Yes, I realize that this is a few days early, but I neglected to do the shoutout last month. I didn’t want to miss the chance for October, so let’s have a look at who has posted the greatest number of comments on Beyond the Rhetoric (so far) for this month.
Once again, good friend of the blog Ray Ebersole tops the list. He has a great article on his blog describing the role of technology in modern education. Yes, computers and gadgets can be great educational tools, but they are no replacements for real human interaction and real human learning. You need to be there. The machine is simply a tool.
Next on the list is Sourish. He has a question and answer forum on jailbreaking the iPhone 4 and you can participate without registering. For instance, a common question is whether jailbreaking is worth doing in the first place. Some people swear by the apps available through Cydia, whereas others don’t like the touchy nature of modifying your personal electronics. As always, proceed with caution.
Used Tires takes the next place on the Top Thinkers list. Here’s a blog about, you guessed it, used tires. However, there’s also content that is valuable to folks who choose to buy new tires too, like how to stay safe while driving on wet roads. We’re getting into the fall and winter, so you can expect to see more and more less than ideal road conditions in the months ahead. Be prepared.
Another familiar face makes the cut. Betshopboy might be better known for his marathon-related aspirations, but he has more to offer too. Last month, he showcased Beyond 9/11 – Portraits of Resilience, a documentary put together by HBO and TIME. The nearly hour-long program is embedded in his blog post and it offers the “words of those who led us, moved us, and inspire us.”
And finally, we have colocation taking up the fifth and final spot. Unfortunately, the Colocation website appears to be down. Perhaps something happened with the domain name or hosting provider. I hope that gets cleared up soon.
Thanks Michael and Happy Birthday!
I wrote that post after watching a mother talk about doing the laundry, cooking and cleaning the house while raising 2 kids. She said that the games, TV, computers and smartphones were a great way for her to do her “chores”. The camera crew followed her around for a few days and in that time she did absolutely nothing with her kids other than watch TV with them and give them a bath at night.
She did no homework with them, didn’t go outside with them, and I never saw the kids go outside the whole hour the documentary was on. All she did was feed them, do “chores” and give them baths. The rest of the time they had some sort of video device in their hands. During the show she had to go to a parent conference at school because her daughter was not keeping up in class and her social skills were lacking.
She had no clue….
OBTW the father was working two jobs to pay the bills so when he was home he gave them kisses, talked to them, but then went to bed. It’s sad, the state we are in today. I wanted to show it can be done, with my family as an example.
We are in no way perfect, but my daughter in the gifted class at school, always wants to read or do active things besides games as the science fair picture shows. My son is smarter than his sister in analytical things like counting and reasoning, my daughter is extremely creative and very good at spelling and remembering things.
I believe that comes from playing with them and giving them a well rounded balance of things to do. We just don’t leave them alone with the technology.
Thanks Michael and Happy Belated Birthday!
How was your 1st birthday since you got married? Was it extra “special”?