Monthly Archives: July 2004

Cool stuff in Atlanta

Unfortunately, we probably wouldn’t be able to tour it, but the Adult Swim Factory sounds like a cool place. I guess I’ll have to settle for watching its product, when I remember.
It’s a shame the reviewer is uninformed about things, though: since when does any network (much less Fox) have "24 hours of airtime to fill"? And, of course, he misspells Warner Bros., but so do a lot of folks. And how does this get by fact-checking: "Other networks, noticing the success of Adult Swim, have attempted to usurp its popularity by launching mature-themed programs of their own. Comedy Central jumped into the fray with 2003’s Kid Notorious…" Has he not heard of South Park?

I'm an illiterate mass

NYT reports “a precipitous downward trend in book consumption by Americans and a particular decline in the reading of fiction, poetry and drama,” citing a study finding that “fewer than half of Americans over 18 now read novels, short stories, plays or poetry.”

What the hell is wrong with reading non-fiction, short essays and instructional materials? My own feeling about most “literary” novels, short stories and especially modern poetry are probably in line with those of most USAnians, that they’re written so that a certain small portion of the country can feel superior about themselves for consuming it. Like Public Radio (except This American Life and Le Show). I prefer more actual entertainment for my entertainment.

Are you happy now?

The only citation I can find with a brief look is on the BBC’s Magazine, and it’s the quote of the day, so get it while it’s hot:

"I hope you feel satisfied by that."
–The Queen to Earl Spencer after paying tribute to Diana

Maybe I’m only imagining a certain tone of resentment there.

Yet another breakthrough for science

I got bored before finishing the article, but there could be some interesting findings in research showing that fooling your body by feeding it sweet things with no calories might make you prone to over-eat. Regardless, the most stunning breakthrough is pretty early in the piece: "Based on the research, Davidson and Swithers suggest paying more attention to calories consumed and engaging in regular exercise to battle the bulge."
What? Exercise and monitor caloric intake? Such radicals.