I went to 9th grade "Back to School Night" last week and learned that my son's history teacher focuses on critical thinking skills before teaching history. He explicitly aims to give students the tools to analyze history, understand the difference between primary and secondary sources, and ultimately be prepared to live as discerning and engaged citizens. The importance of this … [Read more...] about Manufacturing Discontent
Getting to “Good Enough” from “Excellent”
Wired has now posted the article The Good Enough Revolution: When Cheap and Simple Is Just Fine from the latest issue of the magazine. They've labeled it a "Gadget" story which just shows they don't give themselves enough credit for illuminating cultural transformations. I encourage you to read the whole piece. It gives evidence and examples of products and … [Read more...] about Getting to “Good Enough” from “Excellent”
Suburbs Have Needs Too
As an everyday arts advocate, I've been ruminating on the interview the NY Times published with new NEA Chair Rocco Landesman last Friday. (The NEA's 10th) The interview gives us much more to think about than how Mr. Landesman's style and perspective will play out with Congress, though that's what others have given the most attention.AJ blogger Lee Rosenbaum wrote immediately … [Read more...] about Suburbs Have Needs Too
More Learning from Comic-Con
The day after I posted my musings about Comic-Con International and what the non-profit arts can learn from it, I received a call from Angela Carone, the arts reporter at the local public radio/tv station asking if I'd participate in an extended dialogue on the topic. Along with me, Angela invited Tyler Richards Hewes, Executive Director of Orchestra Nova San Diego, and Edward … [Read more...] about More Learning from Comic-Con
Morning TV feels like vaudeville
Yesterday morning I went onto the San Diego Fox affiliate's morning show to promote our International Youth Orchestra concert. I was joined by 21 year old flutist Kimberley Beimen from The Netherlands. There is nothing profound in what we say, it's morning TV after all. We were there to wake people up. I did come away wondering if backstage at … [Read more...] about Morning TV feels like vaudeville