don't be an douchebag, read to your kid, and mean it!

SO apparently if you read to your kid, but you do it like a jerk, the goods won't stick. Nipper's cousin Todd, who is a super genius, and a wizard in the kitchen, wrote this article on education.com . Those of you who think that your peevish bedtime stories are paying off, had better click on over and read it PRONTO! Encouragement and love is what kids need to feel confident. Who knew???

I read something similar in the book "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell, who is, like NK's cousin Todd, a super genius. (though I have no idea wether or not he can scramble and egg) He writes about the way in which a kid who is born with a high IQ, but who is not nurtured or given guidance, can be at a disadvantage to a kid who is merely average, but is given support to learn and grow. I think we've all seen examples of this. Everyone knows someone who is clearly highly intelligent, but totally dysfunctional in the world. That self declared genius, the mensa groupie, who can't seem to hold down a job. And of course the dumb dumb who just keeps winning. (W)

Another good book I just finished, not necessarily on this subject exactly, but still a fascinating read is "Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada's Quest to Change Harlem and America" by Paul Tough. I don't know if Tough is any kind of genius, or chef, but he writes a damn good book, and I'm sure his mother is proud.

As you might have noticed, I learned how to use the link button on blogger. It's like I'm, you know, part of this whole stupid internet fad.