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World
Jason Christopher Hartley Tells Iraq Like It Is
When soldiers talk about being "in the shit," they sometimes mean it literally. This week Iraq veteran Jason Christopher Hartley, author of "Just Another Soldier: A Year on the Ground in Iraq," reveals the grungy, scary, and often darkly funny reality behind a war most Americans know only through television packaging. A Utah native who joined the Army National Guard at 17, he guarded the fallen Twin Towers on 9/11 before being shipped overseas for a tour of duty. There he began his dual career as soldier-blogger, posting candid on-the-ground stories and photos until he was forced to stop, having been accused of running afoul of the Geneva Convention. Read More
October 28, 2009
Politics & Policy
Russell Simmons is still the only African-American in the jewelry business. He talks about whether President Obama’s appointment has prompted a post-racial consciousness. Read More
November 3, 2009
Environment
Immortality as a Cure for Climate Change
Would an ageless society be a more humane society? Aubrey de Grey explains why he believes that, when we defeat aging, the world will band together to finally solve the major crises of our time. Read More
October 7, 2009
Arts & Culture
Searching for the Self, in NYC and Abroad
What is the most personal work you've ever created? That was among the many questions novelist Paul Auster, known for exploring the paradoxes of identity in the "City of Glass" trilogy, "Moon Palace," and his new "Invisible," answered for Big Think this week. Read More
November 6, 2009
Inspiration & Wisdom
Classical musician Thomas Hampson recounts a singing childhood with an operatic debut at age 19. Read More
November 6, 2009
Truth & Justice
Women and Gays in Combat: A Soldier Sounds Off
The author and former infantryman believes homosexuals belong in the infantry—and women don’t. Read More
October 28, 2009
Science & Tech
From the mall to the car, music is always in our ears. Opera singer Thomas Hampson discusses the impact that technology has on song. Read More
November 6, 2009
Identity
What Keeps Thomas Hampson Up at Night
The opera singer is a night owl who hates to miss a beat. Read More
November 6, 2009
Health & Medicine
Dr. Katherine Shear Illuminates Grief
Dr. Katherine Shear, Professor of Psychiatry in Social Work at Columbia University, stopped by Big Think this week to discuss her research on anxiety, panic, and grief disorders. Read More
November 4, 2009
Love, Sex, and Happiness
Drop the Burrito and Start a Company
Gabe Zichermann did not move to New York City for the Mexican food. In fact, he schedules layovers in California simply to satisfy his chronic cravings for Mission Street burritos. The gay entrepreneur is part of Big Think’s series with StartOut, an organization that promotes entrepreneurship in the LGBT community. Zichermann founded rmbrME, a program that allows people to share resumes and business cards by virtually “beaming” them to others. Read More
November 5, 2009
Business & Economics
Business Cards Are So Last Year
Gabe Zichermann, the founder and CEO of rmbrME, could never remember anyone he’d met. So he started a business. This video is part of a "Profiles in Entrepreneurship" series with Start Out, which promotes entrepreneurship in the LGBT community. http://www.startout.org Read More
November 5, 2009
Media & Internet
You're as likely to win the lottery as create a winning application for the iPhone. Serial tech entrepreneur Gabe Zichermann explains. Read More
November 5, 2009
Life & Death
History
The LinkedIn founder on his childhood influences, professional mistakes and the worst advice he’s ever received. Read More
November 4, 2009
Belief
Christians Should Lead From the Bottom Up
Duke University Chapel Dean Sam Wells says Jesus' way of leading puts devotion and service ahead of prominence and power. Read More
October 30, 2009