My Inner Author

For many of the past few years, I have been engaged in the social media world online.   Not only Facebook and MySpace, but also in communities like Reddit and Fark where people from many diverse backgrounds post and share information and opinions.   This culture of posting thoughts, beliefs and things which matter to us, as well as commenting on things others post has led to our culture removing many barriers to our more inner selves and thoughts.   Much of this on Facebook is very personal, whereas some other mediums provide the opportunity to post things more anonymously, from behind screen names and generally without repercussions.   The result of all this sharing will make for some fascinating studies in the future, for it may lead to a more open and frank society, or it may lead to a further erosion of our civility as the more extreme parts of our culture continue to draw us all into choosing sides and alienating ourselves from those who believe differe...

Dear Disney, Our family had the occasion to visit Walt Disney World this past weekend to celebrate my son's 16th birthday.   He really wanted to have his big present this year be a Disney trip with a friend and so off we went. We had a very nice time.   I had not visited the parks since December 2005, and so much has changed and yet, so much remains the same.   Expedition Everest is not new, but it was for me and it is the best coaster ride you have.   Awesome!   Wait times were never too long and the ride itself is quite unique.   Also, this is the first time I got to ride Soarin' (the last time we went the lines were 2-3 hours long and there was simply no way I was sitting idle that long for any ride).   It is certainly amazing as well, a very nice 21st century update to the Eastern Airlines "If You Had Wings" concept. But, one tip?  You have got to find a way to hide the feet of the row in front of you from view.  It is distr...