Long tail huh? sorry to break it to you, but this is many years ago news. Credit goes to Chris Anderson of WIRED.

I must say having just finished it this past week, that "Engulfed" is easily one of Sedaris' best books. Comming only second in my opinion to "Dress Your Family".

Long tail huh? sorry to break it to you, but this is many years ago news. Credit goes to Chris Anderson of WIRED.

Max - What Norm posted was actually about a study that disputed the Long Tail theory - very interesting. I looked a little deeper and here is a response to Chris Anderson's response to the study.... http://conversationstarter.hbsp.com/2008/07/thelongtaildebatecontinues.html (delving into a topic on the internet can be so addictive...)

I also found the fallacy of examples really interesting. It reminded me of what I think is the reverse - when a celebrity of any sort says I always knew I was different. I think everyone thinks they are different and that is not the definer of their pursuit of or their subsequent success. But, someone impressionable out there would think - I feel different, too - I must be destined for celebrity....

With regard to the suspended teacher, I appreciate the comments on the Guardian Blog, especially this from "Housebrand"

"Folks, If you think the schoolboard should hear from the wider world about this, here's where to go to give them feedback.

http://www.msdpt.k12.in.us/schoolboard/sb_profiles.html#top

The board members are: Susan Adams, Rubie L. Alexander, Jo Ellen Buffie, Gayle Houchin, Steve Maple, Barbara Thompson, Nancy Walsh.

The link will give you their email addresses as well as other contact information.

My own thought are: I'm a teacher at another U.S. high school and am embarrassed that the world forms its opinion of the U.S. partly from such stories of seemingly narrow-mindedness."