Get a load of that tennis court! Yes, it's a real court -- the highest in the world -- in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I'll be they don't have too many diving saves in games up there. (Via MoFi.)

Get a Load of That Genocide!

But the big news is Darfur, Sudan. Guess who's blocking UN efforts to stop the bloodshed?

Twelve of the Security Council's 15 members are on record in support of referring Darfur to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as part of a Sudan resolution that is currently under negotiation. However, the Bush administration opposes an ICC referral because of its ideological aversion to the court. . . . In the face of no support for th[e alternative US] proposal, the United States is now seeking a 45-day delay to make a decision on accountability.

(stirring Lee Greenwood music) And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know that my government will obstruct multilateral attempts to stop genocide. . . Wait, I got the lyrics wrong. Dangit!

Get a Load of That Generation Gap!

I've always considered my love of hip hop to be a bridge-builder between myself and my students. Even though the vast majority of rap music (like the vast majority of all music), I'm always into good hip hop wherever it's found, and I always like to hear new stuff.

But I've noticed that many students aren't into the rap artists I grew up with -- Run-DMC, EPMD, Rric B & Rakim, Public Enemy. Of course this is natural, insofar as no generation ever really enjoys the music of the one before it to the same extent; but I had an epiphany recently about this phenomenon.

I've never been a big Beatles fan. I appreciate their contributions to the world of music, and I feel indebted to them for their innovation and the positive effects their music has had. But I never really cared for the music itself. I realized not long ago that many younger folks have the same sort of detached appreciation for old-school rap music. So in a way, classic rap serves the same function for me that classic rock serves for so many in the generation that preceded ours.

Not major, I suppose -- but it felt significant to me. So does this mean we'll soon have 24-hour classic rap radio stations? If so, what's taking so freakin' long!?

Get a Load of That Glorious Theme Song!

There's new Dr. Who in town. And apparently it's been leaked onto the net.

Get a Load of That TimeWaster™!

Do you really want to waste some time? Then hold the button. Wassat? You want something more exciting? What could be more exciting than holding a button for no reason? Okay then, how about implosion videos? (TPCQ: "The best part was when the buildings fell down.") Both via MoFi.

Today I'm listening to: Hildegard von Bingen! (The remix version. I think it's a hit.)