in deep

Shoulda stayed on the computer keyboard, as I dived into Bookforum for a little more meat than in the previous post. And indeed, we discover in some depth whether constant/incessant/ increasing time at the pooter is turning us into cyborgs. No, is the stern reply, but it's a genuinely fascinating read as we get there. The article and interview explore the link between shorter attention spans and how we think and interact when on-line. Tellingly, I stopped reading halfway through. And went to sit on the verandah - where it was much cooler - to pluck on the guitar. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

Dipping another toe into the water, we get some reflections on the reign of Margaret Thatcher. It's an even-handed piece that doesn't attempt to sheet Britain's social changes solely to Thatcher's supposed capitalist revolution. But she bears a good deal of the responsibility, according to the article, if only because she failed to understand what she was actually dealing with.

Want to live a good life? Exhibit some sympathy. And if you want to do it well, you'll need a whisperer. Going forward, you'll be getting up close and personal and, like, it'll be all about you.

Finally - do you really think people buy more of Product X if it's advertised through Brand Power than through an ad direct from the maker? And if Brand Power a better product than What's New or Zoot Review? "Yeah, I saw it on Zoot Review and I was, like, wow?"

Give me strength.