Thanks, everybody, for participating in the conversation, and thanks very much for simply showing up to watch these long videos and for caring enough to comment on them.
I haven't participated as much on this forum as I imagined I might at the outset of this whole endeavor. That's mostly because the combined load of editing, uploading, and administering the videos (including finalizing and hyperlinking the reading lists on each video's page) and tending to my academic career--the new term started last week--has prevented me from doing so. Once the final four videos have been uploaded and we're all sitting around going "What next?," I'll have a chance to answer questions and dialogue a bit more here.
If you've enjoyed these videos, I do hope you'll spread the word. In particular, I'm happy with how the two-part "Devil and the Blues" set have come together. I released the first of those last Thursday and will release the second at midnight tonight. (Thank God for the YouTube "scheduled" option.) There has traditionally been a great amount of heat concerning the subject and not nearly enough light; if you think I've shed some light, please let your friends, blog-readers, and others know. Thanks in advance.
Today, I checked out "the devil and the blues", parts I and II, with a short 'break' to go outside and shovel the remnants of Nemo, the blizzard. Great, great MOOC series. Thank you. I can't wait for the book!
After the MOOC, I checked out "Thunky Fing Rides Again." Great track! Hot harp! I notice everyone got creds except for the talented young lad who gave you and Kaleb a run for your money in the vid. Who is it? And thanks for a great song/video to go with my double-MOOC day!!
I thought so... it was the way you smiled with him in the beginning of the vid. I have a son (and daughter) and 3 grand-sons (and 2 grand-daughters). Nice.
Great stuff Adam. I am thinking a lot about where this is all going in a modern context. I have to wonder if simply being poor will become the new basis for discrimination. As a white male in the South I know there are still many situations where even today, skin color can be a boon or burden accordingly. Less so in academic/intellectual environments I find myself in these days and more so in the unskilled semi skilled world of labor that I came from. I am working on my MFA in Houston now but was a glass installer for many years. I have really only digested part of the first video but am looking forward to seeing and commenting on the rest. Another interesting comment was about August Wilson's play and the analogy of leftovers. It seems we have shifted from the urban industrial society that sparked the migration from South to North and are now entering the service/unskilled labor economy. What will all the people who are stuck in depressed urban settings do now? It seems there are still plenty of leftovers. Thank you for the insight I will certainly be using some of these ideas as inspiration for future art work.
Last Edited by TexasJeff on Aug 16, 2013 3:28 PM
I am going to start #9 tonight. I am really enjoying these videos! Anyone in here? ---------- “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” William Butler Yeats
