By Dr. Charlie W. Starr We’ve been doing a series on what’s good in mass media. Last month we talked about smarter television, focusing on how plots have gotten more complex in the last few decades. This month we’re going to look at other smart techniques TV is using to engage our intellects on […]
By Dr. Charlie W. Starr I’ve often talked about what’s bad in mass media. In this series I am purposely emphasizing what’s good. And among the good is that plotlines in TV dramas have become more complex and interesting. Television has been called “the plug-in drug” and blamed for the dumbing down of America. […]
By Dr. Charlie W. Starr I’m proud of my son, Bryan. Last year he found a website devoted to filmmaking that holds monthly contests for independent short films. The site provides an opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to send in projects and possibly win some prizes, not the least of which is bragging rights. Bryan’s […]
By Dr. Charlie W. Starr I recently read a quote about a man who fears the rise of a new communications technology: “This discovery . . . will create forgetfulness in the learners’ souls, because they will not use their memories . . . they will be hearers of many things and will have […]
By Dr. Charlie W. Starr As I write this article, college football has just wrapped up with a comeback win by Florida State over Auburn, the NFL playoffs are only now getting started, Dennis Rodman has just announced he’s taking a group of basketball players to North Korea, and the Winter Olympics are only […]
