November 18, 2004
two notions
1. the silence since that sad, stupid, embarrasing day is symptomatic of my willingness to participate in public discourse.
2. Attended (with many others) the Matt-Kirschenbaum-organized panel on the NEA study, Reading at Risk. Given the array of observations made during the discussion, it's fairly difficult to respond coherently. Nevertheless, I left with two impressions: first, "text" and "read" are words that remain in need of thougtful attention, and second, intellectuals do not always listen to each other. I'm very grateful to Matt for coordinating the discussion. One of the better panels I've listened to.
However, the one panelist who seemed to have fallen asleep... I don't know. Maybe he or she thinks more effectively eyes wide shut, but he or she most certainly appeared to jerk him or herself awake on a number of occasions. kind of sad.
