Video: Goose throwdown

This one’s a classic.

Japan: Later marriage, fewer kids

This Washington Post article reconfirms the long-term trend in Japan of postponed marriage and fewer kids. The population is projected to decline significantly over the next several decades. Second link this week to demographic trends in a major Asian country.

Pictures: Woodward Dream Cruise 2008

A few pictures I took at the Woodward Dream Cruise, August 15-16, 2008.

Lowrider

 

Lincoln convertible

Caddy

Wagon

Movie: Tekkon Kinkreet

 

Tekkon Kinkreet

Tekkon Kinkreet is an anime feature film that was released in 2006, with the DVD coming out in 2007. It is based on a popular manga, was produced in Japan and directed by American Michael Arias. Great art and soundtrack, and an engaging story. Well worth a look.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5 (outstanding, will go out of my way to see again at some point)

China’s “little emperors”

This article in Psychology Today explores the social challenges China faces as it raises a new generation of “little emperors” in an era of rising incomes and aspirations. China has become a nation of only children over time as a result of the one-child-per-family policy.

Via SciTech Daily.

New regime in Ann Arbor

A look at the coaching transition for the U-M football program, as Rich Rodriguez takes over. Since 1969, first Bo Schembechler, and then his former assistants Gary Moeller and Lloyd Carr, had been running the program.

Creepy treehouses and educational technology

A discussion of the “creepy treehouse” phenomenon in educational technology (e.g., instructors requiring that students interact with them on Facebook or Twitter). Argues that the mall is a good metaphor for an online space that encourages “transactional” interactions between students and teachers (as well as bosses and subordinates, etc.) while avoiding creepiness. Also predicts that Facebook and other sites will soon allow for a much finer gradation of relationships.

Via OL Daily.

John McWhorter-Glenn Loury on bloggingheads.tv

For those interested in what Obama’s run and possible win mean for American culture, the John McWhorter-Glenn Loury diavlogs on bloggingheads.tv are essential viewing. Two substantial thinkers who are paying close attention to the campaign and providing perspectives a couple times a month.

Monkey at Shibuya Station

Last Wednesday (8.20.2008) a monkey appeared at Shibuya Station, hung out on top of an information board for a couple hours, and then escaped past a bunch of police with nets.