Music Monday 71 :: My Jams

Nice Jams playlist by ohradiogirl

For a minute there I thought that MySpace was old news; out of the game. But they managed to maintain some features that are still worth logging in for. One of those features is that I can listen to playlists that I create on MySpace. The one caveat is that some times there are also some commercial interruptions.

As for the depth of their catalog - it's deep. Almost everything is there except for Blackstreet's debut album (1994). I love their remake of Steve Wonder's "Love's In Need". It's no where to be found on MySpace.

Anyway, I've created a few playlists for my varying moods. The playlist below just has some songs that I like; there's no real theme ... and don't judge me for the kind of music I gets down with because I don't see you putting yourself out there and sharing your music playlist.

BOOK REVIEW: "Before I Forget" by Leonard Pitts, Jr.

BOOK REVIEW: "Before I Forget" by Leonard Pitts, Jr. (2009)

This book was a selection for my reading group, which much of the reading I do is for. Love those girls. Been together for over ten years, probably more like 15 years.

At 336 pages, this was a nice-sized book. But I popped it open anyway only to close it up tight quite quickly. If you've read the book, you shouldn't be surprised that it's majorly depressing; I couldn't take it. I know some of the people - at least I know someone like many of the characters in the book. So maybe the 'depression' is dealing w/those kinds of characteristics in real life is exhausting; I didn't feel like having that heaviness in my life and reading about it too. So I had to take a time out. I put the book down for 3-5 days.

But I was somehow drawn to Mo. I did not like his smugness, but I liked his honesty. How can you be smug and honest? Well, he was never both at the same time.

Anyway, (SPOILER ALERT) I have a post on Good Reads that you all should be able to access.

• Book review of "Before I Forget" by Leonard Pitts, Jr. on Good Reads

Additionally, I've crafted this sort of reading guide (as a mindmap) to try to address some of my concerns and issues with the book. I felt that at many times in the book, Pitts did a very good job of covering the little details, but at the end, I felt I came away with too many loose ends dangling.

NOTE: You can use your cursor to move the map (much like a Google map). Also, if you place your cursor over the smaller boxes (the ones w/the lines in them), the additional information will pop up.

Music Monday 70 :: Phil & Friends Jam Session "Blackberry"

MUSIC MONDAY 70 :: Phil & Friends Jam Session "Blackberry" (2010)

Found this video w/the help of the Oh, Hell Nawl! blog.

This is a freestyle session. Just goes to show you that some people can go off the cuff on any topic and it will sound good.

Phil & Friends Jam Session "Blackberry"

Prezi Presentation: The Pedagogy of Blogging

I use blogging in the classroom. It's a good way to get students to write (and there are tons of other reasons why students, especially journalism students, should be blogging. Note: there are some cons to this platform as well).

I discovered this Prezi on "The Pedagogy of Blogging". Loved it. You'll enjoy it as well.

Pedagogy of Blogging on Prezi

Music Monday 69 :: Cee-lo Green "F**k You"

MUSIC MONDAY 69 :: Cee-lo Green's "F**k You"

A few weeks ago Cee-lo Green's "F**k You" was all the rave. Such a catchy tune filled w/profanity. And it caught on so quick that they hadn't produced a video yet. Though the text only video of the "F**k You" lyrics worked well; it was crafty.

But they've had some time to pull it all together. Check out this 'boy-to-man' video. It's true to Cee-lo style in that it has character and flair; it's a nice running theme.