Guest Thinkers — August 16, 2010

FRAMING SCIENCE GOES INTERACTIVE: Streaming Video of AIBS Lecture from May; Upcoming Oct. 11 Presentation at AAAS on the Communication Battles Over Science Policy

For readers who are interested in learning more about the communication battles over science policy, I gave the following talk to the American Institute of Biological Sciences back in May, and now AIBS has posted a video of the lecture, complete with an interactive version of the powerpoint slides. My friend Chris Mooney leads things off with an introduction, and then I take over with a “big picture” overview, complete with polling and media data I have gathered over the past few years. Many of the themes written about at this blog are discussed in depth as part of the talk. Chris thinks we should take the show on the road, and I’m open to the idea. So we may be coming to a city near you sometime soon.

Speaking of which…for those in the DC area that want to see a live (and updated version) of this presentation, I am giving the following talk at AAAS HQ on October 11, as part of their Science Policy Alliance Speaker Series. Go here for details.

A pixelated image of a person in a white hoodie walking in the woods, with the person's face obscured by pixelation. The background features reddish handwritten text overlay.

Neuropsych

25 years since Columbine: We’re closer to decoding mass-shooter psychology

Public mass shooters almost always have worldviews shaped by the "3 Rs": rage, resentment, and revenge.

An edited image of elmo peeking out from a trash can, positioned among scattered multiple cartoon-like chat bubbles expressing humorous thoughts.

Thinking

Everyday Philosophy: “Is there anything wrong with trauma dumping?”

When does "oversharing" become an issue?

Bald man in casual attire sitting on a stool with a strategic diagram background in yellow.

Leadership

Adam Grant on how to identify and develop high-potential leaders

The ability to toggle between abstract and concrete thinking is a key differentiator of high-potential leaders.

A split image with a close-up of a blue eye on the left, and a classical painting of a woman resting her head on her arm on a sofa on the right.

Business

Want true success? Be more philosophical about “good” and “bad” failure.

Bob Dylan gave us the paradoxical gem "there's no success like failure, and failure's no success at all." He had a point.

Starts With A Bang

The idea that matter is mostly empty space is mostly wrong

Practically all of the matter we see and interact with is made of atoms, which are mostly empty space. Then why is reality so... solid?

Up Next

Guest Thinkers

BEYOND THE BUZZ: Understanding Science Blogs and Their Impact; Panel Discussion Sponsored by DC Science Writers

For readers in the Beltway, I will be presenting at this upcoming panel on blogging sponsored by the DC Science Writers Association. It’s free if you don’t plan to partake […]