Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, Windsor, England, is a town that blends Western history and culture. I think it is an under-discussed natural beauty beyond the touristy castle. Away from the castle is a captivating subject for photography. At the heart of Windsor stands the obvious iconic Windsor Castle, a fortress that... Continue Reading →
I decided to take a recent trip to Brighton, a coastal town in England that perfectly marries historic charm with modern vibrancy. This bustling seaside destination is known for its eclectic mix of culture, art, and endless opportunities to capture memorable moments. The unmistakable energy of Brighton immediately envelops you after a quick 8 minute... Continue Reading →
July 12th was a day of exploration and discovery as I ventured into the historic city of Bath, England. Known for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture, Bath offered a perfect blend of history, culture, and beauty. Here’s a photo journal capturing the essence of my day. The first glimpse of the city set the... Continue Reading →
I was recently asked to share my sociological insights on the popularity of True Crime podcasts. "The show that helped free Adnan Syed completely upended how much the average person knows about US legal and prison systems." — Read on http://www.vox.com/culture/351238/serial-true-crime-podcast-criminal-justice-adnan-syed
I was recently asked to share my sociological insights with Forbes on the recent Florida ban related to children and social media. Here is the link 👇🏼 Florida’s Social Media Ban Could Result In ‘Forbidden Fruit’ Effect
A virtuoso trumpeter, composer, and educator, Wynton Marsalis has carved an indelible mark on the annals of Jazz history. For me, SophieRoseRosalee embodies an abstract journey of musical expression. With its hauntingly beautiful harmonies and intricate rhythms, this composition embodies the soul of jazz. As you listen to it, scroll downwards and enjoy some of... Continue Reading →
I recently embarked on a journey to the captivating landscapes of Arizona. I was drawn by the magnetic allure of family ties and the promise of capturing the enigmatic beauty of Superstition Mountain through my iPhone 11 lens. As the wheels of my trusted rented vehicle rolled over the vast stretches of desert terrain, I... Continue Reading →
In the annals of baseball history, few teams have captured the imagination quite like the St. Louis Cardinals of the 1930s, affectionately dubbed the "Gashouse Gang." Their moniker, a product of their gritty demeanor and unconventional antics and was advanced by New York sportswriters during their encounters with the more esteemed New York clubs. Dizzy... Continue Reading →
I Grew Up Poor: How I Reached the Upper Middle Class by Age 30 | GOBankingRates We talked to Kent Bausman, professor of sociology at Maryville University in St. Louis, whose life shows one example of going from rags to riches. After growing up poor with just his single mom, he took deliberate steps to... Continue Reading →
Looking south on Grand Ave. 1944 - Sportsman’s Park, St. Louis The 1944 World Series turned the spotlight onto St. Louis, pitting the Cardinals against the Browns in an all-St. Louis showdown at Sportsman's Park. Dubbed the "Trolley Series" or the "Street Car Series," the showdown coincided with popular movie release of "Meet Me in... Continue Reading →
James "Cool Papa" Bell entered the world on May 17, 1903, amidst the modest backdrop of Starkville, Mississippi. Born into a family of meager means, James was raised by his single mother alongside his sister and five brothers. The challenges of their circumstances were compounded by the absence of educational opportunities for Black youth in... Continue Reading →
Dizzy Dean Branch Rickey, and Frank Frisch from left to right
Kent Bausman, a college professor, finds common ground with his daughter through music. His daughter introduces him to "LoveJoy" and Steve Lacy, whose lyrics resonate with Bausman's past struggles with confidence and social class. This newfound connection with young artists is a blessing, bridging generational gaps through shared musical interests.
The artist uses unconventional materials like mat-board and poster scraps to create gritty texture and unique vibe in paintings. The creative process involves experimentation with different techniques, colors, and textures. The fusion of acrylic paints and polyurethane coatings pushes the artist to break norms and redefine their abstract art. Deep blues evoke calm and tranquility, resembling a serene ocean.
In 2007, I discovered Amy Winehouse's soulful voice on YouTube. Her live performances of "You Sent Me Flying," "Take the Box," and "Stronger Than Me" showcased her raw talent and authenticity. I was captivated by her gender role exploration in "Stronger Than Me" and her reimagining of jazz classic "There is No Greater Love." Her poignant lyrics and emotional delivery deeply resonated with me, leaving a lasting impression.
On the Kansas Missouri border there lies a space that has become a retreat over the years. These multiple journeys to my mother-in-law’s have not only provided a respite from the hustle of work and family obligations, but have also served as an ongoing photographic odyssey. With each visit, I’ve witnessed the dance of seasons.... Continue Reading →
In addition to my role as a sociologist, I'm also a painter. I've had the privilege of showcasing my artwork in solo and collaborative exhibitions, with several of my pieces being selected for various juried exhibitions at local galleries. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted my painting routine, causing me to pause submitting my work to... Continue Reading →
I love capturing the artistry of graffiti across downtown St. Louis. It’s like taking a glimpse at the city’s soul. The vibrant colors and intricate designs adorning alleyways and brick walls are a testament to the diverse tapestry of this urban environment. Some may see it as just defacement. Instead, I see it as a... Continue Reading →
During my recent travel to the Dominican Republic, I had the opportunity to explore the less affluent sides of town. Away from the popular tourist areas, you are struck by the stark contrast between the bustling resorts and the modest neighborhoods where locals reside. It was impossible to ignore the visible disparities in living conditions... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/3vSPxWp-7SU?si=GneFJzUhK9IATv9N This song has been stuck in my head the past two weeks. I picked up the CD at a used record store a couple months ago and have just been letting it play. For whatever reason this one track just sticks with me “Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too" paints the picture of a passionate,... Continue Reading →
My introduction to "Into My Arms" came through the movie "About Time” by Richard Curtis. Within the film's artfully crafted scenes “Into My Arms" finds its rightful place, adding an additional layer of meaning and encapsulating the power of love. https://youtu.be/HZY3gfcSNqU As a non-religious person, I perceive the song through the prism of finding solace.... Continue Reading →
In the intimate embrace of my garage studio, a few months after the COVID lockdown, I was accompanied by the presence of my wife when a spontaneous burst of creativity unfolded. The transition during the early COVID months took away time to paint. When I found some time I struggled starting with colors. That evening... Continue Reading →
Save Ferris, is an overlooked kick-ass 90s ska band. They beautifully blend ska, punk, and pop. Monique Powell, the powerhouse frontwoman, brings the heat with her dynamic vocals, and an oozing charisma that'll make your heart beat a bit faster. https://youtu.be/1GDZp0bPRcU But it ain't just about Powell. The whole crew knows their way around their... Continue Reading →
I only had my father for 18 years of my life, but now I'm over half a century old and I think about him almost every day. When I break it down, he was in my life for even less than 18 years. You see, my parents were only together for the first eight years... Continue Reading →
Under the radiant sky, my daughter and I embarked on a day baseball game. We passed the old Fidelity Transfer Company on 7th Street which revealed in silent poetry the impact of the structures we leave behind. Where the eye is granted dominion, the lens of my iPhone captured a glimpse at the story of... Continue Reading →
The tempestuous weather crashed upon our weary souls today (originally written in the winter) its wrath contrasting with the fleeting promise of milder temperatures just a day ago. Seeking solace, we ignited a fire that now dances and flickers before my gaze. As the flames cast their warm glow upon the room, my eyes fixate... Continue Reading →
This little American girl took about a stride on a cobblestone path where her joy would reside. In a foreign land, far from home she experiences joy regardless where she roams. The towering spire watches over her with grace, as here in Oxford she walks through history’s embrace.
In the bustling courtyard of London town, there exists plenty of wonders to be found. A little girl with curious eyes, chases a pigeon that gracefully flies. Her laughter echoes in the warm air, as she darts and weaves without a care. Oh my little girl your spirit is so true, may you always chase... Continue Reading →
In 2008 I found myself navigating through a sea of desperate dreamers, dodging the wannabe actors and the fake smiles of faded starlets on Hollywood Boulevard. I even stumbled on what appeared to be the end of a wedding reception. It was unusually warm and the sweltering asphalt of oozed a toxic blend of ambition,... Continue Reading →
With every word he utters, each phrase he sings, he captures the essence of longing that truth often brings. The song's vulnerability finds a new dimension in Jamie Cullum's hands. https://youtu.be/DuRjNDubdvU His interpretation, a blend of jazz and soul, takes a journey where pain and passion stroll. He breathes new life into this classic tune,... Continue Reading →
This canvas, bestowed upon me as a gift on Father's Day in 2015 by my beloved wife and daughter, measures 48x24". When I embarked on its creation, I yearned to capture the process for documentation. Oh, how I wish I indulged in this practice more frequently with my paintings! Alas, the spontaneity of their genesis... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/JNIK18PKrqY I stumbled on to this brilliant mashup of the Arctic Monkeys’ “Do I Wanna Know” and Dua Lipa’s cover of the same song. I have seen both of these videos separately, but never together. Whomever is responsible did a brilliant job. What makes Arctic Monkeys so special for me is their ability to write... Continue Reading →
On the fifth of August in 2015, I stood before a blank canvas, uncertain of where to begin. Initially, I approached the work as four separate parts, but this notion failed to move me. However, there were certain color areas that began to resonate within me, and I felt compelled to incorporate them into the... Continue Reading →
Discover the impact of AI on reality and explore the concept of the death of the real. Read my blog post now!
In a land that is flat and a sky that is wide there rests a small town called Elba, Nebraska. Here, in a log cabin built by his father, a boy named Grover Cleveland Alexander was born on February 26, 1887. Raised in a farming family, Grover was one of thirteen children born to William... Continue Reading →
In 1846, Karl Marx and Fredrich Engels published one of their earliest works together titled The German Ideology. In it they laid out Marx's materialistic conception of history. His theory of historical materialism contends that the material conditions of society, such as the means of it production and the ownership of it affect the nature... Continue Reading →
Emile Durkheim introduced the concept of Anomie in “The Division of Labor in Society" published in 1893. He added to it further with his later publication in 1897 “Suicide.” Generally, anomie refers to a societal state of normlessness or lack of social cohesion. This normlessness occurs when there is a breakdown in the general social... Continue Reading →
Theodore Adorno was a German philosopher and sociologist, who was born in Germany in 1903 and died in Switzerland in 1969. He was one of the leading members of the Frankfurt School, a group of critical theorists who were concerned with analyzing and criticizing the culture and society of modernity. Adorno's work covered a broad... Continue Reading →
St. Louis in 1921 was a bustling city with a population of around 772,897 people. It was a major transportation hub, located on the Mississippi River and serving as a gateway to the West. A beloved pastime in St. Louis during this period was baseball. The city was home to three professional teams: the St.... Continue Reading →
Robert K. Merton (1910-2003) was a prominent American sociologist, known for his contributions to the field of sociology of science, social theory, and research methods. He was born Meyer Robert Schkolnick in Philadelphia to immigrant parents from Eastern Europe. Merton attended Temple University in Philadelphia, where he received his bachelor's degree in sociology in 1931.... Continue Reading →
