of the deceased).

Presidents on Film: A Bleg

I've asked for help with my lesson plans before (see superfluous link #1, superfluous link #2). I'm doing it again. What movies can I use for my workshop on the presidency?

Friday PSTSS: "Birdhouse in Your Soul"

They Might Be Giants might be widely recognized--by those who recognize them--as a dated novelty act. I do not recognize that. Watch the video for "Birdhouse in Your Soul" and see how wrong the majority can be.

What John Says (The University Today, Part 3)

Yes, this is Part 3, so please allow me to link to Part 1 and Part 2.

I have nothing new to say, but would like you to know that another obscure academic blogger in Wichita made passing reference to my oeuvre. Even though he dismissed me as parroting Thoreau, I'm flattered by the mention and will link back to him.

My Wife Leads the Way (to Local Food)

My wife, like most right-thinking lefties, feels that local, sustainable, natural foods are good. Before I get around to linking to her blog post on the topic, I will first direct you to six lengthy, convoluted, pretentious posts of my own, in which you will find my communitarian, Marxist Nouveau Luddite perspective on the matter.

(Here's my wife's post.)

Massaging the Meritocracy (The University Today, Part 2)

Like I said in this post (since I'm not above referencing myself), I went to some boring meetings. In one of them, I learned that freshmen at my school will have to read two books. I made a perspicacious comment about one of the books, but it was lost on the clueless presenters. I have mixed feelings about the goals of higher education in modern society and how effectively we pursue them.

Friday PSTSS: "This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)"

I like the Talking Heads song "This Must be the Place." But it sounds more authentic coming from the Christian socialist bluegrass group Cornmeal, the anarcho-syndicalist bluegrass group Spelt Melk, or mopey folkie Amy.

The Futurist Says... (The University Today, Part 1)

I've spent the past three days in meetings. I was mostly bored by them.