sci.research.careers

From this week's The Week (Aug 31, issue)

1. page 19: A new book out:

"The Cult of the Amateur: How Today's Internet is Kiling Our Culture" by
Andrew Keen (doubleday, $ ).

Short version: standards are all going to hell, "..the explosion of
user-generated content...privileges prpaganda and 'shrill opinion' over
deep objective analysis. Its also unleashed a 'tidal wave' of slopy and
tastless video art and music. Worse, he says, these new barbarians are
undermining the economic viability of more traditional media industries by
stealing their audiences."

Decline and Fall of Western Society???


2. Poll results (p. 15).

One in four American adults did not read any books last year. 41% read 1-5
books, 31% read 6-15 books, 27% read more than 15. Gee, are we more
literate than I give us credit for? Yeah, but how many can think? (See
item #1).


3. Cartoon: bad kids get stocking full of coal for christmas, really bad
kids get stocking full of toys made in china.


4. Britany Spears, Paris, etc., did not get their names in this week's The
Week.


Bye for now....