Professor of Sociology at NC State University for over 20 years. Have also been playing and studying music most of my life. I am a born-again "hippie" whose mission is to "entertain, educate, empower, and engage people so we can take back control of our lives and country."
What I'm Reading
So many books - so little time. I now spend most of my learning through the invention of TIVO and High-Definition TV. I Love all the folks on MSNBC and am anxious over the upcoming elections/
Subjects I'd Like to Learn More About
I truly am a lifelong learner (and teacher.) My current passionate pursuits are: Spirituality, Youth Culture, Internet Communities, Happiness, and Electoral Politics
An Interesting Fact
I have learned about almost every subject imaginable from water science to social philosophy.
Last year at this time the world was watching as China displayed its new image to the world during the Summer Olympics. I watched most of the coverage and was particularly impressed with some of the feature stories about life in modern China. This reinforced my opinions about how China has emerged as the world’s leading power – not just economically but socially. About five years ago I was fortunate to spend a week in China. This was a life-transforming experience that gave me... Read Full Story
During his short life, Jim Morrison of the Doors was a role model to men and sex symbol for women. In this article you will learn about the man, music and messages associated with one of the best Rock bands and political provocateurs we have witnessed. His life was filled with creativity and chaos; along with conflicts and contradictions. Here you will find a carefully selected set of articles, pix, quotes, lyrics and more. I hope you will find lessons here and buy some of the MP3 files t... Read Full Story
Time for another review of one of my favorite movies with a message. This one is particularly relevant given the way the capitalist economy is exploiting workers. It sure does not seem fair that many workers are baring the brunt of the financial meltdown caused by corporate executives. Anyone, stuck in a dead-end and depressing job day-dreams about ways to rip off the corporation. The movie “Office Space” came out a decade ago and contains inspiration and information to help t... Read Full Story
We are all influenced by the people and places where we live. In particular, research shows that the communities we live in shape our ability to pursue and attain real happiness. My own professional interests have always included a focus on community development. Now I am able to identify and describe some real differences that can only be found by experiencing life in different communities. I hope this will help you gain insights into what are the best and worst places for you to live. Read Full Story
Posted by hiphappy on December 26, 2008
At the height of the first depression, one of the first things FDR did on becoming president was to end the failed prohibition of alcohol. This freed up resources for public works programs. That single act also dramatically improved public mood as evidenced in his 1932 campaign song “Happy Days are Here Again.” Another benefit was the dramatic drop in organized crime - just like we will see in this country once the Weed War ends.
Now, ... Read Full Story
Posted by hiphappy on November 11, 2008
Young Americans have started to take control of their collective future by electing Barack Obama president. Two-out-of-three voters under 30 chose Obama over McCain. The kids now have their own leader who understand them and will work for them. It is time for the older generation to leave the major decisions to those who will have to pay the consequences. The younger generation invested more time and energy in Obama then for any previous politici... Read Full Story
Posted by hiphappy on October 27, 2008
One of the real benefits we will get when we elect Barack Obama next week is that we will get the energy, experience and enthusiasm of his wife Michelle. I have watched her give speeches and grant interviews over the past year. I have also collected some of the best print articles and interviews for your information and inspiration. Michelle clearly embodies the modern American woman better than any of the other women in the news (i.e., Cindy McCain... Read Full Story
Posted by hiphappy on October 14, 2008
As the global economy continues to tank, everyone is looking for the reasons we are in this mess. What we have is the predictable and inevitable collapse of the corrupt capitalist system. Everyone seems to be “whistling in the dark” when they half-jokingly say we are headed for socialism. By fostering greed and inequality Capitalism is collapsing - just as Karl Marx predicted over 150 years ago. This could happen within a couple years ... Read Full Story
Posted by hiphappy on September 29, 2008
Most people read a lot more meaning from body language and other non-verbal factors than they gain from the words a person says. Barack Obama clearly won Friday night’s debate in terms of body language and the overall “Vibes” he gave off. During the first televised debate in 1960, Republican Nixon looked awful – sweaty and nervous with a “five-o’clock” shadow. Kennedy, on the other hand, looked cool, calm and collected. Sounds a lot like the star... Read Full Story
Posted by hiphappy on September 21, 2008
The more we learn about the Palin Klan the more obvious it becomes that they are a bunch of radical rednecks who have little previous connection to the civilized world. In fact, these extremists and their posse have shown outright contempt for the United States. Time to expose the potential “First Dude” as a vengeful and vindictive vigilante. He and other Alaskan hillbillies are bitter and dangerous as they cling to their guns, booze... Read Full Story
