Mr. Winkle Wakes

Via Facebook this morning I had to reshare a link from Scott McLeod, one leading to an amazing single webpage, a wiki page, actually, compiled by the fabulous Alec Couros, entitled

90+ Videos for Tech. & Media Literacy. 

This page deserves some visitation and exploration. It's a veritable treasure trove of interesting, stimulating, inspirational content. I plan explore it often over the coming weeks, and I hope that you will, too; if, that is, you have any interest in education. My Friday morning gift to you comes from the "Conversation Starters" section and if you share this with others in your PLN I'm wagering it will start some conversations. From Mathew Needleman, "Mr. Winkle Wakes." Indeed:

PRICELE$$

I've begun compiling candidates for a video series I'm considering hosting in Second Life. A couple years ago I did something similar with TED videos, and it was a fun experience, watching an inspirational video talk together with the text backchannel running strong throughout the viewing.

Anyway, the list of potential films grew by one today and that one is:


Preview for PRICELE$$ from Habitat Media on Vimeo.

Colin's a "Creep"

Sharing this from last night's performance at Nashville Street Theatre Company, as Colin opened for What Up, English, four stellar lads performing original rock in very entertaining ways.

Miranda had just driven in from a vacation jaunt to Ohio and was suffering a bronchial infection that limited her voice, so Colin had to readjust his setlist on short notice for a solo performance, but his sister couldn't help herself--she bravely joined in on Colin's final song for a beautiful rendition of Deftone's "Sextape."

I loved that closer, but I have to say my fave song of the night was Colin's arrangement and performance of Radiohead's 1992 "Creep." Indeed. Enjoy:

Get a Clue

I'm a master of the .5 second cameo. First Digital Nation's 90-second-in 9 word audio appearance, now this: Don't blink! But do absorb the message AJ and team have so neatly and impressively delivered:

Gearing up for artclectic 2009!

I should mention that I’m knee-deep in artclectic work as the season barrels down upon us ineluctably. From helping to maintain the artclectic website to working on emma.com mailings to snapping pictures and working the twitter and facebook feeds I’m there, sports fans.

If you’re in Nashville, or anywhere within driving distance, or anywhere within flying distance, I’m tellin’ ya, get here for the show. The USN Sperling Gymnasium becomes something in no way resembling a school gym, there are family events running virtually the entire time, and the art this year promises to be more varied and more exciting than ever before in the 13 years this unique event has taken place.

Last night, my son Colin and his friend and classmate Hope joined USN drum teacher extraordinaire Ed Haggard at Whole Foods in Green Hills to provide fun (and skilled) percussion to underscore the first public sneak peek at a few of the pieces that will be available for viewing and/or purchase from October 22-25. The show opens to the public on the 23rd after a private Patrons Party the evening of the 22nd and runs all weekend long. I’ll leave you with a link to the website where the schedule of events can be found, along with much more information, and with a little video from last night. Please check out the large comprehensive video on the website homepage as well, just put up by our media helper, Courtney Drake. It contains music by the USN HS Jazz band!

I also want to put in a word of praise for my lovely and talented wife, Lee Ann, Arts Coordinator at USN. Throughout the event and the days leading up to it, there are repeated times for all the volunteers who support the event to get praise and credit. Because she is so selfless and so proud of her people, Lee Ann rarely gets any of it, though one might easlily argue that she deserves it all. Don't think that this event would ever have grown into the one Nashville Parent Magazine calls "The Art Event of the Year" without Lee Ann Merrick's professional and careful nurturing and, most importantly, her wizardly people skills. Don't think it for a minute.

Here's the video!

Why Jeff went to NECC09

An amazing animoto that will hopefully be shared far and wide, from my good friend Jeff Agamenoni, Great Falls, Montana teacher and family guy supreme. I'm proud to be a part of Jeff's extended family!

I'm Laughin' Here--PBS Digital Nation

This is so random it's beautiful. I attended an event in Second Life tonight, a presentation on PBS Frontline's Digital Nation project, and I recalled contributing to the project when my friend Malinda McCormick first told me about it. I had the thought that my odd exercise setup came in under the heading of the project's focus. KJ (you rogue) mentioned that I was on the site, and I've gotten twitters from folks who pursued it. I hope it spurs others to contribute. Yes? It's all about interconnection, in odd but sometimes gratifying ways...  Here's the DN website, and here's my little contribution:

ACDC Video Finished

Okay, lots of personal posts lately, thought in the great scheme of things, it's all "education." Isn't it?

Colin and I worked all month on a vid for a contest and here it is. Me? I'm nursing a bad back and hoping for healing. Send good vibes.