Stumbled onto a neat how-to diagram of ethnographic research, courtesy of sladner2. What this diagram does not capture is how chaotic, messy and contingent this whole process really is and, as Jan Blommaert reminds us, how fieldwork (in the sense of collecting data) is one big learning process.
Just came in the mail: the latest issue of Tekstblad, a special issue on journalism. Quick table of contents:
In 2009, I will submit and defend my PhD thesis. This will require time management, dedication, an epiphany or two and physical fitness. That’s why I’m looking to compete in endurance races which (a) fit into my PhD masterplan; (b) are conveniently located; and (c) do not interfere with my family’s summer plans. In other words, I’m gunning for a short race season in May and June, with some prep races in March and April and an early May training camp in Mallorca. My race goals for 2009 are:
Brownswood certified, dope live performances, a stellar debut album, a unique hip hop infused jazz sound and flavor galore; José James made quite a splash in 2008. That’s why he’s my inaugural Aloxe Corton artist of the year. Congrats, José.
Here on Soul sunday, fine edits are highly appreciated. Damien Beebe, aka DJ Day, recently released a better-than-the-original-or-not edit of Erykah Badu’s Honey, a fantastic remix of Nas’ It ain’t hard to tell and also a luscious version of Marvin Gaye’s What’s going on.
In doing so, Day joins a select club of artists (Danny Krivit and Mark Rapson to be precise) who somehow manage to juice up Marvin Gaye joints without distorting the original. If you like symphonic soul as much as I do, then I recommended DJ Day’s The Day Before, a fine selection of beats, remixes and exclusives, including the irresistible Four Hills.
DJ Day – Four Hills (Melting Pot Music, 2007)
Sample at box.net, purchase thru mpm.com
On Jan. 21, 2009, investigative journalist and Flat Earth News author Nick Davies will talk about journalism, churnalism and PR at the 2009 KIM forum in Utrecht, The Netherlands. I’ll be attending the debate and hope to talk to Nick Davies afterwards. My interest in this event was further sparked by the news that Radboud University is replicating the political economy of news production – i.c. content analyses of news sources and corresponding news texts – that Flat Earth News was based on.
My family and I had the good fortune of spending Christmas eve at my folks’ place, wining, dining and dancing. Setting the festive mood was a superb South African Chardonnay, a 2006 Rustenberg Stellenbosch. According to the Wine Spectator, it is a
typical South African Chardonnay because of its beautiful mineral notes and wonderful oak integration. The aromas have Burgundian characters of flint, peaches, lime and some nuttiness while the palate is elegant with loads of finesse that gives it length and freshness.
Amen.
Oliver Wang, world authority on all things soulful, has published in my humble opinion the definitive musical review of 2008. Part 1 looks back at old gems, part 2 at killer novelties, including a finger-licking Erykah Badu edit, courtesy of DJ Day. Indulge.
Jazzanova – Let me show ya (Verve, 2008)
Just had the pleasure of savoring a world-class Tuscan red; a 2005 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano I had been saving for just the right occasion. Some playtime with the chillens, much-needed downtime with my missus and a hectic semester in my rear-view mirror more than warranted uncorking this noble Italian. This wine is a joy from start to finish. Elegant yet muscular, easy on the palate yet long-lasting.
Available in Belgium at Licata Vini
Tom Van Hout 