There is No Debate
We have seen numerous debates this campaign season with more to come. These are not debates as much as they are political theater, i.e. the CNN/YouTube “debates”, and they do very little in raising the public political discourse.
If you would like to hear real debates about important, challenging issues I recommend the Intelligence Squared-US debates. Leading thinkers on each side of a single issue are pit against each other in an Oxford-style debate format. Debates start with opening arguments where each panelist is given a chance to present their case for or against the resolution at hand. Questions then follow from the moderator as well as the audience. Finally, each panelist is allowed a brief closing statement. What I find interesting is that the audience votes whether they are for, against or undecided before the debate and then again after. The more persuasive and thus victorious side is identified by noting the changes in the before and after votes. Some of the recent debate topics have included “It’s Time to End Affirmative Action”, “Spreading Democracy in the Middle East is a Bad Idea”, and “Russia is Becoming Our Enemy Again”. These are all difficult issues that we are currently confronted with and that is what makes these debates intriguing.
I urge you to check out the Intelligence Squared-US website. NPR actually hosts the recorded audio of the debates which can be listened to or download. I find that it is perfect listening for my daily commute. Once you listen to a couple of debates you will be hooked.
[Political cartoon by Davide Horsey published in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer]
Bionic Bugs
Is it art or a secret CIA spy fly? Check out these bug creations by artist Mike Libby. As described by the artist on his website,
“Insect Lab is an artist studio that customizes real insects with antique watch parts and electronic components.
Borrowing from both science fiction and science fact, Insect Lab’s customized insects are a celebration of natural and manmade function.”
Mike’s website, Insect Lab, shows a full gallery of beetles, bees, spiders and dragonflies. Prices range from $150 to over $600. I think they make great gifts for Valentine’s Day. Nothing says love like a frankenbug!
VideoTrace - Amazing 3D Models Created from Video
I saw this post about VideoTrace over at the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics blog and was impressed. As a mechanical engineer with an extensive CAD background, I appreciate how difficult it is to create 3D models that look realistic.
You Can’t Get There from Here
Don’t ever let any one tell you that there is no way to get from here to there. Google Maps will show you the way!
Not only can you get there but Google will also show you some other interesting destinations:
- start to finish
- hell to highwater
- A to Z
- over the bridge and through the woods
- top to bottom
- poverty to easy street
Thanks to Google Blogoscoped who first posted about this.
Get with Mitt!
I have decided that I am going to vote for Mitt Romney in my state’s upcoming Republican primary. I believe that I have reviewed each candidate thoroughly enough to determine which one best aligns with my positions on what I believe are the most important issues for our country. I also looked at the person behind the candidate since it requires more than just ideology to become an effective leader. I have listed the criteria I used in selecting a candidate and have included how I believe Mitt stacks up against them. Read more