Guest Thinkers — December 21, 2010

Hawta

It is nice to know that someone is still reading Waq al-waq after the extended lay-off, and while I would like to re-start Waq al-waq in full fashion at some point in 2011 that point is not yet here. Still I was asked about the fighting in Hawta and since the BBC World Service asked me much the same question last night, I thought I would post a link.

There is still a lot more here, but my thoughts are not all fully formed and as one of my favorite characters in all of literature liked to say: “I’m late! I’m late! For a very important date! I’m late! I’m late! I’m late!”

Collage of classical art suggesting a theme related to somatic markers.

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How “somatic markers” can transform your decision-making

Ditch the old brain vs. heart assumptions, and instead think about a heart-led brain.

A black and white image of a bunch of spheres, symbolizing the multiverse concept discussed by scientists.

Starts With A Bang

How logic and reasoning can fail as scientific tools

In logic, 'reductio ad absurdum' shows how flawed arguments fall apart. Our absurd Universe, however, often defies our intuitive reasoning.

A wooden sign indicating "assisted migration rep 2" in a pine forest under a clear blue sky.

Life

Moving trees north to save the forests

As the world warms, trees in forests such as those in Minnesota will no longer be adapted to their local climates. That’s where assisted migration comes in.

Historical map illustration depicting a planned city layout with a circular central area and radiating streets.

Strange Maps

Ohio’s Circleville ditched the grid system. Then it got squared.

A small Ohio town tried to escape America’s addiction to rectangular grids. It didn’t last long.

Bullet Cluster separation mass gravity x-ray lensing

Starts With A Bang

Flagship NASA space telescope faces a penny-pinching death

NASA's only flagship X-ray telescope ever, Chandra, still works and has no planned successor. So why does the President want to kill it?

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