On The Condition: Existential Googling

@Elizabeth DeHoff@facebook That's the name of probably the largest dance/electronic music production forum on the internet.

Posted on July 30, 2011 at 1:02 pm 0

On What's Invisible At Harvard: A Conversation

@Louis Fyne I think a lot of that is not so much to do with the University itself, but rather broader social problems and issues with perception of Oxbridge among black would-be applicants. In fact, I don't think Cambridge is particularly under-represented in other minority ethnic groups, so it's not exclusively (or as near as) white. Black students are definitely under-represented.

The University takes this issue seriously, though (as far as can be told from public statements to that effect), and blame instead the means at its disposal for judging applicants - first, their A-Level grades (where public school students are at an advantage), and second, the interview (see previous bracket). Also, I think able black students may well feel that Oxbridge is only for rah-rah toffs, so don't even consider applying.

Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:09 am 0

On What's Invisible At Harvard: A Conversation

I went to Cambridge (England), and although the easier access to the funding for education breaks down a little of the issues with money, there are still well-defined enclaves where the public school guys gather - namely the older colleges.

It generally wasn't cool to be explicit or overbearing with wealth or privilege, though, so I found myself faced with a bizarre mix of people enthusiastically trying to pretend they hadn't gone to Eton, Harrow or Westminster but obviously having done so. Still, better than flat out condescension, and the education was genuinely inspiring.

Posted on July 21, 2011 at 7:08 pm 0

On Pablo Dylan, "Top Of The World"

@Adouble I think the talent pool has evaporated at such a rate that now it's taken on the form of a toxic, scalding steam, exposure to which induces depression and feelings of confusion and anger.

Posted on July 21, 2011 at 5:33 pm 0

On Brooklyn's "Hero Bradley Manning" Wall

I saw an interesting (for the most part) on-stage discussion between Assange and the ever-popular Slavoj Zizek in London a couple of weeks ago, chaired by Democracy Now!'s Amy Goodman.

The whole thing's been put up on Youtube and they discuss such moral issues and matters of perspective.

P.S. Be warned, Assange at times slows to a glacial speed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VdFtb4zNXE

Posted on July 18, 2011 at 11:17 am 0