It's an incredibly stressful time of year for us academics, and i just want to share somethings that i've found really helpful in trying to get through the mountain of work ahead of me.

a) Breathing - long breath out through the mouth, short breath in through the nose, repeat.

b) Rolling your shoulders back - when our brains are spinning we tend to hunch over, all the stress collects in our upper body

c) Planting your feet on the ground - reach down through your toes and heals to get out of your upper body and roots yourself in your whole body

From Barack Obama's own mouth, a speech he wrote about race and identity in American history, society and politics, and his personal experience. There are also strong tones of black theology, just check out James Cone if you are not familiar with it. It sounds like many of Rev. Wright's statements are in line with this kind of theology which could easily be misconstrued if you are not familiar with it. Although some of the things Obama's pastor have said are indeed problematic. Anyways this is a nice video to help along some of the discussion we've already had about Obama and race.

Beginning February 15 the Hyland cinema will be showing:

The Diving Bell and The Butterfly

http://www.thedivingbellandthebutterfly-themovie.com/ 

about a man who becomes paralyzed

AND

Persepolis

http://www.sonypictures.com/classics/persepolis/

the lifestory of an Iranian girl, based on the awsome comic! (thanks rach)

Check em out because these are the stories we need to hear.  And they both seem to be visually stunning. I'm sure they'll be two complete treats!

This is just a heads up that there will be some sort of action by concerned parents and members of the Old East Village  community against the possible closing of Lorne Ave. Public school.  It is scheduled for January 21, at the Thames Valley School Board at Dundas and Highbury.  I'm waiting for more details about the time and other stuff, from a friend whose kids go to the school.   I'll be sure to post them when i know more.  So keep January 21 in your minds if you want to come join the fun.  I also heard something about closing the library on Quebec street too!  We need to keep our schools and libraries up and running!

a friend left her bike in our basement when she moved to kingston and i get to use it while she's gone.  thing is it doesn't have a seat and it needs the clip thingy?? to put the wheels back on.  it's a shimano mountain bike.  now i don't know much about bikes and want to get it on the road, but i don't want to spend more than i should to get it going again. 

anyone got any advice???