Every week, I curate a list of the best links and articles to make you think and keep you informed. Enjoy!
Hey, friends! I'm so tired this week, as I'm sure you can understand. I have piles upon piles of work to grade and do and I've been in and out of meetings all week, which means I haven't done it! But even with all the work and things on my to-do list, this week I am so grateful for a wonderful group of friends and a great administration here at the UNT English Department.
Last night, I was really blessed to spend some time with old friends from college at the Galbraith Lecture at UD. That was a nice break from the crazy.
I hope you enjoy the articles I've picked for you!
My Writing
Two years ago: Walking With Peter (Spiritual Uprising Blog): For the longest time, I have had a special relationship with Peter. Looking back on this, I realize it's been a while since I spent time with him. It's a good reminder.
Last week: Field Notes Mania: A Practical Collection (Popery, Pens, and Paperbacks): I wrote this article about my collection of field notes notebooks. If you haven't read it, check it out!
What I read this week:
Popery (Catholicism/Spirituality/Religion):
Catholic News Service editor asked to resign (NCR): I am so angry right now. This is just wrong. I stand by Spence and his statements.
Yoga, Pizza, and the Hubble Telescope: A Maundy Thursday Sermon in 5 Parts (Sarcastic Lutheran): I love Nadia Bolz-Webber and although it's a little late for me to post about Maundy Thursday, I enjoyed this homily.
Social Justice:
- Evicted by Matthew Desmond review – what if the problem of poverty is that it’s profitable to other people? (The Guardian): I think this article is something to think about in terms of how we view poverty, particularly in urban areas.
- Mock border wall creates controversy at John Carroll University (Cleveland): Whatever your political views, the message of the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching is clear: our right to private property ends where the dire needs of our brothers begins. That there are so many students responding so negatively to this demonstration shows us exactly what is wrong with our nation and, for Christians, our religion.
Pens/Pencils/Stationery:
Getting the Point (The Daysman): This is actually about pencils, but I think it's really cool. I love hearing about stationery addicts sharing their passions and this man's son has infected him with pencil addiction!
Ask The Desk: Supply Organization (The Well Appointed Desk): As I am getting ready to move into my new apartment, I am thinking a lot about how to organize my pens, ink, and calligraphy supplies. I love this post by Anna. Although I certainly won't be able to have the nice things she has, I also have less stuff. Hopefully this will give me some good ideas for when I have to organize my supplies in a few months.
This 25-Year-Old Is Turning a Profit Selling Pencils (Bloomberg): As a new, regular customer of CW Pencils (2 orders in 2 weeks), I have to say, this is brilliant. Their personal touches, great prices, and awesome selection make ordering from them SO worth it!
Field Notes Spring 2016 Colors Edition – “Sweet Tooth” (Ed Jelley): I have to admit, I wasn't sure what I thought of the "Sweet Tooth" edition at first, but it's sort of grown on me. I love the way Ed writes and his photos are phenomenal!
Leave No Black Plume - Review of the Lenore Pencil by Write Notepads (Spare Time Today): I am in love with my Lenore pencil and I enjoyed this review. Mine will be forthcoming.
A Non-Hoarder’s Take on Field Notes (and buying notebooks in general) (Pen Addict): In light of my own recent blog post about Field Notes Mania, here is another blogger's insight on hoarding, or not hoarding, notebooks.
Who makes the best paper notebook? Geek out with paper guru Brad Dowdy (The Journal by Kevin Rose): This episode of the podcast with Kevin Rose is really great. I enjoyed what Brad had to say.
Paperbacks (Reading, Books, and Writing):
Mysterious Stacks Of Books In NYC Are Connecting Strangers From Around The World (Huffington Post): This is fantastic! While I could never imagine giving up my books like this, I really admire this man!
10 Spring Cleaning Tips For Getting Rid Of Old & Unread Books (Bustle): The bibliophile in me is heartbroken at the abuse here, but this is kind of cool once you get past the sacrilege.
Poet Gregory Pardlo: 'I won the Pulitzer: why am I invisible?' (The Guardian): This is a real problem both in popular and in academic literature.
6 Scientific Reasons Reading Is Amazing For Your Health (Bustle): I mean, we all already knew this, but it's nice to have scientific back up!
Movies and TV:
Is ‘Friends’ Still the Most Popular Show on TV? (Vulture): This is a great article about the phenomenon which is Friends. It's long, but worth the read.
TV shows are going way too far to attract viewers (NY Post): If Friends is still the most popular tv show, this might be why. The things that TV writers and directors are willing to do to "shock" the audience is no longer just entertainment, it's creating a culture in which the horrific scenes from nightmares are made acceptable.
32 Fascinating Behind-The-Scenes Facts About Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Knowable): Buffy is one of my all-time favorite television shows. I enjoyed reading this.
Life in General:
Life is too short to be Voldemort (Will Wheaton): This is a great bit from a talk Will gave at a college.
Sometimes I Forget We're At War (Frugaling): This is an important reflection over the cost of war.
5 lessons I learned after 5 friends under 30 died in 5 years. (UP Worthy): Although my experience was different, I completely relate to this. I've lost three friends to suicide since high school and a few others along the way. It never gets easier. If you ever need to talk about it, I'm here.
My wedding was both the best and worst day of my life. Here's what I learned. (UP Worthy): This heartbreaking story about loss reminds me of everything that we learn from losing those closest to us. This is a beautiful read. Grab some tissues first.
We Will Not Make Ourselves Smaller for the Benefit of Small Men (Medium): I think a lot of people would roll their eyes at this, but I find it inspiring.
Tough and Awkward Topics:
A request from your fat friend: what I need when we talk about bodies. (UP Worthy): This is a good read, and probably something that makes people feel uncomfortable.
Guys, Here’s What It’s Actually Like To Be A Woman (Thought Catalogue): This about sums it up. I know some of my male friends will roll their eyes, but really though.
We Need a New Word for Survivor (Jezebel): This reflection over loss and surviving gives great insight into our culture as a whole.
4 Things your Period is Telling you About your Health that You Shouldn't Ignore (Verily): Because women's health is important.
Art and Other Pretty Things:
A Hypnotically Beautiful Animation of a Forgotten Penny Arcade Wooden Doll Endlessly Wandering (Laughing Squid): This is captivating.
Tiny Ink Drawings Scaled to the Size of Pencils, Fingers, and Matchsticks by Christian Watson (Colossal): I follow this guy on Instagram and he's really cool.
Academia, Education, and Teaching:
Equity is Fostered Through What We Teach and What We Don't (Edutopia): This is an important message for teachers of all levels in all schools. These stories should never be lost.
Can Latin Help Younger Students Build Vocabulary? (Education Week): What an interesting article! I don't think I really knew English until I learned Latin and Greek. It helps with not only vocab, but also grammar. As an English teacher, I can tell you--our kids need help learning grammar.
O Adjunct! My Adjunct! (The New Yorker): Most people have no idea what this means, but the more time I spend in academia, the more I realize that the situation with adjuncts is a serious social justice issue.
Teaching Poetry of the Immigrant Experience (Edutopia): This is a really cool idea about how to integrate poetry into teaching immigrants.
Simplicity and Minimalism:
Gypsy Caravans: A home Away From Home (Off Grid Quest): I FREAKING LOVE THESE THINGS. Oh my gosh, aren't they GORGEOUS!? Forgive the all caps, but I really am shouting. I adore tiny houses and I adore these even more. Only problem: Where's the bathroom? #icantlivewithoutindoorplumbing #itssoprettythough
Environmentalism, Farming, Food, Health, and Nutrition:
One Of Our Best Agricultural Weapons Against Climate Change Is Sorely Lacking (Modern Farmer): When I talk with my students about the dangers of monoculture, they have no idea what I'm talking about. When we talk about the lack of biodiversity, again, they have no idea what I'm talking about. This article makes it pretty clear--we need more biodiversity in agriculture.