On The Media: Future of The Internet

On The Media is a great weekly NPR prog that I would highly recommend for Comm professionals or just people who are interested in the state of the media.

They had a really interesting episode this week discussing the future of the Internet. We all know anything about the future is cool.

Episode Summary:

"The basic architecture of the Internet hasn't changed since it was conceived 40 years ago. But what was once the playground of wonks is now the main staging area for the global economy and open to an array of security vulnerabilities. Brooke talks with Internet experts who ponder a vexing conundrum: adjustments that increase security simultaneously hamper innovation."

Especially interesting was the discussion about security vs maintaining innovation by not closing up too much. I for one am all about open source. It is your responsibility to be an informed "citizen" virtually, the same way you are on the street.

Godfrey Hodgson on "The Myth of American Exceptionalism"

Godfrey Hodgson on the Diane Rhem Show discussing his new book.

"Almost from the nation’s founding, Americans have thought of their country as having a unique role in the world. A British commentator explains why he believes the U.S. is not as exceptional as it often believes."

But for a more detailed and cohesive review of the concept check Minxin Pei's article in Foreign Affairs: The Paradoxes of American Nationalism.

She writes in the introduction:

"As befits a nation of immigrants, American nationalism is defined not by notions of ethnic superiority, but by, a belief in the supremacy of of U.S. democratic ideals. This disdain for Old World nationalism creates a dual paradox in the American psyche: First, although the United States is highly nationalistic, it doesn't see itself as such. Second, despite this nationalistic fervor, U. S. policymakers generally fail to appreciate the power of nationalism abroad."

To round things up, here is a article exploring some findings from the Pew Global Attitudes Project's, as the relate to the issue.

Rabbi Harold Kushner Talks About "Overcoming Life's Disappointments"

Sometimes the right thing comes along in the right time...

Jim Henson IBM Training Film

Photos of the Moment

This is one form of Democracy in action...

Hawaii

Peter Mansoor On Charlie Rose

John Esposito & Dalia Mogahed on Charlie Rose

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Seattle & Beyond

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Is Google Making Us Stupid?

Interesting edition of KQED's Forum, following up on the recent Atlantic Monthly cover story.