Beyond Rational: How To Discuss Contentious Topics and Keep Your Cool
In “civilized” society, we know that one of the cardinal rules is that there are certain topics one just simply does not bring up: politics, religion, money, and sex. The problem, of course, is that without these subjects most dinner parties devolve into inane conversations about the weather, and online communities such as Newsvine would [...]
The Moon Is Made of Green Cheese
Some things are a question of faith, and some things are a matter of science. Wandering through my back yard at night, looking up at the glowing ball above me (as it whispers and beacons to lovers and wolves whom I have never met), one fact rises above the quagmire of doubt and debate to [...]
Is It Christmas Already?
So here’s a simple question for all you students of social psychology these days: What’s up with all the Christmas decorations all ready? It is several days before Thanksgiving. I am driving in my truck with my kid, when…sure enough…I espy another house with lit up, three foot candy canes and a jolly plastic Santa [...]
Raising Diplomats
This week’s news headlines run something like this: Russia, U.S. Disagree on Iran Sanctions Israel Vows to Respond to Rocket Attack China Declines APEC Meeting With Canada Bush Warns N. Korea on Nuclear Transfers …and so on. Notice anything missing? Diplomacy is an artform that has never been well understood by most, and in recent [...]
Letter To A Friend Who Is Not Voting
Over lunch, you told me that you were not planning to vote next Tuesday. The slight smile on your face told me that you knew what our reaction to this would be, that you knew there would be a stunned silence followed by a barrage of expostulation and argument. You knew, and you were prepared [...]