…that you can write things in a notebook?  Many stores offer packets of paper, held together with glue, thread, or wire spiral; and a selection of pens and pencils that you can use to make marks on the paper.  Simply open the notebook the way you would a laptop, and “make believe” that the bottom page is the keyboard, and the top page the screen.  Then, draw or write on the top page the message you would normally see on the screen.  This may seem strange to you at first; but notebooks use less electricity, still work if you spill drinks on them — and often cost less than even the cheapest laptop!

…that the ukulele is a valid musical instrument?  Some grumpy nay-sayers reject it as “culturally obsolete” or “guitar for dummies.”  But the “uke” has long been popular in Hawaii, Samoa, Japan, and many other places; and our South American neighbors play “cuatros” and “cavaquinhos” that are very similar.  Just because these people dress differently than you, or have skin that is darker than yours, doesn’t mean that their music is no good!

…that anti-intellectualism can make you stupider?  If you learn about a subject, or think things through before you act, you can actually make smarter choices and more effective decisions.  You may think that only a “brainiac” learns about his tools before using them; but screws hold better if you screw them in with a screwdriver, rather than pounding them with your shoe.  And reading street signs helps you from getting lost on the way to the store!

(Posted by Doug Skinner)