Monthly Archives: March 2011

The story will lead you where you need to go

Posted on March 30, 2011 by jyourist

First week back. A cold is imminent– my throat is scratchy and nose is running. I am not at my peak of energy. A few months ago, the students wrote a personal narrative, a story from their lives that has … Continue reading →

Posted in story, Teaching, writing | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Muto by Blu

Posted on March 28, 2011 by jyourist

Blu is an italian artist who is very involved in the street art scene around the world. He has created many animated pieces involving stop action. The one below, Muto, was created on the streets of Buenos Aires in 2007-2008. … Continue reading →

Posted in animation, art, artist, short films, videos | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Orchids and my narcissistic minute of fame

Posted on March 27, 2011 by jyourist

We went to the orchid show at the Chicago Botanic Gardens today. A ritual at this time of year– our birthdays and anniversary— to purchase at least one stunning and celebratory orchid (actually all orchids are pretty stunning and celebratory). … Continue reading →

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Buried in Installments

Posted on March 26, 2011 by jyourist

JB and I are now on the payment plan for our funerals. For the two of us, burial costs are nearly as much as a new car (which we also need to purchase this summer). We got the bare bones … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, death | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Birthday Poem for JB

Posted on March 25, 2011 by jyourist

Liquids are a state of matter xxxxx– quoted from, rearranged, and inspired by “Liquids,” Wikipedia Liquids are a state of matter Liquids readily flow. Liquids assume the shape of a container. Liquids will distribute applied pressure evenly to every surface … Continue reading →

Posted in poetry, relationship | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Renunciation by Kazim Ali

Posted on March 24, 2011 by jyourist

“The Sailor cannot see the North—but he knows the Needle can—” The books were all torn apart, sliced along the spines Light filled all the openings that she in her silence renounced Still: her handwriting on the papers remembered us … Continue reading →

Posted in poetry | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Elizabeth Taylor

Posted on March 23, 2011 by jyourist

Elizabeth Taylor died today. She was a cultural icon, Hollywood legend, and full-fledged, lifelong, American celebrity. I actually met her once. I used to teach at the Chicago Academy for the Arts, first as an art teacher and then as … Continue reading →

Posted in acting, aging, theater | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The surprising truth about what motivates us: Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose

Posted on March 22, 2011 by jyourist

My friend Ms. Chili posted the video below a few days ago. I couldn’t believe how appropriate it was for me in my life right now, not only as it pertains to how we, as teachers, deal with our students, … Continue reading →

Posted in activism, politics, school, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Recycling: Washi Tales

Posted on March 21, 2011 by jyourist

When my son was a senior in college (University of Illinois in Champagne IL) he needed one more credit to graduate and was attracted by a papermaking course. The course was taught by a visiting paper artist, Kyoko Ibe, internationally … Continue reading →

Posted in art, artist, papermaking, performance, theater, transformation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

So much for Walden Two and cultural engineering…

Posted on March 20, 2011 by jyourist

Today is B.F. Skinner’s (1904-1990) birthday. He was a radical behaviorialist, a psychologist, novelist, and philosopher, famous for his ideas on behavior modification using continuous and/or variable reinforcement. When I was in college, my psychology professor, a committed Skinnerian, explained … Continue reading →

Posted in authors, behavior, psychology | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment