I just returned from a retreat in our nation's capitol, and I'm absolutely elated to be back home with Dr. W. So much so that I really enjoyed shopping at my local grocery store without one complaint...that's an accomplishment for me with my discerning and often critical grocery store visits. And although I'm late posting about Obama's Democratic ( Read more... )

I just finished reading The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz, and I still can't get Oscar out of my mind. I don't know what to read next because I'm afraid it may be disappointing in light of Oscar Wao:) I feel like I've been privy to some amazing world after reading the book, and I want more. Does that sound silly? Well, frankly, I ( Read more... )

Sometimes I just miss southern Louisiana, and feel it deep down in my bones. I heard an old Mardi Gras song yesterday on NPR, "Hey Pocky Way," by the Meters, and I felt like I was back there for a brief moment. Once I got home, I had to listen to it again, and I even did a little companion dance too. Why do the roots seem to grow do deep there ( Read more... )

I just came across an older writing from the summer 2003 by John McWhorter titled "How Hip-Hop Holds Blacks Back ( Read more... )

In the midst of my busy schedule, one of my guilty pleasures is to watch "American Idol." Although I am a faithful fan, I must admit that I "checked" out emotionally once Paris and Chris were voted off. And after watching the finale tonight, it was clear that the strongest singer(s) were not in the final two. And although I wasn't emotionally ( Read more... )

It's been forever since I've written, but after watching Terrence Howard on ABC Nightline a couple of evenings ago, I feel compelled to write something. Prior to this interview, I didn't feel strongly one way or another about Terrence as an individual. He's a solid, strong actor, but I didn't know much about his personal views. Well, during his ( Read more... )

I have noticed that when I'm busy with my current research, time flies and I feel like an overall productive individual. Even my thoughts seem more focused and clear, which is definitely a good thing. During my recent time of increased clarity, I have been thinking about Louisiana, particularly New Orleans, and wondering what will become of its ( Read more... )

I have had a good day today, and I thank God for his many blessings each day. Honestly, I have been productive lately, and it may be because I'm working on the methodology portion of my research. Aren't statistics, particularly applied statistics in education, interesting. I'm doing a little better with my procrastination, but it's still not ( Read more... )

It feels good to have a good day's academic work under my belt. It allows me time for life reflection, which is something I enjoy doing, but rarely give myself time to relish it without feeling guilty. Guilty is a persnickety little emotion, isn't it? I'm also enjoying the moment listening to the 90's R&B station on AOL radio, which I'm ( Read more... )

I don't know where my day went today. The weather was nice, but I ended up just relaxing inside for most of the day. One thing that did bother me today is how people nowadays, generally speaking, avoid basic human contact with one another. There seems to be no such thing as "hospitality" anymore. It seems that most of us would rather rush past ( Read more... )