Politics & Current Affairs — September 15, 2009

Big Think Sits Down with Ann Fudge

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

We’re rolling out two videos today from our interview with Ann Fudge, former CEO and Chairman of Young and Rubicam Brands, a marketing and communications firm. At the time, Fudge was one of the highest ranking African American female executives. In these videos, she pontificates on what needs to happen for education reform to work, and the uncertain future of democracy. Fudge worries that as a country, “we are losing civility and openness.” What do you think?

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Silhouettes of three people in red stand on a podium made of white cubes, evoking the spirit of ranked choice voting, with blue circles against a dark grid background.

The Present

Can ranked-choice voting heal our poisoned politics?

The electoral reform also known as instant-runoff voting promises bridge-building and broad appeal instead of culture war and gridlock.

High Culture

How the internet changed news, according to The Onion

What you can learn about media by parodying it from the print era into the digital age.

Ancient stone structure with stairs under a blue sky with scattered clouds, surrounded by vegetation.

The Past

A beginner’s guide to sociopolitical collapse

How (not) to end up in the ash heap of history.

A u.s. coast guard cutter sails on calm blue waters against a clear sky, flying the coast guard flag on its stern.

The Present

The algorithmic ocean: How AI Is revolutionizing marine conservation

Driven by a childhood marked by war and environmental devastation, Dyhia Belhabib developed an innovative technology to combat illegal fishing.

A creative spark ignites amidst darkness.

The Learning Curve

“The Onion” founder explains his strategy for sparking creativity

Scott Dikkers discusses comedy, the creative process, and life lessons learned playing peekaboo.

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