MIT has just published an interesting study, "LOOKING LIKE A WINNER Candidate Appearance and Electoral Success in New Democracies." Here is the paper's abstract: A flurry of recent studies indicates that candidates who simply look more capable or attractive are more likely to win elections. In this article, the authors investigate whether voters‘ snap judgments of … [Read more...] about MIT study: politicians win on looks
Archives for July 2010
Jackie Chan, my hero, and his Dragon Heart Charitable Foundation
Few days ago, I was talking to a friend over lunch, and the topic of modern hero came up. We limited ourselves to identifying three who are alive today. Jackie Chan (成龙) made my short list. Of course, he requires no introduction. In terms of worldwide popularity, I'd put him in the same league as people like Michael Jackson; very few stars can match. Recently, he … [Read more...] about Jackie Chan, my hero, and his Dragon Heart Charitable Foundation
Convergence of Eastern and Western Collectivism
My high school political science teacher said once, that the political spectrum is not linear, but rather circular. If one go far enough toward one extreme, one circle back from the other extreme. So it is with the polarity of Western Individualism and Eastern Collectivism. Where the West has often maintained a tradition of individualistic accomplishments and thoughts, the … [Read more...] about Convergence of Eastern and Western Collectivism
China Reported to be # 1 Energy Consumer – Why the Dread & Gloom?
According to a report by the International Energy Agency, China has surpassed the U.S. to become the number 1 consumer of energy. The Wall Street Journal has this report, a copy of which is included: China has passed the U.S. to become the world's biggest energy consumer, according to new data from the International Energy Agency, a milestone that reflects both China's … [Read more...] about China Reported to be # 1 Energy Consumer – Why the Dread & Gloom?
Harvard University study catches major U.S. media pants down – systematic reporting of U.S. waterboarding as not torture
An April 2010 student publication at the Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, "Torture at Times: Waterboarding in the Media" exposed the major U.S. media (New York Times, L.A. Times, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal) brainwashing the American public on U.S. waterboarding as not torture. Abstract … [Read more...] about Harvard University study catches major U.S. media pants down – systematic reporting of U.S. waterboarding as not torture