Hoping to write a compelling thesis on urban poverty, first-year graduate student Sudhir Venkatesh walked boldly into the middle of Chicago’s most notorious housing projects one afternoon determined to gain some insight.
His boldness — meant to impress his professors — instead impressed a gang leader named JT who, attracted to the idea of being written about, befriended Venkatesh giving him unprecedented access into the gang’s world.
For almost a decade, JT allowed him to observe as the gang operated their crack-selling business, evaded the law, made peace (or war) with the neighbors, and rose or fell in the gang’s complex hierarchy.
Gang Leader For A Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to The Streets gives an eye-opening view of an “outsider looking at life from the inside” (pg xvi), and tells the story of the complicated friendship that developed between two men who — though they have ambition in common — are from completely different worlds.
Did you know that your clothing is sending a message?
When you are traveling and meeting new people, first impressions matter — we determine whether people are trustworthy, attractive, friendly, and even intelligent by the way that they look every single day.
Curling, Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, Snowboarding, and Ski Jumping — oh my! I don't know about you, but I am an Olymp-addict — and I can never get enough of the Winter Olympic Games!
Tipping can be confusing when you are traveling — it can be insulting to leave money on the table in some countries, in others leaving too large a tip is considered a sign that you loved the service, and in others tipping is different depending on the service you are receiving.
So, how do you avoid awkward moments when paying the cheque? You read this blog of course!
Nope, that web of wires you might notice above your head while wandering through Manhattan are not all for carrying electricity.
There are actually 18 miles(!) of translucent wire that run throughout the borough called an eruv. The eruv (or eruvin) is there because of the Jewish Sabbath. A day of rest in the Jewish tradition, people observing the Sabbath aren't permitted to do any sort of work in public places, which includes carrying things like groceries, laundry, or books.
Italians consume over 14 billion espresso drinks each year (!) making the country’s coffee intake the highest in the world.
That’s A LOT of caffeine.
In Thailand, the head is considered to be the most sacred part of the body (NEVER touch a Thai person on their head), and the feet are considered to be the dirtiest.
Why does this matter to you?
Are you planning your first trip to NYC? You are in for a treat — there is a reason this is known as the city that never sleeps. There is a neverending list of things to do, experience, and explore.
You have mastered the basics of the spoken language, have appropriate clothing, and have the latest Lonely Planet tucked safely in your bag. You are ready for all that experiencing a new culture will bring — or are you…
On my last visit to Oahu, I ended up at a University Men’s Volleyball Game and, before sitting down, was handed a long, slim green leaf. I was told it was a “Ti Leaf” and I was supposed to use it to cheer for the team.
What are these leaves, you ask, and why do ti leaves in Hawaii make an appearance at major sports events?