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Teaching with a Clear Signal

I suffer from a flaw in my teaching at times, one that doesn't seem to affect my writing as much. I often deliver news that students don't want to hear (like no, I won't just tell you what software to buy, I am going to ask you to think critically about communication) and at the same time, I confuse clarity and completeness. In Teaching with a Clear Signal, Asher Bey takes a stab at some of the problems with this and how very often, less is more. This is a lesson that a great many issue oriented organizations can stand to learn over and over again. Posted: 6/23/08; 10:27:43 PM #

Overpromise and Underdeliver: Gavin Clabaugh Explores an IT Phenomenon
	In A Means to an End, Gavin Clabaugh looks at various aspects of technology and expectation-setting, especially how technology advocates and implementors have, through project after project, systematically created a culture of overpromising and underdelivering. Posted: 6/23/08; 10:23:35 PM #

21st Century Dickens: The Dark Side of the "China Miracle"
	I'm glad I'm not the only one discouraged by the mainstream press' treatment of the Chinese economy. Our own Burt Webb's piece on the so-called China Miracle touches on a whole range of basic democratic concerns, including working conditions, land use, environmental policies, and more. Posted: 6/23/08; 10:20:31 PM #

George Carlin: American Radical
	When I was a teenager, George Carlin probably did as much to shape my values as anyone. I was very sad to learn that he died yesterday. In my opinion, the absolute best obituary I've read so far is George Carlin: American Radical, by John Nichols in The Nation. Posted: 6/23/08; 10:15:30 PM #

Ten Things Community Foundations Can Do to Address Climate Change

I love cross cutting themes, so of course I like the Funders Network's Ten Things Community Foundations Can Do to Address Climate Change Through Local Action (except that I have no clue as to why this is online as a two page PDF or, because I've been watching George Carlin on the Ten Commandments, why there are exactly ten). In brief, the actions are: (1) Provide leadership, partnership, and support for a range of local actions. (2) Support and disseminate research, especially information about local mitigation and adaptation measures. (3) Bring various interested organizations and residents together to discuss and debate global climate change. (4) Educate the public by enhancing media understanding; consider a media awareness campaign. (5) Use investment assets to leverage funds available for local action. (6) Support nonprofit organizations that will lead in addressing climate change; assist other nonprofits to see how they can help. (7) Partner with local governments to address climate change through local action. (8) Develop and support positive local economic strategies. (9) Engage in policy discussions to help guide state and national policy on global climate change. (10) Advise donors, and recruit new donors, to contribute to climate action solutions. Posted: 6/23/08; 10:12:24 PM #