AAPT Members American Association of Philosophy Teachers

Tiffany Porier, an elementary school teacher in Surrey (in Canada, not the UK) who majored in Philosophy at UVictoria, has published a children's book on Philosophy! Her article promoting the idea is hosted at 'TheTyee.ca':
The Tyee — How to Foster Young Philosophers
And the book, called Q is for Question: An ABC of Philosophy is promoted here: http://www.qisforquestion.com/Q_is_for_Question/Welcome.html

Gabbi Seltzer, Philosophy and History double major at VaTech has a column in the student paper defending liberal education. The argument is essentially from the 'broad world view' that results from a liberal education, but still--it's good to see undergraduates advocating for such impracticalities, esp. at large technical universities:
CollegiateTimes.com - Column: Liberal education a necessity in every student's curriculum

The NY Times has a touching story about Darrel Griffen Sr's memoir of his son, who was killed in Iraq. The whole story is behind the password barrier, but here's the part that is most interesting: Books of The Times - ‘Last Journey’ by Darrell Griffin Sr. - A Mourning Father’s Tribute to the Son He Lost in War - Review - NYTimes.com  read more »

Gary Haven Smith, sculptor:
EncoreBuzz.com: Currier puts spotlight on New England

Smith's first college dalliance was in philosophy, with art remaining a constant pastime. But the rigidity and scrutiny of the smallest details of philosophy ultimately turned him off.

98-year-old student to receive master's degree in philosophy - Taiwan News Online

Taiwan's oldest graduate student Chao Mu-he, 98, will be awarded a master's degree in philosophy Friday, in an embodiment of the adage "never too old to learn." Chao

Larrey Anderson, conservative commentator for the 'American Thinker', has an interesting story about his experiences as a student under Nozick at Harvard:
American Thinker: The Attitude of Ideology

I've always had a great deal of respect for Nozick as a Philosopher and Teacher, even though I disagree with him on a number of issues. This is a rare glimpse into a student-faculty relationship with one of the greatest practitioners of that delicate art. And it is well worth reading, if you can get past the side-swiping ad hominem attacks at liberals.

Leiter is reporting that a former UT Austin PhD is one of the first four women elected to the Parliament in Kuwait:
Leiter Reports: A Philosophy Blog: Philosopher Aseel al-Awadi One of First Four Women Elected to Parliament in Kuwait!

Next time a student asks you what you can do with a Philosophy degree: just refer them here!

NY Times coverage of the election:

First Women Win Seats in Kuwait Parliament

Minnesota has a profile of Duncan Jones, along with a review of his new movie 'Moon'. That review contained this little nugget:

MPR: Director Duncan Jones takes philosophy to the moon

Jones, who is the son of pop icon David Bowie, told Minnesota Public Radio's Euan Kerr that before he made movies, he studied philosophy for many years as an academic.

Kankakee County Circuit Court Judge Michael Kick:

Web exclusive: Judge Kick says his job is ‘as good as it gets' - The Daily Journal

Kick is a self-described philosophy nut. His love of philosophy texts began in childhood, and he continued his study of it in college. Kick said he was “looking for principles” to lead his life....

Philosophy is “a search for truth ... things that are universally true,” he said. “And the dominant theme in philosophy is justice. That’s always been one of my primary interests — justice and fairness.”

And intellectual leader behind Scottish Nationalism, Sir Neil MacCormick:

Sir Neil MacCormick - Telegraph

From Glasgow High School, Neil went first to Glasgow University, taking a First in Philosophy and English Literature, then to Balliol College, Oxford, where he took a First in Jurisprudence and was president of the Union in 1965.

We often hear (and talk) about moments while reading Phil that change the way a student looks at everything. I found this variation on the theme the other day:

Spuds pave the way for budding chef - JSOnline

The philosophy courses were just as stimulating, as thought-provoking debate was right up my contrary alley.

About three-quarters of the way through the year, I was at my apartment on Locust and Weil. Having just finished a design project during the day, I was studying philosophy when dinner time came around.

I was feeling especially euphoric, because through all my years as a student, I never really enjoyed studying. This year, however, I enjoyed everything about these courses.

I put down my book, went into the kitchen and grabbed a large cast-iron Griswold (my only sauté pan), heated it up and poured a bit of oil on the bottom. I took out some leftover boiled red potatoes, green onions and garlic and started a crispy American fry potato dish that my roommate Tom made regularly.

As the potatoes were getting golden brown, my euphoria went into hyperspace.

I like food - Hume did as well - but I've never before read such a direct connection between the life of the mind and the life of the palate!