In the media

Two noteworthy items in the NYTimes this week. First, the graphic on the right, which I shamelessly pulled from an article published last Tuesday (& unfortunately no longer available except for $$$). Apparently, the Times is no longer content w/just being the authority on everything happening in the world today. Now it is also the self-appointed arbiter of cute. In case you can't see ...

Which is cute?

Small nose
Cute: Hermione
Not cute: Cyrano de Bergerac

Round body
Cute: VW bug
Not cute: Hummer

Eyes face inward
Cute: Squirtle from Finding Nemo
Not cute: A real-life sea turtle

Wrinkled skin
Cute: ET
Not cute: Predator

Body fuzz
Cute: Woolly bear
Not cute: Scary spider

Round face
Cute: Smiley emoticon
Not cute: #!*?

There's also a special Education Life section, in which the leading article presents the pros and cons of Advanced Placement examinations in schools today. I was bowled over by the fact that some school districts are handing out cars, laptops, and cash prizes in order to encourage students to take the AP. Exactly 10 years ago, I was slaving my little butt away to take my first AP test, and I don't recall getting any of that. As to the issue of AP tests being a good thing or a bad thing, I maintain a neutral position, and I've come to suspect the Times of hyping even this into more of a controversy than it really is, just to get the "scoop." Such is the price we pay for quality (and free!)--if at times over-eager--reporting.