Each month we will highlight a new book and hold a conference call to discuss it.

AGAINST THE MACHINE by Lee Siegel

Every now and then you read something and as you read it you cannot stop shaking your head.  For many it was "Bowling Alone," where we saw on the page what we ourselves had been thinking.  Now comes a book that makes a great deal of sense, Lee Siegel, a writer, thinker and as the New York Times Book Review puts it, "cultural provocateur."

“The Age of the Unthinkable” by Joshua Cooper Ramo

This new book, put out by Little Brown, challenges us all to think about the world around us in a different way.  It highlights the fact that it is indeed the little things that turn our lives upside down and it is the little things that cause the avalanches that surprise us all.

Mr. Ramo writes and talks about the need for individuals, governments, businesses, organizations and families to be resilient.  As people we have to eat better foods, even have our own garden, we have to conserve energy, save money for trying times and invest ourselves in the greater community, both in our own neighborhood and around the world.

Additionally, Mr. Ramo writes about the need to enhance creativity.  Creative minds are ones that solve problems, bring beauty into the world, see things in ways that others don’t.  We know from research that screen-time diminishes our creativity and our ability to think analytically.  This spells disaster in a world of constant change, one where we need to be flexible.

This is an important book that will provide each one of us with a window on what we must do to foster positive change, at home, at school and in the workplace.

In a brief conversation with Mr. Ramo, here are some of the things he had to say:

CSTA: In your book you refer to individuals and families, but don’t discuss the specifics of what we can do as people.  What are two of the key things we can do, what should we be doing?

RAMO:  The most essential thing is people must be more resilient, they must create a more resilient society.  Each of us must eat healthier food, use less energy and save more.  We must demand that governmental structures change, change is all around us and we must do the kinds of things that make us better prepared for that change.

Additionally we have to be more engaged what I call a caring economy, one where we take care of the people in our communities and take time off to volunteer in communities around the world.  If we want a safer world, we have to take a look at the “haves” and “have-nots.”  This is not going to be done by governments, but by each of us.  When we, personally, are engaged in the world it makes the world smaller and it gives us the information we need to make the world a safer place. Empathy is vitally important.

CSTA:  What would you say to someone who is concerned about their own personal needs and fears?  You are asking a lot of individuals, working around the world, engaging more in their communities…why?

RAMO:  We are not simply in an economic crisis; we are in a historic moment of change.  Those of us who are resilient will survive and prosper.  We cannot expect that the actions of the past, or those who try to protect the status quo will find answers to the problems facing us or yet to come.  This is up to each of us.

CSTA:  As an organization with a focus on the impact of screened media on the world around us, what role do you see technology playing in the future and our ability to be resilient?

RAMO:  Technology, when used right, can help save us, but it works for both sides, good and bad.  A cell phone, for example, is an important business tool, but can also be used to set off a roadside bomb. 

 
Technology used incorrectly has led us to short attention spans and unhealthy lifestyles. Now, when we need to look at the big picture, stay calm and understand the world in ways requiring greater attention, we don’t have those tools.  When used well, modern technology is important and useful, if used for the wrong reasons or incorrectly, it leads to unhealthy situations.

CSTA:  Thank you for your time.

Going forward with our BOOK CLUB, we are introducing three new books we are open to read and discuss.  We want YOU to be part of the decision making process.  Each one looks at issues that either directly address our issue or touch on areas that deeply impact us all.  We are open to other books as well, but for right now, please take a look at the following:

THE LONELY AMERICAN: From a husband and wife team, Jacqueline Olds & Richard Schwartz, Harvard psychiatrists, looking at the impact loneliness has on each and everyone of us.  Part of the book is dedicated to the impact electronic media has on this and how it leads to an array of issues of deep concern and mental health problems.  It is a powerful book and a must read for parents and concerned citizens.

LIVING WITHOUT THE SCREEN: An in-depth study of some of the American families and individuals who do not watch or in many cases even own a television.  Written by Marina Krcmar, a professor from Wake Forrest University, it is an eye opener and talks directly to some of our most ardent supporters.

ELSEWHERE USA: written by NYU professor Dalton Conley, a trendsetting academic with a strong following around the world.  This book looks at how and why we use technology, its social and financial impact and how, if we want to change things, we need to change the way we start the discussion.  This book makes you think about the way you think and that might be just the first step in making change.

From these three books, we hope, we will come up with one, two or even three of the next books in our series.  Please purchase them, take them out of the library or receive one of them (your choice) when you become a member at the $150 level (or more).  If you want more information on the book club, membership or CSTA, please contact us at 202-333-9220 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

December 11, 2008 

Thank you to those who joined us for the last book club meeting.  Before we move forward in 2009, I am going to ask people to suggest books that you would like to discuss and read.  These books can be on the subject of screen-time, a related subject, or just something of interest...nothing need be excluded.

In addition, I would like you to suggest the best time and day of the week for you, since we want to maximize participation.

You can submit this information to me directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or via 202-333-9220, the office telephone number.

Certainly this is not better than people sitting together in someone's home, but it is a way to share thoughts nationally once a month and a way to meet people with similar interests, or professional goals.

I hope to hear from you soon and thank you for visiting our website, participating in our programs and putting people ahead of machines.

The next book in the book club series is Robert Putnam's landmark book, BOWLING ALONE: THE COLLAPSE AND REVIVAL OF AMERICAN COMMUNITY

The book, one of the first, explored what happens to a society when communication and interaction is not a priority, when the solitary life (one filled with media) takes over, making us a little less human.

This is a classic, and even if you don't agree with everything Robert Putman has to say, it opens the door to amazing conversation.

Join us on December 9, 2008 (our last get together this year).  We have held these programs in the afternoon (Eastern time) and now look to all of you to suggest a time that works best.  This is a democratic process, so the time selected by the most people will become the official time for this discussion.

Please let me know what works best for you by emailing me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  I hope to hear from you soon.

October 15, 2008 

The second book being discussed by the CSTA Book Club is, Lisa Guernsey's Into the Mind of Babes: How Screen Time Affects Children..."

Although we at CSTA don't agree with all Ms. Guernsey's points, we think this is an important book that takes a balanced approach to the issue of screen time for children, especially young children.

We look forward to hearing your opinions on our international conference call to discuss this book on November 13th at 4:30 PM EST.

If you have any questions or comments, please post them on our Forum page or contact us at 202-333-9220.

The first book in our series is:

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
by Richard Louv

The discussion will take place on Wednesday,October 15th at 4:00 PM EST.  All are welcome to join in the conversation.  A call in number will be posted at least one week before the call.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.  At the end of the call we will announce the book for the following month, which will then be posted on the website.

The book club will move off the home page and have a section of its own, where we will highlight books related to our issues.  This will include books for adults, educators, health care professionals and children.