More than a rapper, more than an entertainer, Lupe Fiasco is a storyteller. And a good one at that. In his latest saga, The Cool, we follow the story of a young man, rising from the grave after being murdered, visiting the all too familiar streets of Urban America. The Cool is a concept album in...

Readers, I hope you are well. I got this great letter in my inbox from a gentleman named Scotty. I think you should read it. Dear New Generation, This is a letter of apology. I’m sorry. Right now you are thinking – who is this guy and what the heck is he apologizing for?? Well – you...

“No way,” you say to J.D. “Don’t you know what that stuff does to your testicles?” “What are testicles?” J.D. asks. You ignore him and go to lift weights. During your work out, Coach Thompson walks up and says he has some good news, you received a scholarship offer to Auburn University. “Is...

“Tata Jesus is Bängala” is a phrase that embodies the cultural tensions found in the thought-provoking novel, The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver. The novel, a story of a missionary family in Africa, deals with culture clashes, missionary faux pas, and African history. And...

You say, “How about we meet at the local coffee shop at seven, and study there?” Julie Anne looks a little disappointed, but says she will see you there at seven. You breathe a sigh of relief, and then make your way to the cafeteria for lunch. — At lunch you sit by Jason and a few of your...

On a misty northwest Saturday night, I stood in line outside the Crocodile Cafe in downtown Seattle with a hundred other hipsters waiting to be let in. We waited for the warmth provided by drinking beer, nestled shoulder to shoulder with other twenty-somethings, listening to timeless rock and roll by...

Readers, Welcome to 2008! It’s going to be a great year. I can feel it. You may notice a new banner ad on our site. You may also notice this letter from the editor is almost an exact replication of this blog entry I wrote January 4th at the Burnside Blog. You may think I’m being lazy,...

“No,” you say, and swallow the rest of the candy bar in one bite. “Thanks for nothing,” Jason says. — Two months later you are walking down the street when an escaped cannibal jumps out from behind a bush and hits you on the head with a four iron. Later, as he is eating you, you cannot...

“I don’t know,” you say. “I don’t think mom would want people worshipping the devil in our house.” “Please,” Jason begs. “We won’t make a mess.” “Ok,” you concede, and Jason thanks you. — Minutes later Jason and his friends have taken all the furniture out of the living...

“Look guys,” you say. “Women are not objects for us to lust over. We should respect them, and treat them the way we would treat our sister or mother.” “Sister or step-sister?” Pepe` asks. “Sister,” you say. “You are right,” says Robby. “We’ll get some cement from the shop class...