Are television debates really all about appearance over substance?
On the day of the biggest hyped Presidential debate in modern history, it's important to remember that what we've been told about these debates might not actually be true. In particular, that these debates can make or break a candidate simply based on how they appear on TV. I've heard this claim many times in the past -- that it's more important how a candidate looks than what he/she says -- but David Greenberg in his new book Republic of Spin says this just isn't really the case. It is, at many times, exactly what it is -- SPIN. Spinning of the media so that certain things are reported a certain way for the benefit of one particular candidate.
Are you at all surprised?
Apple invented a new polishing method to get that Jet Black iPhone 7
Pretty interesting read on WIRED about the solutions Apple had to come up with to get that Jet Black iPhone 7 looking its best. Because the phone had to meet very high production standards from Apple, the company basically just invented a new polishing method to ensure ultra-sleek blackness. Out with the old (gold, be gone!) and in with the new (black! more black please!). Richard Sapper would be proud.
September's Book: Undeground Airlines by Ben H. Winters
I started reading this book for the month of September. It's pretty fascinating so far as it tells of an alternate reality in the US where slavery still is legal in a few states. That's all I'll say about it for now since I don't want to spoil anything and since I haven't actually finished the book yet.
If you want to read along with me, you can pick up the book on Amazon.
Movie perception test
A very simple demonstration of change blindness from author Daniel Simons who co-authored the book The Invisible Gorilla.
I've been thinking about the ways in which my own memory works lately and I can definitely see myself incapable of accurately remembering information. It worries me sometimes and yes, I would have failed the test above if it were graded.
The Circle by Dave Eggers
If you don't want spoilers, don't click inside.
WHY DID THE BOOK END THAT WAY?! I want an alternate ending where everything works out in a positive way! And why was it so rushed?! Overall, still a very good read. But that rating brought down what would otherwise be an 8/10 to a 6/10.
Dave Cullen on the lessons learned from Columbine
I posted a New York Times Retro Report on the misperceptions of the Columbine High School massacre a few months back, but last night I spent the better part of an hour and a half listening to Dave Cullen, the author of the book Columbine, describe his research into Columbine at Elmhurst College . In short, the media got it wrong, then widely reported the inaccurate information just to make a better narrative at the time, and the general public left with an overall incorrect storyline of the actual reasons why Columbine occurred.
I'm in search of a new book for September and I'm seriously thinking about reading through Columbine. I'm less interested in the facts of the case and more about how the media can so easily skew public perception about a story and have those last for decades to come. The only thing holding me back is the subject I guess. I'm not sure I want to spend so much time reading about such a sad event.
Another case similar to this comes to mind: The McDonald's hot coffee lawsuit.