Chad Gesser

This video was sent to me by student John Dixon. This highlights items similar to contagion theory and collective behavior. A similar phenomenon to this video here is called "flash mobs". Read a bit from wikipedia here . A highly popular flash mob can be seen here , and here . Interesting stuff!

An interactive map of vanishing employment across the country. - By Chris Wilson - Slate Magazine This is an awesome interactive map.  There is so much information to be discerned regarding job gain/loss over time, by county across the United States.

China's birth limits create dangerous gender gap The news report above was sent to me by soc student, S. Tanner.  After reading the article, what else is assumed about violent crime as it relates to men and women?  Lastly, 5 extra credit points to the first student that can go to the Population Reference Bureau website , and post as a comment to this post the following information: *  the top five most populated countries in the world and *  the number living in each of those countries

Keep in mind I have been sick with the flu the past three weeks. So cut me some slack! The video watched in this presentation can be found here: Michael Wesch's Information R/evolution

In light of the changes in society we've recently discussed in the Intro classes, this blog post from Brian Solis provides a clear understanding about the significance of Twitter, Facebook, etc...relationships between people. Question:  Do you think social networking tools such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Blogs, and others will become important parts of our lives?  What function do they serve?

This pic appeared on the front page of one of the primary sections of today's local paper. First of all, social service agencies and volunteers do what they can to provide skills training and education development to the inmate population. But, this picture brings several questions to mind. The first I will pose: Is this an effort to train inmates to be circus clowns? This image strikes me in many ways. What other questions does it bring up?

I received a question today about whether the information in the Did You Know video were facts. Here are some interesting links to the authors of the presentation. They are reputable folks, and yes I take the data to be accurate. Karl Fisch Scott McLeod

(Click image to enlarge) Just saw this from the Pew Research Center ; research regarding public awareness of the current financial crisis. These numbers surprise you? They do me, seems like many folks in the U.S. are following along.