"Your Brain on Computers"

I found this article on nytimes.com last Tuesday and it immediately caught my attention.  I feel I can completely relate to this. With so many portable, digital devices we now have barely any time to think for ourselves. This may not be correct of all people, but most of the time when I'm watching a video, listening to music, or just sending a text on my phone I feel as if my brain completely shuts off- I might as well be asleep (accept that would be contributing to my physical health). Personally, my favorite example of this is when someone is walking around campus engrossed in their phone and they don't realize that they are about to run into a person or a door. Whatever they're doing may be important, but is it important enough to risk missing something around you, be it the door or a chance to get Ryan Reynold's autograph?


Two studies mentioned in this article suggest that you can learn easier with fewer distractions, specifically electronic distractions. That doesn't exactly sound like rocket science to me, but maybe that's what it takes for people to realize this. The University of Michigan conducted a study that implies bombarding yourself with information throughout the day makes you more fatigued. For example, you come home and watch TV for two hours and you believe that you are relaxing or refreshing yourself, but it is actually tiring your brain.


This article also says that "when people keep their brains busy with digital input, they are forfeiting downtime that could allow them to better learn and remember information, or come up with new ideas." I agree with this, I find it much harder to write a paper or take a good photograph after I've been watching TV all day as opposed to days when I only focus on general tasks.

Ironically enough, here are some videos related to this article.


Try not to fatigue your brain!

There is a rumor among the students of Marshall University. It can be seen as an act of God by the city of Huntington whose cracked and broken sidewalks scream for the need of re-pavement, but it can also be a devastating blow to the ego's of Marshall fans and students. On the night of September 10, 2010 West Virginia University may be renting out Marshall's entire Recreational Center for its own private use. While this rumor has not yet been confirmed, the likelihood of it is undeniable. The city of Huntington, which owns Marshall's Rec. Center, would benefit greatly from the profit made by renting out the building from the financially fortunate WVU. While this is great for the city we inhabit, our personal feelings and pride may be damaged in consequence. This is our city, our campus, our Rec. There has been no confirmation of this rumor (though not from lack of trying), and we will be patiently waiting for the truth.

Furyk

Pro golfer Jim Furyk was disqualified from the Barclays for accidently sleeping in.  Furyk is one of the highest ranked players in the world right now and cannot continue in the tournament.  I believe that his disqualification is unfair; I don't think he deserves the consequences. It was just a mistake that many people make on a daily basis.  I personally do not agree with the rule, and the players should be given some slack- nobody's perfect. He didn't hurt anybody by showing up late, and he should be given another chance especially since he's been preparing for this tournament.