Wired for Distraction: High+Tech=Dumb

"Students have always faced distractions and time-wasters. But computers and cellphones, and the constant stream of stimuli they offer, pose a profound new challenge to focusing and learning...Article

This is an excerpt from an article that seems to be way more popular than I ever expected.

Who would have deemed technology as a backward step in intellectual behavior? But the evidence is clear. Technology is dumbing us down. It seems that our cognitive memory needs more time to store information than high-tech gadgets are allowing us. The problem seems to be attention span deficit. Multi-tasking is a convenient way for us to feel like we are doing a lot at once, but the long term effect is already starting to show. There are a few signs that are undeniable.

-The unusual amount of people weaving in traffic, while texting. This makes it more difficult to tell who is actually driving under the influence.

-Without the use of your phone, recite 3-5 of your best friends phone numbers. From memory.

-Try using a paper map to navigate your driving.

-Spelling, grammar and punctuation from speed typing and texting.

These signs might not seem problematic now, but the long term effect will show in the next 20 years. People are so busy minded with technology, that we depend on it like a mental crutch. If this crutch ever disappears...we will be forced to learn all over again the old fashion way. And that might not be such a bad idea

Your friendly cyberhood

Uncle Samurai

For The Conquering

Happiness

My life story ...so far

When I was 14, I decided to be a musician. It was a lifetime decision that I have never looked back on. I have talked to people who are my age that still don't know what the hell they want to be and it makes me feel so lucky and blessed that I knew who I wanted to be so long ago. However, I do not have my own house,a steady income, my own children who will carry on my family gene, daily phone calls from friends, a car I can depend on, money to travel with or a degree. A life, as they say.

What I do have, though, is this relentless passion and motivation to make music for all of you who chose to take on life's trials and tribulations day by day, with hard work and the willingness to survive. To some how filter all this chaotic bullshit that we create into moments of blissfulll ear joy. When I play a song to people who enjoy it, it gives me another reason to be here for another day. When someone tells me that my music makes them feel good, I have to make more. It's because of this that my life doesn't seem like work. Regardless of the countless hours I have spent alone, rain or shine composing music. Thanks to my family and friends, I have been awarded the time I need to create music. I am not speaking for every musician out there. I am telling you how I feel. Why? Because this is my life story. It's being written everyday that I am alive. My songs are going to out live me. I appreciate that dearly anytime I listen to Jimi or SRV or Robert Johnson or...any artist that is gone.

So I think it is important to make time to say these things that I will not be able to say one day. Technology makes it possible and very easy to record my thoughts and feelings, as well as songs. I'd hate for my entire life story to be read as a facebook thread, as I add one more file to the countless records of peoples lives being kept by...someone out there. And since I am a musician, the soundtrack, pretty much, writes itself.

It is quite a self empowering moment to realize that I do have control of my life if I am writing the story each day.

This is my life story...so far.

Your friendly cyberhood

Uncle Samurai

Dear Mr. President

Dear Mr. President,

my opinion is biased and reflects the age and experience I have had as an American citizen. As a 41 year old Black and Japanese American musician, I have been debating with people, defending and honoring your name since you have become the President of the United states of America.

I enjoy it very much. I hope that you get re-elected in 2012.

your friendly cyberhood

Uncle Samurai