Facebook Frolics 0
In responding to a post by psychology professor Madeleine A. Fugère, Dr. Ravi Chandra considers the implications of the “Facebook files.” He makes several thoughtful observations that shed light on dis coarse discourse and the Zuckerborg’s contribution thereunto, including the following:
1. Sensationalistic information that plays to user fears propagates virally and overwhelmingly.
2. Mental health concerns have been minimized.
3. The drive for growth and engagement online is problematic at best.
Follow the link for a details discussion of the above, as well as his other observations.
Originalist Sin 0
Joe Patrice looks into the belly of the “originalist” Trojan Horse and sees (gasp!) . . . well, no surprises here.
Nagware 0
I have a (properly licensed and registered) VirtualBox VM of Windows 8.
When I start Windows 8, I am greeted by multiple pop-up windows enticing me to upgrade to this or that paid version of something or other in which I have no interest.
This does not happen in my Linux world.
Windows is a kludge.
Fly the Fiendly Skies 0
Once again, fists fly in the fiendly skies.
On the same topic, Jeffrey Hanna, writing at The Roanoke Times, tries to make sense of the plethora of pathological passengers peopling the planes. I don’t think he can, because it’s clearly senseless, but follow the link and decide for yourself.
Game Day 0
I was in the ABC store yesterday and a couple of the customers and one of the staff were joshing with each other about Sunday’s football games.
I realized that I had no clue as to what they were joking about.
When I got to the checkout, the young lady at the register said, “This concludes the entertainment portion of your visit.”
I said, “I lost interest in football . . . because of the corruption. In the NFL, it’s the owners. In college, it’s the NCAA. It’s amazing how much more fun I have on Saturdays and Sundays now.”
I realized that I don’t miss football.
Not at all.
Vaccine Nation 0
The Portland, Maine, Press-Herald’s Bill Nemitz spots a flock of Does.
