Thursday, June 23, 2011

Transformational process at work (part 1)

In this era of rapid globalization, the exchange of information does not follow one path or abide by a set communication model. New media platforms surpass the limits of geographic distance and do not necessarily adhere to regulations and constraints set forth by the nation-state. Globalization’s “flattening” force, as described by Thomas L. Friedman, is profoundly liberalizing for the individual. As recent democratic uprisings explicitly depict, the sense of empowerment granted by new media platforms has grand implications for the citizen body. Innate within the convergence of personal computers, fiber optic cables, and work flow software is a strong revolutionary force.

In addition to the authority granted by new media platforms, academics have long examined the manner in which media offers a sense of collective identity to participants. In his work entitled Imagined Communities, Benedict Anderson reflects on this notion and writes, “members of even the smallest nation will never know most of their fellow-members, meet them, or even hear of them, yet in the minds of each lives the image of their communion.” In this ever-flattening world marked by diversity of thought, introspection and questions of identity in relation to such collective entities as one’s country and religion inevitably follow.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Cherish your solitude

Cherish your solitude. Take trains by yourself to places you have never been. Sleep out alone under the stars. Learn how to drive a stick shift. Go so far away that you stop being afraid of not coming back. Say no when you don’t want to do something. Say yes if your instincts are strong, even if everyone around you disagrees. Decide whether you want to be liked or admired. Decide if fitting in is more important than finding out what you’re doing here.

—Eve Ensler

Source: snapshotstyle

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Peachey keen

An abundance of fresh peaches means but one thing: peach cobbler!



Ingredients:

8 peaches (about 2 1/2 pounds), cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2/3 cup heavy cream
vanilla ice cream, for serving

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350° F. In a bowl, toss the peaches with ¼ cup of the sugar and 2 tablespoons of the flour; transfer to an 8-inch square baking dish.

2. In a food processor, combine the remaining 1¼ cups flour and ¼ cup sugar with the butter, baking powder, and salt. Pulse until coarse crumbs form. Add the cream and pulse just until moistened (the dough will be slightly shaggy). Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the peaches.

3. Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until golden brown and bubbly, 50 to 60 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Recipe derived from Real Simple .