- From All Things Considered the other day, I listened with a growing knot in my stomach to the story, "Digital School Library Leaves Book Stacks Behind." The short story is that a boarding school has eliminated all actual books from their library in favor of a completely digital collection. Yes, I said ALL actual paper books. None. Zilch. This got me thinking... does every new piece of technology eventually have to lead to an all or nothing choice? Because while I adore my addictions to several now-necessary pieces of technology, as an avid reader, I can't say that I look forward to the demise of paper books. I have yet to use an e-reader, but while I can see their value for several reasons, I cannot imagine a day that I eliminate all real books from my life. Yet, these boarding school students are experiencing a complete transformation to their library experience, and I'm not sure that's positive or necessary. Give the story a listen- it's under 5 minutes- and see what you think?
- I also wanted to point out something that we heard this morning during Morning Edition. It's just one of those 'strange stories' that leads the return to the program from the advertising break, and it's literally only 27 seconds long. As we honor our Veterans and their service today, this is an important story to hear, just in case you had any plans for mugging anyone today. No? Eh, give it a go anyway, trust me.
Hoping that I get to listen to more NPR this week,
**How am I doing on my gratitude challenge?? Come check up on me here since I'll be adding new entries each day!**
I heard that mugging story on the radio today too. Very strange. It's hard to reconcile that behavior with some of the stuff you hear out of Baltimore where a victim will be beaten unnecessarily after already handing over their wallet.
ReplyDeleteOh why oh why did I fry my sound card?? I'd love to listen to that first spot. It sends shivers down my spine, honestly. I mean I can understand doing away with physical card catalogs, but the actual BOOKS?
ReplyDeleteBTW, do you get The Moth program there? Some great stories from ordinary folk, not quite as polished as This American Life, more open mic. Today I heard one about a comedian whose daughter is dying of cancer while he's trying to build his career. That made me cry, and then the next story about a kid with his drill sergeant dad had me laughing my head off. Anyway. Long live NPR. :)
My dad must have had the wrong muggers, when he was robbed at gun point going to law school at night after a full days work at the Pentagon. He was a Captain in the Navy - in uniform and all. :D
ReplyDeleteNPR is the best.