In the short run, I think this discussion of how TV has become, on average, more complex and cognitively challenging, is reasonably good. In the long, run, though, an analysis of just TV fails to capture enough of"popular culture" to stand on its own. The narrative complexity which is cited here as a recent development reminds me more of 19th century novels; the narrative simplicity cited as the"traditional" TV fare reminds me of 20th century pulp fiction (detective, romance, western). Others may see more substantial connections elsewhere.

Oscar Chamberlain - 4/25/2005

John I posted a reply in my post that's one down.

Rob MacDougall - 4/25/2005

I enjoyed that article too, Jon. My own idiosyncratic reactions are here: The Bochco Code.

John H. Lederer - 4/25/2005

Sen. Schumer declared that a willingness to overturn Roe v. Wade was "extremist" and that no one would be allowed to serve on the federal bench who had such views.

In doing so he declared all who adhere to the tenets of the Roman Catholic Church unqualified for office.

That also seems contrary to the uneasy compromise we have between religion and politics.

Perhaps this is a pot best left unstirred regardless of the direction of the spoon.