Nova Spivack links to and writes about something his father, Mayer Spivack wrote (and I previously wrote about.)#

Another interesting article from my father, Mayer Spivack, about his theory that there are two main modes of human cognition. One is linear and the other is associative. Our culture calls the linear mode "intelligent" and the non-linear mode "dyslexic" or "disabled." But actually the non-linear mode is in fact another form of intelligence, with incredible utility and special adaptive benefits. Linear cognition is not inherently better -- in extremes it is actually disabling as well (for example savants, and some autistics for example). What is interesting is that nonlinear cognition -- what my father calls "syncretic thinking" is underutilized in our society. In fact, our entire educational process discourages it and penalizes it. But what if we actually recognized syncretic thinking as an important cognitive skill -- and actually trained children to develop and harness it just as we train them with linear thinking? We could produce a whole new generation of syncretically trained kids.

wKen on Glenn Reynolds' comment that "there's nothing wrong with growing income inequality."#

First Reynolds quotes Irwin Stelzer, who claims that rising income inequality in America is a myth spread by those trying to hide how rich black people are becoming in America. Then he distances himself from the quote by admitting he has no idea if Stelzer is correct or not. That's a trick used to make you think it probably is true, but don't call Glenn a racist because they aren't his words.

Then he confuses the idea of rising income inequality by making it sound like everyone in the US is getting richer, but those already rich are getting even richer faster than "ordinary Americans" are. He says this means that Bill Gates can eventually buy whole "solar systems" while ordinary people will only be able to buy a Porsche or Bugatti.

That's so ridiculous that it reminds me of a really old Saturday Night Live skit where then President Carter (as played by Dan Ackroyd) begins a new government program called "Inflation is Our Friend". That was in the late 1970's when inflation was quite high in America, and the joke was that before long we would all be wearing $20,000 suits, driving $1 million dollar cars and living in $1 billion dollar homes, thanks to rising prices.

Jorrit Wiersma notes that it is important to have a good relationship with your dentist from an early age.#

The dentist was adamant that Saskia and I were to avoid saying "ow" so that Silke wouldn't become afraid of the dentist. This was pretty hard when she started prodding the spot where my wisdom tooth is pushing through. Silke still refused to open her mouth for her, of course, but we didn't push her. This was also suggested by the dentist because she didn't want Silke to get any negative memories of going to the dentist. We'll see how it goes next time.

Look at this fantastic photo from my friend Rachel, then tell her how much you like it!#

Richard links to Dave Pollard on learned helplessness.#

It is irrational, neurotic, panic-stricken behaviour, a wild over-reaction to a tiny uncontrollable risk while we recklessly disregard risks we could control and which kill and destroy lives in large numbers everyday -- air and water pollution, tainted food from corrupt and underregulated meat packers, drugs in sport and airplane cockpits, drunk drivers, kids with guns, corporate frauds, a prison system that incarcerates the mentally ill and encourages criminal recidivism -- and on and on and on. Unfortunately, it is also in the best interest of the media and governments to focus on theuncontrollable risks, and to pander to public fear and fascination with them. They're more sensational, more visceral. And since there's really nothing that can be done about them, you can do anything, or nothing, in response to them, and not be held accountable, or responsible. The risks we could control, on the other hand, are mundane, day-to-day, hard and expensive but not impossible to remedy, would if remedied save thousands of lives, and is the responsibility of all of us. Viewers, voters, and consumers don't like to think about such things. Messy. Complicated. Nagging. Costly. And the media, and politicians, are glad to oblige.

Richard links to Jay Allen on how 2004 will be different for him.#

I need to focus on the positive before drowning in the negative. I need to smile a bit more, to laugh and make those around me laugh with me. I need to stop fighting for those who need no champion. I need to pause and consider before letting my tidal wave of emotion overwhelm me. I need to let go and enjoy the life I have and the people I share it with.

Joi Ito writes about the "cultural context of money in Japan."#

My mother, who was raised in a privileged family was not allowed to touch money until she was 18. She has a servant who took care of the payments. In Kyoto, I don't pay cash at many of the places I go, it is discreetly billed to me later. During the Edo period an interesting shift happened. The wars stopped and the warrior class had less to do. Culture blossomed as did trade. The merchant class gained power and helped drive the economy of Japan, but they were not rewarded with the same kind of cultural/social status that their American counterparts were. This stigma about being rich, making money and having financial power survives in Japan today and is in fact one of the big reasons that Japan continues to have structural problems and entrepreneurship is so weak.

Kristin blames herself for losing the football game.#

conner shook his head. "before every game i would get three doughnuts and chocolate milk. but before kansas state i had sonic, and today we got pizza." his face flushed under our harsh gazes, conner sunk into the sofa in defeat.

"actually kristin," said katie, "your mom bought red and white flowers before every game. every game except for the last two." ravaged with guilt, i cursed my family, grabbed my keys, and fled from the house. when i arrived back at home, i immediately flung myself into bed and let the tears flow. how could i have allowed my own family to make such a terrible error? how could i have allowed my sweet sooner football team to suffer this way?