Not so dumb afterall

So Wednesday I wrote about Mark Bauerlein. He's the author of the provocatively titled book "The Dumbest Generation." I argue, not so fast. But more evidence came out this week to counter his claim:

From the New York Times:

“It may look as though kids are wasting a lot of time hanging out with new media, whether it’s on MySpace or sending instant messages,” said Mizuko Ito, lead researcher on the study, “Living and Learning With New Media.” “But their participation is giving them the technological skills and literacy they need to succeed in the contemporary world. They’re learning how to get along with others, how to manage a public identity, how to create a home page.”

Any thoughts on Chinese Democracy? I feel like I must hear it and must not purchase it. Here's Chuck Klosterman's review.

"Mr Bossman! Tear. Down. These. Walls." The walls of the cubicles I mean. I'd like to get one of these office-based missile launchers. That could be a lot of fun.

Finally, I went to see Iron & Wine last night at The Norva. Good show. But, my a small nit about the crowd, light pollution. There were lots of people checking their cell phones with very bright backlights. I think this is the newest form of light pollution. I don't know how to manage it, but in a dark theater, it's something to watch out for.

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