Thanks to everyone who attended the video chat last week. It went so well, we'll be doing it again next week (7/13 9pm EDT). Feel free to join even if you couldn't come last week. And I'd particularly love to hear from philosophers and other humanities scholars who can comment on the postmodernism discussion. Welcome to week 4 of discussing The War on Science. If you're just joining, feel free to dive in or catch up with the previous chapters (Ch 1-2, Ch 3-4, Ch 5-6). Chapter 7 is ostensibly the conclusion of the … [Read more...] about Science Book Club: The War on Science Ch 7-8
journalism
Journalism Notes: Pressing On II
In my last post I took some time to consider the ideas of legacy and success from a Christian perspective. When I die, how will people remember me? What will be my mark on the world? What impact will I have made on the lives of others? I didn't know at the time how apropos those words would be. Last Tuesday my grandmother died. On Saturday I gave the eulogy at her funeral. She was 94 years old. … [Read more...] about Journalism Notes: Pressing On II
Journalism Notes: Pressing On
When I die, no one will make a documentary about me. I don't expect a big New York Times obit on my grand contributions to society and culture. It's unlikely that social media will be flooded with worldwide tributes and memorials to how my work changed people's lives. … [Read more...] about Journalism Notes: Pressing On
Journalism Notes: The Maturity of the Uninspired
Chuck Close sharing finished work: Michael Danoff, Chuck Close, Donald Farnsworth, and Brad Pitt in front of Close's 2009 tapestry portrait 'Brad' at PaceWildenstein, New York on May 1, 2009. In the entrance of the Communication building, where I teach many of my classes on campus, is a quote from the artist Chuck Close: “Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work.” I love this, in large part because I am personally very familiar with the trap of waiting for the mood to strike. … [Read more...] about Journalism Notes: The Maturity of the Uninspired
Journalism Notes: Students go Gonzo for relativism
Nearly every semester I teach a basic news reporting class. For most of my students it's their first taste of being put through their paces and cranking out stories on deadline. They do one article a week – 350 words, at least one authoritative source, at least one additional source, a photo and a caption. This keeps them hopping for about the first 11 weeks of the semester. So toward the end of the term, I like to shift gears a little bit and give them a book report. … [Read more...] about Journalism Notes: Students go Gonzo for relativism