Photoshop Disasters/Gorillaz

http://photoshopdisasters.blogspot.com
I have been following this blog for the past 6 months, and I find the posts to be absolutely hilarious. The site points out photoshop errors, from minor to major, and follows it with sarcastic comments to add comedy directed to the oblivious photo manipulator. Some errors they discover come from presently used banners that are used on mainstream magazines and internet aids. The blog is simply for entertainment purposes, but also shows the example that no one is perfect. I am a huge fan of this blog, and plan to follow it as the months continue.

http://gorillaz-news.livejournal.com/
I have been a fan of the Gorillaz for almost a decade. I enjoy listening to their unique music and their creative instrumentals. The four group members (2D, Noodle, Russel, and Murdoc) were declared one of the best bands in England, and they don't even exist. The creators of the animated band are singer Damon Albarn (Lead singer of Blur) and animator Jamie Hewlett (creator of Tank Girl, a famous comic in England). I love keeping tabs on the "band's" personal lives, and listening to remixes/new songs created by the Gorillaz or other well-known musicians. They don't plan on making a new album any time soon, but I am still a dedicated fan to their music. The current livejournal blog has moved to their own website (http://gorillaz-unofficial.com) and has actually been praised by both Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. The blog is an excellent reference to find the latest Gorillaz news, and has my approval indeed.

The Dumbest Generation?

Mark Baurelein, author of "The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future", gives a strong viewpoint on how currently America subjects themselves to luxuries such as Internet, MP3 Players, and Video Games. These luxuries continuously deprive people, specifically students ranging from preschool to college, from books and other forms of knowledge. Books and Newspapers to the present human mind are out of date, yet they are the most reliable source of information. The Internet does not always supply legitimate information to provide a student plausible facts for history or current events. A perfect example is Wikipedia, which can be edited or rearranged by absolutely anyone. Recently, a students' bibliography for projects revolves around Wikipedia. Moderators keep watch of false information; however, they may catch the gimmick a bit too late. I personally believe teachers should be on the look out for sites such as these, and warn their students beforehand to not always believe what they discover on the Internet. The more teachers teach about technology itself, the better understanding students will have on what to trust and distrust.

It is astonishing what this country has come to in technology. The industrial boom has circullated the globe, from iPods to Navigational Systems that can speak to you fluently. Technology can teach a single generation that anything is possible, and admiring these genius inventors may create an even more luxurious lifestyle for that future generation.

It is extremely complicating to say if our generation is, in fact, the dumbest generation. Will our generation become lazy off of our own creations? Or will we strive to become better than our ancestors in inventions and luxuries? I believe that our generation's "IQ" depends on who is willing to stand up and take the future to a whole new perspective. The people who completely submit all energy to luxuries will perish. The people who work hard for their money, afford luxuries and appreciate what this amazing country has provided will survive. This world is based on survival of the fittest, and whoever takes that lead and takes care of themselves will make our future different for the better, or for the worst. Time will tell.