COMMENTARY

Clapham Institute Blog

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Coming Avalanche – Part II

Standing still is not an option. That’s one of several warnings in “An Avalanche is Coming: Higher Education and the Revolution Ahead,” a report detailing the challenges facing the traditional university. Moving to stable ground makes the most sense, but how is that done?

Coming Avalanche?

Peruvian authorities ignored the warnings. Eight years later, the worst avalanche in history buried over 25,000 people. Now we’re hearing new warnings of an impending avalanche – this one burying many colleges and universities. But who’s paying attention?

Better Distance Learning

Today’s distance learning could be a big improvement over the first model launched over a century ago. That one has left us with a disturbing disconnect between the world of the academy and the business world.

Don't Know Much About History

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says he won’t march in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade because of its policy of prohibiting gay groups from marching openly. “St. Patrick’s is all about inclusion.” De Blasio doesn’t know much about history.

Inside Out

When you know something inside out, you really know it. A great many organizations claim to really know something about innovation. Truth is, most have only inside knowledge. Innovation arises from circles of exchange, knowing things inside out.

Only Half a Backfield

With its backfield of “Mr. Inside & Mr. Outside,” Army football in the 1940s proved to be innovative. That’s instructive, as many companies talk about innovation yet few include a Mr. Outside. With only half a backfield, it’s unlikely they’ll be innovative.

Adrift

On this date in 1582 – February 24 – Pope Gregory XIII announced the Gregorian calendar. You learn this by googling “This Day in History.” And if you google it on a regular basis, you’ll discover a society cut adrift from its traditional moorings.

Going Backward in Time

Audrey Assad is a songwriter with a sober intensity to her stage presence. So writes David Brooks. But what Brooks finds most fascinating is how Assad, raised in a New World faith tradition, is going backward in time toward the Old World. She’s not alone.

Genuine Tipping Point

Fifty years ago last night – February 9, 1964 – the Beatles made their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. It was the culmination of a half-century of cultural changes, making early 1964 a genuine tipping point launching the British Invasion.

"Me Too" People

Know any “me too” people? They ask about your kids and within five seconds are telling you all about their kids. You mention a trip and they chime in with “we went there too.” “Me too” is a growing phenomenon in America. It ought to be a growing concern.