Twitter, Facebook, e-publishing, blogs, distance-learning and other social media raise some of the most divisive cultural questions of our time. Some see the technological breakthroughs we live with as hopeful and democratic new steps in education, information gathering, and human progress. But others are deeply concerned by the eroding of civility online, declining reading habits, withering attention spans, and the treacherous effects of 24/7 peer pressure on our young.With The Dumbest Generation, Mark Bauerlein emerged as the foremost voice against the development of an overwhelming digital social culture. But The Digital Divide doesn't take sides. Framing the discussion so that leading voices from across the spectrum, supporters and detractors alike, have the opportunity to weigh in on the profound issues raised by the new media-from questions of reading skills and attention span, to cyber-bullying and the digital playground-Bauerlein's new book takes the debate to a higher ground.The book includes essays by Steven Johnson, Nicholas Carr, Don Tapscott, Douglas Rushkoff, Maggie Jackson, Clay Shirky, Todd Gitlin, and many more. Though these pieces have been previously published, the organization of The Digital Divide gives them freshness and new relevancy, making them part of a single document listeners can use to truly get a handle on online privacy, the perils of a plugged-in childhood, and other technology-related hot topics.Rather than dividing the book into "pro" and "con" sections, the essays are arranged by subject-"The Brain, the Senses," "Learning in and out of the Classroom," "Social and Personal Life," "The Millennials," "The Fate of Culture," and "The Human (and Political) Impact." Bauerlein incorporates a short headnote and a capsule bio about each contributor, as well as relevant contextual information about the source of the selection.Bauerlein also provides a new introduction that traces the development of the debate, from the initial Digital Age zeal, to a wave of skepticism, and to a third stage of reflection that wavers between criticism and endorsement.Enthusiasm for the Digital Age has cooled with the passage of time and the piling up of real-life examples that prove the risks of an online-focused culture. However, there is still much debate, comprising thousands of commentaries and hundreds of books, about how these technologies are rewriting our futures. Now, with this timely and definitive volume, listeners can finally cut through the clamor, read the very best writings from each side of The Digital Divide, and make more informed decisions about the presence and place of technology in their lives.About the AuthorMark Bauerlein is a professor of English at Emory University and has worked as a director of research and analysis at the National Endowment for the Arts, where he oversaw studies about culture and American life. His writing has appeared in many publications and scholarly periodicals, including the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Mark lives with his family in Atlanta. Xe Sands has more than a decade of experience bringing stories to life through narration, performance, and visual art, including recordings of Thrill of the Chase by Christina Crooks and Buttered Side Down by Edna Ferber. From poignant young adult fiction to powerful first-person narrative, Sandss characterizations are rich and expressive and her narrations evocative and intimate. She has also won multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards, including for her narration of The Sweet Relief of Missing Children by Sarah Braunstein. A veteran of stage and screen, Peter Berkrots career spans four decades. Highlights include feature roles in Caddyshack and Showtimes Brotherhood, and appearances on Americas Most Wanted and Unsolved Mysteries. His voice can be heard on television, radio, video games, documentaries and industrials. He is a prominent acting coach and a regular contributor to the award-winning news program Frontline produced by WGBH in Boston. Peter served as director of narration for the Emmy-nominated The Truth About Cancer. Peter has recorded a number of audiobooks, including three by Peter Hessler: Country Driving, Oracle Bones, and River Town. Other favorite titles include The Woods by Harlan Coben, English, August by Upamanyu Chatterjee, The Fifth Vial by Michael Palmer, American Brutus by Michael W. Kauffmann, Better by Atul Gawande, and Some Sort of Epic Grandeur by Matthew J. Bruccoli. Views: 53
In 2050, the Cataclysmic Wars erupted, triggering natural disasters. Tornados, tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanoes. The country once known as England was changed forever.Some survivors developed physical and mental gifts in the century since. The king uses "gifted" children for entertainment, and some die from the strain.For seventeen-year-old Kelwin, his gift of second sight is a curse. Physical contact is painful, and he keeps his family at a distance.Sixteen-year-old Alyssa doesn't know it but she has the gift of telekinesis. Her father died and she and her brother have a new guardian. He senses her gift and wants to control her. Afraid, they run to Kelwin's family home.Kelwin is drawn to Alyssa, and feels no pain when he touches her. Alyssa senses a connection to him too. And her gift she denies.As they grow closer so does danger. Can she and Kelwin work together to keep their families safe? Or is there a bigger threat? Views: 53
This is the book about one of the world's great authors, Alice Munro, which shows how her life and her stories intertwine.For almost thirty years Robert Thacker has been researching this book, steeping himself in Alice Munro's life and work, working with her co-operation to make it complete. The result is a feast of information for Alice Munro's admirers everywhere.By following "the parallel tracks" of Alice Munro's life and Alice Munro's texts, he gives a thorough and revealing account of both her life and work. "There is always a starting point in reality," she once said of her stories, and this book reveals just how often her stories spring from her life.The book is chronological, starting with her pioneer ancestors, but with special attention paid to her parents and to her early days growing up poor in Wingham. Then all of her life stages -- the marriage to Jim Munro, the move to Vancouver, then to Victoria to start the bookstore, the three... Views: 53
A powerful novel by Lizzie Wilcock, the acclaimed author of Losing It. Quiet, shy Paige has been best friends with Elfi and Rochelle for years. Together with their mate Jed, the gang vows on the last day of school to stay friends forever. But when Paige discovers no one has written in her yearbook, she starts to feel invisible. When Paige gets back to school after the summer, she accidentally falls in with the popular crowd and her world turns upside down. Can Paige find a way to stay true to herself when everything around her is changing? Give Me Four Reasons is a coming-of-age book for girls, leaving behind the comfort of primary school and embarking on the adventure of secondary school! Views: 53
Determined to prove herself as a Seeker, fallen angel Lara Rho is drawn to restless sailor Justin Miller who, unable to recall most of his life, needs her help in uncovering his true identity--a dangerous journey that forces them to choose between their true natures and love. Original. Views: 53
Thomas must keep the treasure of Dies Dear from landing in the wrong hands, but there are many secrets beneath Drear House, and not everyone can be trusted Thomas Small and his best friend Pesty Darrow have been keeping the secret of the vast treasure that's hidden in Mr. Pluto's cave, once a stop on the Underground Railroad. Pesty also has to keep the treasure a secret from her family, who want it for themselves. And there are plenty more secrets in the underground passageways—hidden rooms, Indian legends, and terrifying ghosts. Now Thomas thinks that Pesty might be keeping some secrets from him, too. If they can't trust each other, how will they ever protect the treasure? This ebook features an illustrated biography of Virginia Hamilton including rare photos from the author's estate. Views: 53
Book Description To bring a generals-old feud to an end, the gallant warrior, Laird of Forbes must return the long-lost daughter of his now dying enemy to Scottish soil. But what if the young child perished in infancy 17 years ago and there is, sadly, no daughter to return? A warrior improvises...and finds a beautiful imposter to bring back to his native land. The beautiful Rose Gunther has decided to be neither impressed, nor scared by the arrogant Scotsman who whisks her away from her English convent. But try to resist her attraction to the powerful Leith she may, she can’t deny how utterly helpless she is in resisting his sensuous touch...About the AuthorLois Greiman is the author of more than twenty novels, including romantic comedy, historical romance, children's stories, and mystery. She has won such prestigious honors as Romantic Times Storyteller Of The Year, MFW's Rising Star, and RT's Love and Laughter awards. Her heroes have received K.I.S.S. recognition numerous times and her books have been seen regularly among the industries Top Picks! Ms. Greiman has done everything from high fashion modeling to mucking stalls for a living and resides in Minnesota with her family--some of whom are human. Views: 53
Job security isn’t something Addison’s concerned with. Death, however? Yeah, death's a major concern. All she wants is for the half-dusted vampire she found to die. All Rhyse wants is to find out who tried to kill him. Neither of them wanted the danger their partnership brings. A vampire king and a woman who doesn't know she has the power to destroy the entire supernatural world--not a good match. Views: 53
