Books to Read

I went to Barnes and Noble two days ago. Yesterday, I browsed through their online store. From two days of window shopping, I have come up with a list of books that I want to read. The list is as follows:

Tuesdays with Morrie
Blink
American Gospel
The Da Vinci Code

A while back, a short clip on the CBS Sunday Morning Show sparked my desire to read Tuesdays with Morrie . It sounded like a worthwhile book and seeing it at the store reminded of that. Blink intrigues me because I enjoyed reading Malcolm Gladwell's other book, The Tipping Point. American gospel sounds appealing because it recounts the role religion has had in the shaping of the U.S. government. When doesn't the conflict between religion and government make for an interesting ordeal? A few people have told me about The Da Vinci Code and I think it sounds interesting based on their recollections of the book.

There you have it! Four books that I think would be interesting reads.

The MySpace Spectacle

The most recent chapter of the MySpace phenomenon includes the website deleting over 200,000 user's profiles. Basically, they deleted pages with controversial material or malicious content. Their exact words: "...it has deleted pages that it considered to be hateful or risqué." More details here.

This must be a pressing issue if the government is attempting to intervene.

I think the deletion of these profiles was long overdue. In the short history of the website, people have been arrested for content in their profiles, and pedophiles have used these profiles to find victims. Two examples of pedophile incidents can be found here and here. Other bad news about MySpace includes students getting suspended from school.

Although there are negatives to Myspace, as there are with most things in life, I think it serves a lot of good. It is good way for bands and musicians to spread their name (example). Also, it is a great tool people can use to communicate with their friends online.

I think the idea to delete the accounts was great and had perfect intent, but the problem was that it was long overdue. At least they deleted them now because as they say:

Better late than never.

For more information on this subject check out the article "The MySpace Phenomenon" over at The Daily Record.

Quick Links

Here's an easy fix for some cheap, DIY photography lighting.

Ever wondered about the legality of poker? If you have, and if you want it to stay legal, become a member of the Poker Players Alliance. "As a member, you can provide critical support to protecting and preserving the game." Check out the Poker Prof's stance on the pressing issue.

-Kyle

The American School System Sucks

I have long wondered why our American school system sucks. I want to know why we, here in America, are so far behind academically compared to our counterparts all over the world?


This article has some insight as to why:

"Fingers are pointed at various aspects of the schooling system—overcrowded classrooms, lack of funding, teachers who can't pass competency exams in their fields, etc. But these are just secondary problems. Even if they were cleared up, schools would still suck. Why? Because they were designed to."

I think the article has some valid points. One aspect of the public school system that I believe presents a big problem is the structure. It is very systematic and inflexible and, thus, promotes conformity. Also, the systematic structure has negative repercussions such as the alienation of some students. I don't know if that was comprehensible since I didn't provide any examples, but I hope you at least get the jist of what I'm saying.

-Kyle

Quote For The Day

"At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent."
-Barbara Bush

Spring Break

My spring break started last Friday. Consequently, my posting has been quite lethargic as of late. I am going to attempt to resume regular posting starting later today.

I'm still alive...

-Kyle

I'm Ready For a Break

Tomorrow is the last day of school before spring break starts, which is the reason I've been bogged down lately.

Because of these time constraints I only have time to leave you with a link:

Seth Godin's Blog

It is a very interesting blog by author Seth Godin. One thing I enjoy about reading his blog is his philosophy on simple things such as creativity. Hope you like it.

-Kyle

Quote of the Day

"What is a friend? I will tell you. It is a person with whom you dare to be yourself. Your soul can be naked with him. He seems to ask of you to put on nothing, only to be what you are. He does not want you to be better or worse. When you are with him, you feel as a prisoner feels who has been declared innocent. You do not have to be on your guard. You can say what you think, so long as it is genuinely you. He understands those contradictions in your nature that lead others to misjudge you. With him you breathe freely. You can avow your little vanities and envies and hates and vicious sparks, your meannesses and absurdities and, in opening them up to him, they are lost, dissolved on the white ocean of his loyality. He understands. You do not have to be careful. You can abuse him, neglect him, tolerate him. Best of all, you can keep still with him. It makes no matter. He likes you. He is like fire that purges to the bone. He understands. You can weep with him, sin with him, laugh with him, pray with him. Through it all - and underneath - he sees, knows and loves you.
A friend? What is a friend?
Just one, I repeat, with whom you dare to be yourself."
-C. Raymond Beran

Some Interesting Reads

This article, by BBC NEWS, describes why happy images trigger sadness in depressed people.

Here is a script of the recent argument between Alec Baldwin and Sean Hannity. It ended with Baldwin abruptly cutting short a two hour interview and walking out.

It is rumored that Dell is now planning to produce a 27 inch flat panel LCD monitor. Nothing is official yet.

Online Gamer Punished With Virtual Crucifixion.

For the geeks:

An explanation of why AMD processors that run at different speeds than Intel processors are more efficient.

Then again, a true geek most likely knew that so I guess it's for the rest of us.

-Kyle

Positive News In The Media

These days the media is always filled with news that is bleak and melancholy. In his blog, Andrew Sullivan has a nice little excerpt on some good, upbeat news. It is a nice change because the news is usually filled with gloomy news such as the reporting on the War in Iraq. Finally, a piece of news that is worthy and does justice.

Check out his excerpt here.