Category Archives: Social Issues

Dystopia

Imagine an academic environment where climate change has made the concept of school “Snow Days” irrelevant. Instead, schools maintain functional equivalence through “Threats of Mass Violence Days.” When they hear reports or predictions of a storm (of violence) blowing in … Continue reading

Posted in American Politics, Culture, Nostalgia, Ohio, Politics, Social Issues, The United States of America, Trend-Spotting, Writing | Leave a comment

The Handmaid’s Tale

I recently finished reading Margaret Atwood’s novel, The Handmaid’s Tale. I’ve been hearing about it for a while: as assigned reading for one of my kids’ high school English class… in pop culture references… and even in casual conversations (it’s apparently attained … Continue reading

Posted in Hypocrisy, Reading, Recommendations, Recommended Reading, Sexuality, Social Issues, The United States of America | Leave a comment

Cycling Spring

Do you remember the “Arab Spring” from a couple years back? It was a time when many Arabs across the Middle East and North Africa took to the streets in protest. Some countries deposed their authoritarian regimes. Others continue to … Continue reading

Posted in American Politics, Amsterdam, Bicycling, Culture, Dutch Politics, Health, Kent, Ohio, Politics, Recommendations, Recommended Listening, Recommended Reading, Social Issues, The Netherlands, The United States of America, Transition | Comments Off on Cycling Spring

FOBO and Other Trends Spotted

I love trend-spotting. There’s something about a new year and a new semester at Kent State University that makes for ideal trend-spotting conditions. Maybe it’s the Winter Break, where we all had some extra time to rest and reflect. Maybe … Continue reading

Posted in Adolescence, Church, COVID-19, Culture, H2O Kent, Introspection, Nostalgia, Social Issues, Transition, Trend-Spotting, Young Adulthood | Comments Off on FOBO and Other Trends Spotted

Can’t Stop Won’t Stop

I recently finished reading Jeff Chang’s book, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation. It was recommended to me by my friend Mark. Even though I’m a slow reader, I had some extra time off over Kent State University’s … Continue reading

Posted in American Politics, Culture, Music, Politics, Recommendations, Recommended Reading, Social Issues, The United States of America | Comments Off on Can’t Stop Won’t Stop