A Smart Army

Back when my Civ II class looked at evolution, I read part of the book, Future Shock.  This week, as we discuss Media Theory, we returned to author Alvin Toffler and read a magazine interview article, Alvin Toffler: still shocking after all these years (New Scientist, 19 March 1994, pp. 22-25).  When discussing his 1993 book, War and Anti-War, one of his comments made me smile:  

"The generals we met researching this book, are super, supersmart. They have studied everything from aerospace to computer sciences to international relations. That came as a revelation to us. Never having had much contact with the military, we shared the common stereotypes."

Why, you may ask, did this make me smile?!  

Psychology

A couple of years ago, my sweet Sister-in-law told me that she wants to return to college and study psychology.  While it's just not my thing, I am thrilled for her that she is interested in continuing to learn!  However, she later told me that, "Psychology is one of those majors that people snicker at.  And even with a PhD, you can't get a job."  How sad that she had been given no encouragement by the educators at ASU (near where she lives) and psychologists she had been in contact with!

Facts and Fun

As I started to read Dickens' "Hard Times", I had to stop - even the first few sentences hurt!  Education in every form should be full of exciting & interesting moments of discovery, expanding our minds and hearts, learning the what as well as the why and how, but most of all fun!

survey - chime in, please!

I have a friend who cannot go to college at this time - she is neither physically nor financially able to attend at this time - but she really wants to learn, improve, and expand her horizons & knowledge.

I have already suggested to her that she read the Harvard Classics & the Newberry books for Juvinile fiction.

So, my dear readers, I/she would like your help - what could you suggest to her to read to educate herself?

Creativity vs Education

I saw this video from TED 2006, & thought it extremely interesting!  By the by, there is a funny commentary about University Professors at about the 11 minute mark!