"Like the study of science and art, accounts of historical events can be intrinsically fascinating. But they have a wider significance. I believe that people are better able to chart their life course and make life decisions when they know how others have dealt with pressures and dilemmas---historically, contemporaneously, and in works of art. And only equipped with such understanding can we participate knowledgeably in contemporary discussions (and decisions) about the culpability of various individuals and countries in the Second World War. Only with such understanding can we ponder the responsibilty of human beings everywhere to counter current efforts at genocide in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia to bring the perpetrators to justice."
"...we humans are the kinds of animals who learn chiefly by observing others---what they value, what they spurn, how they conduct themselves from day to day, and especially, what they do when they believe that no one is looking."
----Howard Gardner, from The Disciplined Mind, published in 1999

Monday, June 11, 2007

Happy Belated Birthday

To Laurie Anderson, the first person who conveyed to me in a way that made sense that there is more than one way to approach language.
My intent was to post a few favorite videos from YouTube; however, YouTube seems convinced that this blog does not exist, so I am not able to post the videos here: instead, please follow the links as you choose.
I have always loved her generousity of expression.
Isn't it beautiful?
Isn't she beautiful?

Language Is a Virus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FeyGTmw0I0
Excellent Birds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6qCpLOebZ0
Smoke Rings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnRjTKVWzw8
O Superman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hhm0NHhCBg
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