Read The Emancipation Proclamation
Since the Battle of Stones River has so much to do with the Emancipation Proclamation, in fact the only reason it happened was that Lincoln wanted a victory before it went into effect, I thought it would be a fitting Share Spotlight.
Now the Emancipation Proclamation didn't free a single slave (seriously, it "freed" slaves in territories not controlled by the Union) but it did provide for the raising of Colored Regiments, which meant that those enslaved people who freed themselves when the Union army came to town had a place to go and a way to fight to keep their freedom. When you see USCT on a Civil War era headstone, that's a US Colored Troop, many of whom built and are buried in the Stones River National Cemetery.
Showing posts with label Share Spotlight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Share Spotlight. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Share Spotlight: Lilo and Stitch - Main Title (He Mele No Lilo)
Since we were talking about Hawaii last week, I thought I would share a good representation of both traditional Hawaiian music and hula dance. Disney really did their homework for the Lilo and Stitch movie.
Traditional Hula always tells a story, often about the Hawaiian gods and goddesses, including the daughters of Haumea, several of whom are given credit for the invention of Hula.
Schools for Hula are making a comeback in Hawaii, teaching both traditional Hawaiian Hula and a new style that is fusion of traditional and the more modern version created for the tourist trade.
Traditional Hula always tells a story, often about the Hawaiian gods and goddesses, including the daughters of Haumea, several of whom are given credit for the invention of Hula.
Schools for Hula are making a comeback in Hawaii, teaching both traditional Hawaiian Hula and a new style that is fusion of traditional and the more modern version created for the tourist trade.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Share Spotlight: How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had it Coming
How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had it Coming
This week's Share Spotlight is a book by Mike Brown, the astronomer who made the discovery that resulted in the new category of Dwarf Planet and Pluto's expulsion from Planethood. I wrote about the book in one of my Book Roundups a while back, but since it really was the inspiration for the new Astronomical Mythology series I'm working on, I figured it deserved its own Share Spotlight.
The book is funny and moving. I never would have believed that a scientist could write so well. This is how science writing should be done. Just read the book and you will understand. Once you do, tell me what you think!
Mike Brown also has a sort of sporadic blog called Mike Brown's Planets that is well worth a look.
This week's Share Spotlight is a book by Mike Brown, the astronomer who made the discovery that resulted in the new category of Dwarf Planet and Pluto's expulsion from Planethood. I wrote about the book in one of my Book Roundups a while back, but since it really was the inspiration for the new Astronomical Mythology series I'm working on, I figured it deserved its own Share Spotlight.
The book is funny and moving. I never would have believed that a scientist could write so well. This is how science writing should be done. Just read the book and you will understand. Once you do, tell me what you think!
Mike Brown also has a sort of sporadic blog called Mike Brown's Planets that is well worth a look.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Share Spotlight: Understanding Ukraine
This week's Share Spotlight comes from the Vlogbrothers.
Understanding Ukraine: The Problems Today and Some Historical Context
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia keeps rolling on. Frankly, I've lost track of what's actually happening. But here's John Green, author and all around amazing person to give you a quick summation of the background of the conflict in Ukraine.
And, as a bonus, here's Mid-Revolution: Ukrainian Museum Updates from The Uncataloged Museum, which is from a month or so back and talks about the particular challenges of being a museum on the front lines of a revolution.
What do you think of everything that's been going on? Have you been keeping track? What do you think the best outcome is at this point?
Understanding Ukraine: The Problems Today and Some Historical Context
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia keeps rolling on. Frankly, I've lost track of what's actually happening. But here's John Green, author and all around amazing person to give you a quick summation of the background of the conflict in Ukraine.
And, as a bonus, here's Mid-Revolution: Ukrainian Museum Updates from The Uncataloged Museum, which is from a month or so back and talks about the particular challenges of being a museum on the front lines of a revolution.
What do you think of everything that's been going on? Have you been keeping track? What do you think the best outcome is at this point?
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Share Spotlight: China's Foot Binding Tradition
This week's Share Spotlight comes from the podcast Stuff You Missed in History Class.
China's Food Binding Tradition
Another pretty cool podcast this week, this time from the girls at Stuff You Missed in History Class.
Foot Binding occurred in China for around a thousand years. That, as Holly and Tracey mention, is far too long to consider something a "fad."Although painful and debilitating, foot binding proved difficult to stop and there may still be women alive today with bound feet, since the process survived into the 1950s. The practice was eventually stopped largely due to the response of Christian missionaries, who found the process horrifying.
How do we as outsiders look at this and other cultural practices with an objective lens? As Holly and Tracey ask, where do we draw the line between what we find distasteful and what is actually harmful?
(Though no argument here, this was definitely a harmful practice.)
China's Food Binding Tradition
Another pretty cool podcast this week, this time from the girls at Stuff You Missed in History Class.
Foot Binding occurred in China for around a thousand years. That, as Holly and Tracey mention, is far too long to consider something a "fad."Although painful and debilitating, foot binding proved difficult to stop and there may still be women alive today with bound feet, since the process survived into the 1950s. The practice was eventually stopped largely due to the response of Christian missionaries, who found the process horrifying.
How do we as outsiders look at this and other cultural practices with an objective lens? As Holly and Tracey ask, where do we draw the line between what we find distasteful and what is actually harmful?
(Though no argument here, this was definitely a harmful practice.)
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Share Spotlight: The Green Show
This week's Share Spotlight comes from BackStory with the American History Guys.
The Green Show
I found BackStory Radio through one of my classes. They American History Guys trace a topic through the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries of American History.
This week, in honor of St. Patrick's Day, they did an entire show about how the color green is important in American history. They are always entertaining and the podcast is perfect to listen to on a busy commute or while preparing dinner. And better yet, you learn something in the bargain!
What do you think is the most important Green thing in American history? (Don't forget to add it to their comments as well.) What podcasts or radio shows do you enjoy listening to?
The Green Show
I found BackStory Radio through one of my classes. They American History Guys trace a topic through the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries of American History.
This week, in honor of St. Patrick's Day, they did an entire show about how the color green is important in American history. They are always entertaining and the podcast is perfect to listen to on a busy commute or while preparing dinner. And better yet, you learn something in the bargain!
What do you think is the most important Green thing in American history? (Don't forget to add it to their comments as well.) What podcasts or radio shows do you enjoy listening to?
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Share Spotlight: Long Neck Karen Tribe
This week's Share Spotlight comes from Living in Another Language.
Long Neck Karen Tribe
I have been a big fan of Living in Another Language for a while now. Amanda's writing sounds like a real person, someone who gets tired and upset, but also does her best to live life to the fullest and be happy in the now. Not to mention her absolutely incredible photographs.
One of my favorite parts of this post is how Amanda hits on one of the biggest problems I have with cultural tourism: treating people like zoo animals.
Not only is this a fascinating story, but I am so impressed with how she deals with this group of people who have largely been set up to be exploited. Its important to remember that no matter how someone looks or what they do for a living, they are real people, people with hopes and dreams, likes and dislikes.
So treat them like you'd want to be treated.
What do you think of cultural tourism? How do we ensure that folks don't wind up being treated like an exhibit?
Long Neck Karen Tribe
I have been a big fan of Living in Another Language for a while now. Amanda's writing sounds like a real person, someone who gets tired and upset, but also does her best to live life to the fullest and be happy in the now. Not to mention her absolutely incredible photographs.
One of my favorite parts of this post is how Amanda hits on one of the biggest problems I have with cultural tourism: treating people like zoo animals.
Not only is this a fascinating story, but I am so impressed with how she deals with this group of people who have largely been set up to be exploited. Its important to remember that no matter how someone looks or what they do for a living, they are real people, people with hopes and dreams, likes and dislikes.
So treat them like you'd want to be treated.
What do you think of cultural tourism? How do we ensure that folks don't wind up being treated like an exhibit?
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Share Spotlight: Love What You Do
This week's Share Spotlight comes from Verily Magazine.
Love What You Do
You have to find happiness where you are. That's the theme of this Verily blog post. No matter what you do, you can find some joy in it.
While it's great if you can grow where you're planted, if you can't find joy in what you do, you have two options. 1. Find something that you can find joy in doing. 2. Change your attitude.
I've been thinking about this a lot recently. I keep noticing that there are so many people in school that seem fundamentally unhappy, but are studying to do what they love. Make sure you find joy in what you do. It makes your life so much better, and, when you are happy, you make the people around you happy.
So, what do you think? Do what you love or love what you do?
Love What You Do
You have to find happiness where you are. That's the theme of this Verily blog post. No matter what you do, you can find some joy in it.
While it's great if you can grow where you're planted, if you can't find joy in what you do, you have two options. 1. Find something that you can find joy in doing. 2. Change your attitude.
I've been thinking about this a lot recently. I keep noticing that there are so many people in school that seem fundamentally unhappy, but are studying to do what they love. Make sure you find joy in what you do. It makes your life so much better, and, when you are happy, you make the people around you happy.
So, what do you think? Do what you love or love what you do?
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Share Spotlight: How Schools Kill Creativity
This week's Share Spotlight comes from Sir Ken Robinson through TED.
How schools kill creativity
In this 20 minute talk from 2006, Sir Ken Robinson, amid numerous jokes, lays out the biggest problem in out current education system: kids are taught that to be wrong or make mistakes is the worst possible thing they can do.
But is a mistake really that bad? Think of all the scientific breakthroughs that came through mistakes. Safety Glass came about because someone didn't clean out a beaker well enough, the first plastic was meant to be a shellac replacement, and tire rubber came from accidentally dropping a rubber mixture onto a hot plate. (Check out this video for more)
How do we make sure that kids (and adults) know that it is alright to make mistakes? What did you think of his other points, on how important the arts are?
How schools kill creativity
In this 20 minute talk from 2006, Sir Ken Robinson, amid numerous jokes, lays out the biggest problem in out current education system: kids are taught that to be wrong or make mistakes is the worst possible thing they can do.
But is a mistake really that bad? Think of all the scientific breakthroughs that came through mistakes. Safety Glass came about because someone didn't clean out a beaker well enough, the first plastic was meant to be a shellac replacement, and tire rubber came from accidentally dropping a rubber mixture onto a hot plate. (Check out this video for more)
How do we make sure that kids (and adults) know that it is alright to make mistakes? What did you think of his other points, on how important the arts are?
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Share Spotlight: What Price Nonprofit?
This week's Share Spotlight comes from the Center for the Future of Museums blog.
What Price Nonprofit?
The Center for the Future of Museums asks an important question: At what point should nonprofits lose their tax exempt status? In other words, at what point do nonprofits stop being not for profit? In a world where nonprofits are increasingly competing with for profit institutions, where do we draw the line?
Museums have generally been pretty far from this issue, but they are competing with every other entertainment business out there. They either have to strengthen their assertion that they are in fact necessary and worthy of all the tax dollars needed to keep them going or start seriously competing in the world of for profit entertainment and education institutions.
Each museum may need to make its own decision in this matter, but which way should the field go? How might a museum go about implementing either of these options?
What Price Nonprofit?
The Center for the Future of Museums asks an important question: At what point should nonprofits lose their tax exempt status? In other words, at what point do nonprofits stop being not for profit? In a world where nonprofits are increasingly competing with for profit institutions, where do we draw the line?
Museums have generally been pretty far from this issue, but they are competing with every other entertainment business out there. They either have to strengthen their assertion that they are in fact necessary and worthy of all the tax dollars needed to keep them going or start seriously competing in the world of for profit entertainment and education institutions.
Each museum may need to make its own decision in this matter, but which way should the field go? How might a museum go about implementing either of these options?
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Share Spotlight: Women to Watch at Sochi
This week's Share Spotlight comes from the Verily Magazine blog.
Women to Watch at Sochi
It's currently all Olympics all the time here (don't worry, I'll get back to neat factoids about the world and the people who live in it after they finish) and Verily Magazine brings us the stories of five women competing in a variety of sports over the next week.
These are women that most people wouldn't see because they are not in sports we associate with female athletes. From the brand-new women's Ski Jump to the harrowing Skeleton to the thrilling Snowboard cross, these women are incredible athletes doing what few in the world could even dream of doing.
Hopefully I'll be able to catch them when they air, but I've got a few others I'm watching. I love to watch Shaun White on a snowboard, particularly the half pipe (which happens at 10:00a and 12:30p E today). I also love the figure skating and the ice dancing, much for the same reason, the grace and strength exhibited on the ice.
What are your favorite sports to watch? Favorite athletes to cheer for? What stories get you invested in these athletes who go so far from home to compete for the sake of their country?
Women to Watch at Sochi
It's currently all Olympics all the time here (don't worry, I'll get back to neat factoids about the world and the people who live in it after they finish) and Verily Magazine brings us the stories of five women competing in a variety of sports over the next week.
These are women that most people wouldn't see because they are not in sports we associate with female athletes. From the brand-new women's Ski Jump to the harrowing Skeleton to the thrilling Snowboard cross, these women are incredible athletes doing what few in the world could even dream of doing.
Hopefully I'll be able to catch them when they air, but I've got a few others I'm watching. I love to watch Shaun White on a snowboard, particularly the half pipe (which happens at 10:00a and 12:30p E today). I also love the figure skating and the ice dancing, much for the same reason, the grace and strength exhibited on the ice.
What are your favorite sports to watch? Favorite athletes to cheer for? What stories get you invested in these athletes who go so far from home to compete for the sake of their country?
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Share Spotlight: The Sweetest Story
This week's Share Spotlight comes from the Houston Museum of Natural History's blog, BeyondBones.
The Sweetest Story: Learn about the chocolate revolution at an HMNS Distinguished Lecture
Chocolate is, let's face it, awesome. And it has a pretty awesome history, too, as is succinctly expressed in this BeyondBones post. From the Olmec, to the Maya, to the Aztec, to the English drawing room, Chocolate has long been the drink of kings.
So next time you pour yourself a cup of chocolate, don't forget to feel regal!
Do you know any other foodstuffs with interesting histories? Want me to feature one on the blog? Just want to show off your knowledge? Drop me a comment!
The Sweetest Story: Learn about the chocolate revolution at an HMNS Distinguished Lecture
Chocolate is, let's face it, awesome. And it has a pretty awesome history, too, as is succinctly expressed in this BeyondBones post. From the Olmec, to the Maya, to the Aztec, to the English drawing room, Chocolate has long been the drink of kings.
So next time you pour yourself a cup of chocolate, don't forget to feel regal!
Do you know any other foodstuffs with interesting histories? Want me to feature one on the blog? Just want to show off your knowledge? Drop me a comment!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Share Spotlight: Educator How To: Create Your Own Medieval Heraldry
This week's Share Spotlight comes from BeyondBones, the Houston Museum of Natural Science blog.
Educator How To: Create Your Own Medieval ID with Basic Heraldry
Who hasn't wanted to be a knight at some point or another? With this blog post, you'll have all the tools you need to create your own shield. While the activity is often for children, there is nothing saying adults can't have fun, too! Heraldry has a very long history in Europe, so this activity is both fun, and educational.
Have you ever made your own heraldic shield? Plan on making one now?
Educator How To: Create Your Own Medieval ID with Basic Heraldry
Who hasn't wanted to be a knight at some point or another? With this blog post, you'll have all the tools you need to create your own shield. While the activity is often for children, there is nothing saying adults can't have fun, too! Heraldry has a very long history in Europe, so this activity is both fun, and educational.
Have you ever made your own heraldic shield? Plan on making one now?
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Share Spotlight: Let It Rain
This week's Share Spotlight comes from Verily Magazine's Daily Dose:
Let It Rain
This week's share isn't exactly an article. Okay, fine, it isn't an article at all. Verily Magazine has a Daily Dose, a quote beautifully illustrated by a picture, that they put up on Facebook and Pinterest every day for inspiration. This past week, this one just really grabbed a hold of me.
Since getting back from break, life has been a little hectic and this was a very necessary reminder that sometimes the only thing you can do is nothing, but for me, it is also a reminder to let things go and enjoy the rain while it lasts.
What do you do when everything seems to happen at once? Any great quotes that help you get through the tough times?
Let It Rain
This week's share isn't exactly an article. Okay, fine, it isn't an article at all. Verily Magazine has a Daily Dose, a quote beautifully illustrated by a picture, that they put up on Facebook and Pinterest every day for inspiration. This past week, this one just really grabbed a hold of me.
Since getting back from break, life has been a little hectic and this was a very necessary reminder that sometimes the only thing you can do is nothing, but for me, it is also a reminder to let things go and enjoy the rain while it lasts.
What do you do when everything seems to happen at once? Any great quotes that help you get through the tough times?
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Share Spotlight: Quipu
This week's Share spotlight comes from The Brain Scoop:
Quipu
Quipu
Quipus are an ancient accounting system. Very different from the system we are used to today, they were nonetheless extremely effective for a society without a writing system.
Quipus are a great representation of the ways different cultures, and people, interpret information.
What other record keeping systems have you heard of? How else do people process and store important information?
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Share Spotlight: Ditch the Resolutions: Make SMART Goals Instead
This week's Share Spotlight comes from Verily Magazine:
Ditch the Resolutions: Make SMART Goals Instead
New Year's Resolutions never seem to turn out the way we plan, and, quite frankly, I've given up making them. Instead, I follow something very close to the guidelines outlined by Verily Magazine.
I start a new goal whenever I feel that I have the others I've made down to a habit. I'm learning new languages, doing yoga, and keeping up with the news (via Twitter, but still).
In the next year, I want to keep up with all of that and find a part time job. Which means I need to start making goals to get me there.
What do you want to accomplish this coming year? Do you have any other tips for sticking to those plans?
I also would like to ask for recommendations. Is there a gap in the kinds of posts I share on the Share Spotlight? Recommend a blog for me to follow!
Ditch the Resolutions: Make SMART Goals Instead
New Year's Resolutions never seem to turn out the way we plan, and, quite frankly, I've given up making them. Instead, I follow something very close to the guidelines outlined by Verily Magazine.
I start a new goal whenever I feel that I have the others I've made down to a habit. I'm learning new languages, doing yoga, and keeping up with the news (via Twitter, but still).
In the next year, I want to keep up with all of that and find a part time job. Which means I need to start making goals to get me there.
What do you want to accomplish this coming year? Do you have any other tips for sticking to those plans?
I also would like to ask for recommendations. Is there a gap in the kinds of posts I share on the Share Spotlight? Recommend a blog for me to follow!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Share Spotlight: Life Isn't Always Like a Christmas Movie
This week's Share Spotlight comes from the Busted Halo blog:
Life Isn't Always Like a Christmas Movie
The Holiday Season is wonderful, but it can also be bit difficult, particularly if you are far from home or the only single girl left in your family.
Luckily for me, neither of these things are true this year, but this list from Busted Halo is a great reminder that you are in charge of your attitude during the holidays. The holidays often mean an incredible amount of stress, but how we respond to that stress can make the difference for ourselves and those around us. You can make the line at the Post Office fun or miserable, sit at the side of the party or join in.
How do you make sure that you keep an upbeat attitude during the holidays or other sometimes difficult times?
Life Isn't Always Like a Christmas Movie
The Holiday Season is wonderful, but it can also be bit difficult, particularly if you are far from home or the only single girl left in your family.
Luckily for me, neither of these things are true this year, but this list from Busted Halo is a great reminder that you are in charge of your attitude during the holidays. The holidays often mean an incredible amount of stress, but how we respond to that stress can make the difference for ourselves and those around us. You can make the line at the Post Office fun or miserable, sit at the side of the party or join in.
How do you make sure that you keep an upbeat attitude during the holidays or other sometimes difficult times?
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Share Spotlight: Celebrating Las Posadas
This week's Share Spotlight comes from the Busted Halo blog:
Celebrating Las Posadas: "Enter Pilgrims; I Did Not Recognize You."
I've been wanting to do a post about Christmas traditions around the world, but with my busy schedule, I just haven't had time to do the research.
Luckily for me, Busted Halo is ready with some information on Las Posadas. Las Posadas is a custom in Mexico, and with some Mexican Americans, in the weeks leading up to Christmas. I'm most familiar with it from the movie, The Three Caballeros, (yeah, the one starring Donal Duck from the forties), but I've always loved the tradition.
People dress up as Mary and Joseph and travel from house to house, knocking on doors and singing, until finally, they arrive back at the first house and are let inside. It's a great show of community and of faith.
What traditions do you have for this time of year, Christian or otherwise? Are there any traditions you've heard of that you'd like me to look up and write about?
Celebrating Las Posadas: "Enter Pilgrims; I Did Not Recognize You."
I've been wanting to do a post about Christmas traditions around the world, but with my busy schedule, I just haven't had time to do the research.
Luckily for me, Busted Halo is ready with some information on Las Posadas. Las Posadas is a custom in Mexico, and with some Mexican Americans, in the weeks leading up to Christmas. I'm most familiar with it from the movie, The Three Caballeros, (yeah, the one starring Donal Duck from the forties), but I've always loved the tradition.
People dress up as Mary and Joseph and travel from house to house, knocking on doors and singing, until finally, they arrive back at the first house and are let inside. It's a great show of community and of faith.
What traditions do you have for this time of year, Christian or otherwise? Are there any traditions you've heard of that you'd like me to look up and write about?
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Share Spotlight: Museum Marathon
This week's share spotlight comes from a UK blog, Mad Cap Science:
Museum Marathon....16 Miles, 26 Museums and One Suffragette
On December 7th, a group of intrepid individuals participated in a Museum Marathon in London. They ran/walked 16 miles and visited 26 (or 27) museums over the course of a day to raise money for guide dogs.
I love this event on two levels.
First, it's a charity event, much like other marathons are. They allow people to give their time to help a great cause.
Second, what a great way to introduce people to new museums! Only been to the Science Museum? Come in and try the Natural History Museum! Love the V&A? Check out the Sir John Soane's Museum!
Where can you see this working in the US? I think New York City is a great candidate, but where else might people be able to take a whirlwind tour of the city museums?
Museum Marathon....16 Miles, 26 Museums and One Suffragette
On December 7th, a group of intrepid individuals participated in a Museum Marathon in London. They ran/walked 16 miles and visited 26 (or 27) museums over the course of a day to raise money for guide dogs.
I love this event on two levels.
First, it's a charity event, much like other marathons are. They allow people to give their time to help a great cause.
Second, what a great way to introduce people to new museums! Only been to the Science Museum? Come in and try the Natural History Museum! Love the V&A? Check out the Sir John Soane's Museum!
Where can you see this working in the US? I think New York City is a great candidate, but where else might people be able to take a whirlwind tour of the city museums?
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Share Spotlight: Accessibility to Inclusion: The Next Step
This week's Share Spotlight comes from Museum Matters, the official blog of my Intro to Museums class:
This week's topic in my Intro to Museum Studies class was inclusion: how do we make sure everyone can enjoy our museum?
It's an important question.
Inclusion can mean a lot of different things because it can refer to a number of different groups. If you want to include an ethnic group, you'll do different things than if you want to include a group of people who are sight-impaired.
But whatever you do, it's important that it's sustainable. A special exhibit smacks of tokenism. While it may draw visitors in once, is it really likely to keep them coming back?
Do you have any suggestions? What programs or infrastructure do different groups need to feel comfortable in a museum? What have other fields done to promote inclusion?
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