Here’s another survey! Take Aaron’s survey on the Amethyst Initiative, and please pass along in any way you can so he gets some data….

Here’s an interesting blog about young people and money by a recent Stanford grad.

Hey everyone, help Rich out with his story by taking his survey. Then please pass the link on to all your friends so he can gather some data. Thanks!

Here’s the OIT website with the handouts on blogs.

Okay, I just got a Facebook page over the summer, and an old writer friend, who also had a new Facebook page e-mailed me, saying it was time to sell the stock in Facebook when old geezers like us are using it. True.

I have to say, I am amazed at all the updates people post! Where do you folks find the time to tell me that you’re on your way to the fish market, or that you’re tired, or that you’re having enchiladas for dinner? And why do you think I care?

Do you all care about what people are doing at any particular moment, and if so, why?

And here’s a question: Are you on Facebook as much as you were a year ago? Where do you spend the bulk of your webtime these days?

Here’s a NY Times story about the dangers of texting while driving, walking, er, doing just about anything else. One assertion: Texting temporarily lowers the IQ by 10 points.

Plus, it’s really rude to text while you’re in a class. What, you don’t think the professor can see you looking down furtively into your lap??

Elyse developed a survey. Take a look and take the survey. Send the link to your friends. Let’s see the results. Very unscientific!

How important is the role of the journalist in telling the truth about the world?

Read this excerpt from New York Times reporter Dexter Filkins’ new book, The Forever War.

Then read this review of the book by novelist Robert Stone.

What do you think?

Per class discussion yesterday about trade associations and their usefulness as sources, I came across this post on talkingpointsmemo.com. Apparently even tanning studios have trade associations.

Fake Bake

The Indoor Tanning Association comes to Sarah Palin’s defense (via Yglesias):

While partisan bloggers and the sun scare industry will use this as an opportunity to undermine Gov. Palin and demonize the indoor tanning industry, the fact is that Governor Palin’s decision to get UV light from a tanning bed positively impacts her health.”Moderate amounts of indoor tanning allow Governor Palin to experience the many health benefits that come with exposure to UV light,” said Dan Humiston, President of the Indoor Tanning Association. “Especially in dreary northern locations like Alaska, indoor tanning can help guard against wintertime depression and ward off diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency.”

“Kudos to Governor Palin for standing up to dermatologists and other members of the sun scare industry who are trying to frighten Americans away from UV light.”

Late Update: Hmmm … is the Dan Humiston quoted above also the Dan Humiston (R) who ran for Congress in New York this year? So it appears. (Thanks to TPM Reader JL for the link.)

Here’s a website that focuses on the economics of content.  Anything here interest you??