A different view of being rich....

Thank you to my very wonderful student Jennifer M. for sharing this link with me and the class today. What lesson does this short video teach us? Can we our deeds to the value of what we are? Can we call giving a currency and attach a value? Love your thoughts on this short video that you can find here.

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway sees record profit

As we begin our trek into the economic ideologies of social 30, this article caught my eye. Warren Buffet is a billionaire who questioned the idea he gets to pay less taxes as a rate than his secretary (article). Well, Mr. Buffet's back in the use in this article here. We have discussed Liberalism (especially classical liberalism) and in context of our discussion, what position would you take on taxes? How can taxes have a bearing on how liberalism is played out, or not, in our society? Love to hear your views.

You are a slave to the Government

Despite the American context, the message from this native activist is pretty powerful. Are there signs of our enslavement in moderns terms as he suggests? What are they? What spirit is he advocating and is it reasonable? Something to ponder for sure and you can find the short video at this location.

The Empathic Civilization

Mr. Rifken uses the RSA animate format to share how we are connected as a human family. Are we the individualistic self-centered people we are told we are from the age of reason or are we connected? If we are connected what prevents us from progressing as a human family? If his ideas are true how can that provide us with hope for our future. The video can be found here.

Ms Thatcher's Legacy (The Iron Lady)...

Mr Harper recently stated that Ms Thatcher will be remembered for hundreds of years. The press has spent a lot of time lately applauding her accomplishments in helping to bring in the era of globalization and creating the 'free market' imperative. This parliamentarian take a different view on her legacy. As you listen to it pick up the economic and political ideas associated within it and compare it to what we've recently been inundate about her. As we begin our trek into the political sphere of ideology, how do these ideas fit? Where do you stand on Ms Thatcher's legacy? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

The People in Power are NOT our friends....

This is the title of a short video found here in which Chris Hedges speaks. The more I listen to this guy, the more impressed I become. He speaks to the corporate state which has taken over in America and how people behave like sheep to that power. Is he correct? Do we not see shades of this happening in Canada and throughout the world in which people are being convinced to obey not rebel to government dictates. This guy has me on his 'watch list' and I will seek more information on him but thus far what he suggests makes a lot of sense. Do you agree with his statements? What Does it truly mean to live in our times and what can we do about it? Love to hear your responses. BTW if you like Chris Hedges, here's another video that may make you think differently about globalization.

Whistle blowing...a true case that still has me thinking...

Julian Assange is a well known activist who is currently targeted for spreading government information without consent and/or vital documents which could effect 'national security'. As you view the video ask yourself: 1. Does Assange have the right to post 'classified' information on wiki leaks to inform citizens of what is going on? 2. If so, what are the risks of leaking information that is deemed ;sensitive' or not in the national interest? 3. The heart of ideas presented are debatable points as to when should we be kept from information (controlled) or have the freedom to access information that some argue may not be in our interests. As we debate the consequences of economic and political liberalism, what lines are heathly/unhealthy to draw when it comes to information that citizens should have access to. For more thoughts on freedom of speech check more of Bill Maher on the young turks found here.

Is mulitasking good for us?

The digital age brings us technologies that are supposed to help us do more. Are the phones, pads, net, etc. helpful to our development of knowledge. I think you'd be surprised if you watch this video from PBS. I posted this as a result of a conversation I had with one of my students who insisted that technology has assisted multitasking thus doing more at one time and of course getting smarter from it...think again. Take the plunge and respond if you'd like.