A friend led me to this Photo Essay of the occupied territories of Palestine. It seems to be an excellent window into their dark world. There are several parts to the essay; you should watch them all.
Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice
This is for 9th grade summer reading (the class I am teaching this coming year. But seriously, this book is great. I found myself instantly loving the characters. Maybe it's because I was obsessed with the most recent film adaptation a few weeks ago.
Sari Nusseibeh: Once Upon a Country: A Palestinian Life
Here is another entry into my fascination with Palestine. I bought it after reading a review on Amazon.com and have so far been very glad I did. It is a very personal history of a Palestinian man and his family (at least what I've read so far). It is so simply written and artfully ordered, that it is much more interesting than I ever thought history could be. Maybe because it is personal.
Elizabeth Laird: A Little Piece of Ground
More children's lit on Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. This story focuses on the hardships of Palestinians in general through a young boys eyes. I am half way through and loving it. I feel that it is more exciting, and at a slightly higher reading level, than "Samir and Yonatan."
Daniella Carmi: Samir And Yonatan
Translated from hebrew to english, this story is about a Palestinian boy's stay in an Israeli hospital. The cultural difference jumped out at me after just a few pages.....See my post, "Peace in the Middle East."
Travis: The Boy with No Name
Pretty cool. Definitely better than their recent stuff. (***)
Sufjan Stevens: Songs for Christmas
I know it's not Christmas time, but still listen to disk five of this album at least once a week. It is simply perfect. (*****)
Snowden: Anti-Anti
This stuff is just cool. Snowden is a one trick pony, but I like their one trick. (***)
Beirut: The Gulag Orkestar
I am surprised at how much I like this album. the eastern European style music and the singers relaxed theatrical voice is great. I think almost anyone can appreciate this music. (****)