Robert Russell
Russell is a professional musician who plays guitar in the band "Creole Stomp." The band specializes in Cajun and Zydeco music and they have been together around ten years traveling extensively across the United States. Russell is also a PhD in philosophy with a emphasis in contemporary continental philosophy. He is currently working on a book project that is focuses on the relationship between art and entertainment.
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Displaying Results 1 - 52 (of 52) for All Content
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Remembering Donald "Duck" DunnDonald "Duck" Dunn passed away on May 13 in Tokyo. He was on tour with his long time musical partner Steve Cropper. Dunn was a pivotal and influential bass guitarist who help define southern style soul music.
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A Philosophical Perspective on Terrorism and Violence. Does the End Ever Justify the Means?This article looks at the troubling issue of terrorism from a philosophical perspective. The French philosopher Merleau-Ponty struggled with the goals of his humanist interpretation of Marxism and the violent realities of Stalin's Soviet issues.
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Significant Inventions of Ancient RomeThis article focuses on the practical and utilitarian side of Roman culture. The Romans emphasized technical efficiency and effectiveness over grandiose ideas and concepts. -
The Moral Obligation of Humanitarian InterventionThis article examines the idea of humanitarian intervention as formulated by the United Nations. The article argues that the argument for intervention is primarily a moral issue. -
How to Make Progress on the GuitarI am a professional guitarist. I have also taught a lot of students over the years. This article offers some helpful tips and suggestions I have learned from my own playing, the playing of my guitar colleagues, and the experiences of my students. -
Syrian Forces Open Fire on Turkish Refugee CampThis article looks at the troubling events unfolding along the Syrian and Turkish border. Syrian forces fired into a refugee camp in Turkey, killing two and wounding five. The event threatens to stall the proposed cease-fire scheduled for April 12.
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The Political Turmoil in MaliThis article looks at the recent coup in Mali. Mali was a example of a successful democratic state but recent events have placed its future in question. Mali's neighbors, as well as the U.S. and the European Union are seriously concerned.
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Aung San Suu Kyi's Political Victory: Restored Hope for Democracy in BurmaAung San Suu Kyi's recent victory in the Burmese elections may represented an important turning point in the history of that country. Ms. Suu Kyi has been the voice of the political opposition for over twenty years. -
Perception and Prejudice: Stand Your Ground?This article addresses the relationship between perception and prejudice from a philosophical point of view. It then focuses the controversial Florida "Stand Your Ground" law. -
The Significance of Pope Benedict's Cuban VisitPope Benedict's three-day visit to Cuba is a historical, political, and religious event. This article looks at the significance of the visit and raises a few critical questions about its lingering effects and consequences.
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A Critical Assessment of the Blues: A Unique American Art FormThis article focuses on blues as a unique American art form. Numerous books have been written about the blues but three books in particular shed an interesting and critical light on the history of the blues. -
Arts and Crafts Ideas for Earth Day: Tips for ParentsThe celebration of Earth Day began in the 1960s. This article presents a few tips and examples that parents may use to teach their children about Earth Day. -
What is a Hate Crime?: The Rutgers University Hate Crime ConvictionThis article examines the recent hate crime conviction of former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi. Ravi was convicted in a high profile case involving his former roommate Tyler Clementi. The issue of what constitutes a hate crime is considered. -
'Midnight in Paris' and the 'Razor's Edge:' The Existential Search for MeaningThe article compares and contrasts two films, "Midnight in Paris" and "The Razor's Edge." On the surface they appear to have little in common. In fact, the former echoes many of the themes from the latter.
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The Tactful Art of Asking for a RaiseKnowing when and how to ask for a raise is an essential skill in order to succeed a chosen profession. This article offers a few tips and suggestions as well as presenting a humorous approach to the topic.
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The Afghanistan Massacre: Political and Legal IssuesThe killings of 16 civilians in Afghanistan is startling in its brutality and savagery. It raises a number of troubling and critical questions; political, legal, and humanitarian. -
Hate Speech and Free Speech: Democracy and Public DiscourseThis article looks at the complicated relationship between hate speech and free speech. The right to speak freely without the fear of censorship or punishment is essential to democracy. The risk of hate speech, however, is violence and destruction. -
How to Paint Your House: Five Essential StepsDoing your own house painting is a much less expensive than hiring a professional painter. At the same time, it can easily result in less than satisfactory results. This article offers a five essential painting tips to make the job easier and enjoyable..
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Learning the Slide Guitar: A Brief Overview and GuideThis article provides information and suggestions for the aspiring slide guitar player. The article is divided into two parts. The first part presents a brief overview of the slide guitar. Part two offers five essential steps for slide guitar.
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Catholicism and Suicide: A Short Moral TaleThis a fictional short story about a character named Guy Pulaski. Guy is caught in an ethical dilemma between the desire for suicide and his Catholicism.
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The Tension Between Free Speech, Hate Speech, and Comedy: The Rush Limbaugh ControversyThis article looks at the tension between free speech and hate speech in light of the recent controversial comments made by Rush Limbaugh. Limbaugh has defended the remarks as an attempt at humor.
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Family Fun in Omaha: Tips and SuggestionsOmaha is a large and important mid-western city. This article provides a few tips and suggestions for having fun in Omaha. The focus of the article is family-centered activities
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Fun Things to Do in BostonThis article presents a list of fun things to do in Boston with your family. The focus is on historical activities given the historical importance of Boston. The activities, for the most part, are free and something that kids and parents can both enjoy.
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To Be or Not to Be "Amish" - Technology, Marxism, and the AmishThis article looks at the history of the Amish in the United States as presented in a recent PBS documentary. Although the Amish are motivated from their Protestant faith, nevertheless, there are certain parallels with Marx.
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William Butler Yeats: Poetic Mysticism and RealismWilliam Butler Yeats is one of the great poets of the twentieth century. He was born in Dublin and raised in Dublin and London. He is often considered one of the harbingers of modernism in terms of poetry and literature.
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Syria, the United Nations, and the Idea of Universal Human RightsThe General Assembly of the United Nations condemned Assad regime in Syria and demanded that Assad relinquish power. This article looks at the political turmoil in Syria, the United Nations and the idea of universal human rights.
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The Significance of Peter Green: British Guitar GiantIn the late 1960s Peter Green at the beginning of a successful rock guitar career in the vein of Clapton and Hendrix. Sadly, this was not to be the case because of mental health issues. This article looks at the significance of Peter Green's legacy.
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The Economics of Slavery: The PBS Documentary "Slavery by Another Name"Slavery formed the economic foundation for the Southern States prior to the Civil War. Slavery was legally abolished after the Civil War and the Reconstruction Era attempt to protect the civil rights of the former slaves but this proved to be failure.
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Talent and Tragedy: From Billie Holiday to Whitney HoustonWhitney Houston's sudden death at the age of 48 once again demonstrates the troubled lives led by many musicians. This article focuses on the relationship between art and the troubled lives and addiction problems of three significant female singers
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Red's is the Real Deal: Mississippi Juke JointsThis article offers some tips, advice, and suggestions for blues fans who are interested in exploring Clarksdale, Mississippi. Red's is one of the coolest and longest running authentic juke joints in the Mississippi Delta.
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Happiness and Boredom: A Moral Lesson from the 'Twilight Zone'The Rolling Stones's song "You Can't Always Get What You Want" nicely encapsulates an element of the human condition; the element of striving. Striving after goals provides us with a sense of purpose and enjoyment.
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Walt Whitman - America's PoetWalt Whitman is considered to be one of America's greatest poets. His poetry is significant for several reasons. He was the first poet to speak with a uniquely "American voice." He is also regarded as the father of "free verse." I
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Whiskey and GraceWhiskey and Grace is a flash fiction story. It consists of 69 words. Its theme is love, whiskey and James Joyce.
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Evaluating the Egyptian Revolution: The One-Year AnniversaryJanuary 25 marked the one year anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution. The events in Egypt were a part of the larger revolutionary fervor that spread throughout the Middle East.
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The Republican Presidential Debates: From the Bizarre to the SinisterThis is an unusual year in Republican politics. The ambiguity about who the Republican candidate for President will be has led to an elevated level of combativeness in the Republican primaries. Although entertaining, this has a darker side as well.
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The Significance of Charley Patton: The Complete Recordings 1929-1934Charley Patton is a seminal figure in the history of the blues. His influenced weighed heavily on blues musicians from Robert Johnson to Howlin Wolf and beyond. Patton's complete recorded catalog is available in a five CD set by JPS Records.
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Finding Hidden Treasures at the Guitar Junkyard in Lasalle, IllinoisThe Guitar Junkyard in Lasalle, Illinois is a one of a kind guitar store. It is full of novelties and surprises. It is certainly a store that every guitar player should make an effort to visit if they are in the area.
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John Dewey and DemocracyJohn Dewey was an American philosopher and social theorist. He was critical of traditional theories of democracy that he regarded as static and out of date. In the early 20th century he developed a dynamic theory of democracy.
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Parenting tips: Dealing with a sick child in the wintertimeWe are all more prone to colds, flu, and respiratory illnesses during the wintertime. This is the case for children as well as adults. Here are some basic tips for a parent whose child suddenly comes down with the flu during the wintertime.
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Stephen Colbert's Presidential Bid: Insightful Political Criticism in the Guise of ComedyStephen Colbert has raised his public profile by throwing his hat in the Republican Presidential Primary in South Carolina. Colbert's political gestures have help to shine a light on the role that Super PACs play in the political process.
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The Conflict Between the Private Sphere and the Public Sphere: Robert Bellah's "Habits of the Heart"This article examines the distinction between the private sphere and the public sphere - which forms the foundation for contemporary democratic theory. The point of departure is Robert Bellah's book "Habits of the Heart."
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Three Critical Perspectives on Good and Evil; Philosophy, Film, and MusicThe war on terrorism is plagued with ambiguities and uncertainties. This is due in part to the ambiguous relationship between good and evil. This article considers three perspectives; philosophy, film and music that deals with the issue.
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How to Play Guitar like Eric ClaptonHendrix admired Clapton so much because he recognized a kindred spirit - a young guitarist steeped in the blues who wanted to expand the musical horizon and possibilities of the electric guitar. Here are a few Clapton guitar tips.
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American Culture and Moral Values: Robert Bellah's "Habits of the Heart"One of the hot topics among political candidates is the idea of moral values. The American sociologist Robert Bellah's "Habits of the Heart" is one of the most insightful studies about the moral values in American culture.
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The Thought Provoking Appeal of 'Homeland'Many television critics have selected "Homeland" as the best television show of the 2011 season. "Homeland" is great television for a number of reasons. It is a show that integrates complicated moral issues and complex characters with great writing.
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The Cult of Personality Revisited: The Transition of Power in North KoreaThe unexpected death of the North Korean leader Kim Jong-il on December 19 from an apparent heart attack and the subsequent funeral ranks as a significant political event. The transition of power is a contemporary example of the "Cult of Personality."
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The Role of Women in Politics and Music: Faces to Watch in 2012One of the things that stood out in 2011 was the role of women, in both the political world and the musical world. Keeping this point in mind, here is a short review of faces to keep an eye on in 2012.
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High Noon and Shane: The Appeal of Moral Ambiguity in the Old WestHigh Noon and Shane are two of the most influential Westerns from the 1950s. Although they both fit into the Western genre they both transcend it as well. One reason for the success of the two films is that they tap into existential and moral issues.
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Does Roots Music Have a Future?: The Surf Club - Washington D.C's Last Honky-TonkRoots music and blues clubs are struggling to stay afloat economically. Although music festivals and recordings still provide a forum for roots music, juke joints, honky-tonks provide the intimate context where roots music thrived and developed.
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Favorite Used Book Finds: The Joy Of Used Book StoresOne of the pleasures that book enthusiasts enjoy is to find a prized treasure tucked away in the corner of a used bookstore. Exploring a used bookstore is a much more rewarding experience, for me, than simply searching online for books.
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Tips for Playing Guitar like Skip JamesSkip James was a unique guitarist but lesser known figure than his contemporaries, Charlie Patton, Son House, Robert Johnson. James's guitar style was substantially different from his peers. Cream recorded James's "I"m So Glad" on their debut album.
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Five Things You Need to Know to Play Guitar like Robert JohnsonRobert Johnson died in 1938 at the age of 27 after making a small handful of recordings, 29 songs. Johnson died in relative obscurity but he has emerged as one of the one of the most influential guitarists of the 20th century.
