The internet has completely fucked the social abilities of this generation; this is a point that almost can't be argued - just log on to myspace or youtube and click around for 10 minutes. Or think about all of the random people who talk to you so enthusiastically online, only to walk right past you with their eyes glued to their cellphones - as if they're fooling anyone into thinking they're doing more than just pressing random buttons with no purpose - when you cross paths in the "real world." I fear for today's youth and their ability to communicate with other human beings in face-to-face social settings.

BUT. That's not the point. I've heard many times that the internet is "killing" books. This couldn't be any further from the truth. In reality, It’s probably going to create a huge new market for them.

That isn’t a criticism of blogs, or any other internet content providers. It’s a distinction that outlines the complimentary differences between websites and books informing a final, most important point. We are in a new age where writing is the default method of communication. Email and Blackberries never fully replaced the spoken word, but that was before texting. Before social networks. We don’t call each other anymore, at all. We instant message, Tweet and comment on each other’s blogs or Facebook pages.

And as we do that, though some of us will further debase the lexicon with horrible all caps abbreviations and cringe-inducing expressions, many more of us will have no choice but to become better writers.

We’ll embrace the medium young, and as one who spoke publicly for a living would want to hear others in his trade speak, the texter will look to the blogger for hints on how to write with more expression. The blogger will look to producers of more detailed content, like this site, or mine, to determine how to create more comprehensive work. And people like me will hone our craft to write books. It’s just a question of how many take that natural path.

But rather than view the glass as half empty, assuming the Internet threatens books, why not look at how the mediums naturally compliment one another? Look at the fact that millions of new potential book buyers might just be falling in love with the written word?

I cannot wait until I can stop stressing out about school and start Christmas shopping! Too bad most of us won't even be able to enjoy the season this year considering finals do not end until the 22nd.

Who wants to see Andrew W.K. at the Crazy Donkey on December 18th? Gonna be a crazy show.

Congratulations!

After careful review of your application, I have been able to verify that you have met all of the requirements for student teaching for the Spring 2010 semester.

The next step for you is to get Registered and fingerprinted with the NYC Dept of Ed. On their website: http://nycteacherssupportnetwork.com/student teacher. You also need a TB test on file. Please submit the results of this test to Ed. Office Mem. Rm.435.

Student Teaching Commissioning will be held on Wednesday Jan. 27, 2010 at 12:30pm in the Alumni Room of the library.

Secondary level students will receive a follow-up letter from Dr. Harten, regarding site assignments. Dr. Rizopoulos will send elementary students a confirmation letter & site assignments.

Once again, congratulations on this accomplished milestone in your career.




My....my career?!?! Fuck! Scary.

Dr. Dog^

There are plenty of people out there who act like they don't need their parents. They say they have nothing in common with them. They are embarrassed of their parents' actions and comments.

Well you know what? I don't mean to sound like a know-it-all, pretentious egghead, but to all those who feel this way: fuck you. You need them as much as the very air you breathe.

Happy Thanksgiving. I love my family.