Self-Care Song of the Day #4: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros-Man on Fire

My good buddy, Anup Sheth, introduced me to this song. Based out of LA, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros are a new age folk/indie rock band. They have an eclectic sound that is reminiscent of the old folk rock days from the '60s. I love this song because it is catchy and it shows people of various backgrounds lost in the art of dance. Dance and other creative activity can be very cathartic, particularly when you do it with others. I think this song is a gentle reminder to do something today that you absolutely love. Take care of yourself and keep fighting the good fight!

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The Long Shadow of Gun Violence (In Loving Memory of Bette Clark)

I met Bette and her oldest son, Joey, during a death penalty trial in Center City. It was the sentencing phase for the two men who killed her youngest son, Timmy, who was gunned down execution-style when he was 15. Caroline, an advocate with the Families of Murder Victims, introduced us. "Bette, this is Jooyoung. He's a researcher and wants to interview you." Joey sized me up and seemed protective of his mom, who had already been through so much. Her eyes were red from crying, so I said, "I'm really sorry to hear about what happened." She smiled a little and said in her Tacony accent, "Thank you. It's been such a long day. But, call me whenever, sure." I spent the next day with Bette and her family at the courthouse and visited them weekly over the next year. I hadn't planned on following the families of murder victims, but my ongoing research in Philly had pushed me in this direction. While getting to know gunshot...

The Existential Fall Out after Newtown

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Bath Salts and Ultra Violence?

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