Eastwood's Blockbuster: Controversial cultural phenomenon or just another Hollywood hit?

Article (click to read) about "Gran Torino" includes reactions from UW students, Rutgers anthropology prof. and a Minn. filmaker/social activist. Who knew so many of the main characters were from the Midwest. First-time actors too.

Questionable images of Hmong masculinity and inaccuracies in the depiction of aspects of Hmong culture leave some viewers upset. Others feel that the attention to Hmong culture and the exposure to so many Americans who don't know what or who Hmong is has integrity -- also citing that it's still an action movie that has to have a plot, not a documentary.

Interfaith Holidays -- a new perspective for those of us who 'celebrate both'

Front page of the Madison Times today:

Interfaith holidays unwrapped (click to read)

From one 'Cashew' (Catholic father, Jewish Mother) to another, or more broadly to any readers who have grown up taught that it is okay to observe two faiths and accordingly both sets of holidays, a Madison rabbi and a Madison mom give their perspectives on interfaith families during the holidays.

Rabbi Andrea Steinberger of the downtown Hillel says that graduate and undergraduate students at UW are looking for their identity socially, in terms of education and in terms of faith -- and that she is there for them to turn to. "Definitely not just Jewish students either!" in her words.

Joan Shahrani, a teacher at Jefferson middle school and a practicing Catholic, talks about her marriage to her husband who practices Islam and her two sons who also observe Islam. She says it's most important that her sons to have a value and belief system to work from, regardless of it's faith-base.

African dance lands CURB Magainze cover

CURB Magazine feature article 'United We Dance' quotes me, esteemed choreographer and friend, Chris Walker, and others concerning the role of cultural dancing in bringing diverse groups together in Wisconsin.

'Tweeting' way to the top to Unwrap a new Job

Front Page of the Daily Cardinal...
Graduates struggle to balance old vs. new job seeking tactics (click to read)

It seems that the answer to undergrads job-seeking woes is to balance new and old media, according to two Madison communications experts. Sheri Rice Bentley, lead PR strategist at Madison ad agency Knupp & Watson, and Steve Van Dinter, regional director of media relations and public affairs for St. Mary's Healthcare of Wis., share their insights about how grads can best prepare.

Well-crafted resumes and tradtional thank-you notes meet Twitter, blogging and personal Web sites.

New Vice Provost of Diversity delivers wit, youth, and Obama-spiration

Front page of the Madison Times...
Students and University Vice Provost sound-off positively about diversity plans in 'powerful thought circle' (click to read)

Recently-appointed Vice Provost of Diversity and Climate, Dr. Damon Williams spoke to UW students about new plans for diversity at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Williams and student leaders addressed a former 10-year plan to increase the enrollment and retention of minority students, which came to a close this year.

The new Vice Provost delivered his intentions and kept student-attendees engaged, quoting Yoda from Star Wars and also saying, "I listen to Jay-Z too, but remember it's still Dr. Williams to you."

Content is the New Currency in Unsteady Economy

In a fast-read Q & A (click to read) Sean Mullen -- VP and creative director at Hiebing Group -- shares his thoughts about changing digital media and how the economy is affecting business at his Madison advertising agency, urging that it's all about content.


"Sean Mullen’s creative work has been recognized by nearly every important advertising magazine and award show, including Adweek, Ad Age, Archive, Communication Arts, Print’s Regional Design Annual, Creativity Annual and the Clio shortlist ... Providing a unique blend of verbal and visual thinking, Sean is as comfortable with a research deck as he is with a Pantone book. He has done effective, award-winning work for clients like Toyota, Famous Footwear, Fiskars Craft and Garden Tools, Montana Gourmet Knives, JanSport and Nestlé. In his spare time, he’s been known to guest lecture at Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin. If he’s not at home with his wife and two children, check the garage. His bicycle won’t be there either." -- Hiebing Group