So here is the fundamental question: do we lack a Henry Clay in today's world, or if Henry Clay were transported to the modern world would he shrug his shoulders? Was finding common ground between those who believed slavery was a moral blight on the nation and those who believed it was an economic necessity really easier than debating the ( Read more... )

I just read a fascinating article called Gender Is Dead. Now, full disclaimer: it's interesting because it validates a lot of what I think about gender identity. And a lot of what I think about that is not what you think about that. Which means... well, if you've had any conversations about gender identity with me you'll probably know whether ( Read more... )

I read an interesting article about the collapse of the Soviet Union.

I don't have a lot more to say about it right now, but I wanted to share it.

... of "let's contemplate how things should be over which we have no ability to force change" or LCHTSBOWWHNAFC, we discuss online services.

( How to change online services to make them not suck )

I have this idea knocking around for some fiction. It's likely to be light fantasy (some possibility of changing it to light sci-fi). By the time I actually get around to spending time on this (a couple years) I'd like it to be at Z-man's reading level, but also be interesting for adults. Not exactly easy, and with my track record on these ( Read more... )

There's this nice, short article about a concept art piece I like quite a bit. Well, I haven't seen this art installation, but I like the theory ( Read more... )

walrusjester, you bring out my verbosity. And so here's my story. I've told it before several times, so those of you who have heard me babble... well, skim the first paragraph and you'll know if you need to read more.

( Read more... )

I'm confused about this. Or maybe woeful is the word.

Why is it that as we get more efficient, instead of getting better livelihoods so many people get left behind? Or is this a problem that's created by the media?

( Robots and Illegal Immigrants have not stolen my job, so maybe I'm biased )

I think facts and symbols are pretty distinct types of mental tools in abstract, though they get muddied in specifics.

( Read more... )

Politicos should stop using over-the-top, inflammatory rhetoric. The problem with it is that it inflames people.

But the reason people use it is that inflaming people is a really effective way to motivate them.

Let me string a few concepts together for you:

1. People do not change their minds because of new facts. Rational arguments don't change ( Read more... )