Research Shows... [Data validity]

We've entered a linked information world. The emphasis for information distribution isn't focused on creation but the aggregation and filtering of information. The splicing, rebroadcasting, linking, editing, aggregation becomes one lengthy game of information telephone. We'll often take it for face value and begin quoting it for our own use. For example, given the current testimonials for the auto industry, the 1 in 10 US jobs tied to the industry has been given a lot of press. However, with some casual searching you'll find this on Economix, a NY Times blog.

Frank Furedi, professor of sociology at the University of Kent, writes in Times Higher Education about the assumptions, and sketchy data the term: "research shows"

As someone devoted to academic research, I feel increasingly embarrassed when I encounter the words "research shows" in a newspaper article...Last month a study by John Alford of Rice University proved that right-wing Americans are likely to be far more nervous than left-wing counterparts. Liberal readers will be delighted to learn that they are typically relaxed.

We know this is cutting-edge research because he interviewed as many as 46 people.

Image Source: Wessex Archaeology

Tribute to John Williams [A Cappella]

The Pitch: Based on the music of John Williams, Star Wars - A Cappella Tribute to John Williams was originally released in May 1999 to celebrate the release of Episode 1. On October 31st, a video version of the song was produced with the help of the Moosebutter comedy group. This video was featured on YouTube last week.

Source: slashfilm

Jordan Part Deux [Petra Pictures]

Thusfar:

• Eaten hummus at every meal
• Climbed about 10 miles worth of Petra, Jordan
• Found a Popeyes, 7-11, and a Burger King
• Honored Moses' resting place
• Visited the Dead Sea

Pedigree Ad [Agile Advertising]

This ran in USA Today the Thursday right after the election speech. Much props for the ad guys...
Source:Adsoftheworld

Here's a wordle of Obama's victory speech:

A taste of Egypt and Jordan [Pix Preview]

Thus far:

• Climbed Mt. Sinai
• Drove under the Suez Canal
• Rode a camel
• Rescued from the Red Sea
  
• Saw a piece of the flaming bush

If a picture is worth a thousand words, and Internet costs a lot of money, this should be a great preview of my journey so far in both Egypt and Jordan.

Chicago on election night

This past Tuesday, K and I took up Mayor Dailey's offer to go down to Grant Park. I've never seen downtown Chicago as crowded and excited as I did last Tuesday night.

I've posted some of my pictures of the night. You can see them on flickr.

All Shoes Considered [Nike Considered]

Nike has launched a new initiative called Considered Design. When trying to develop a more sustainable product, Nike realized that instead of creating a new shoe, they came up with the idea of using old shoes to make new ones. Vanessa Farquharson writes:

It's a perfect example of "upcycling" -- a green trend in which an expired product is upgraded into a new, more superior product -- and it's just one aspect of Nike's new approach to sustainability, which the company calls Considered Design.

Some examples of Considered Design's objectives: - A closed-loop system, in which Nike designers and manufacturers use old material and scraps from the cutting room floor to make new shoes, in order to reduce excess waste at the outset and create less demand for virgin resources. - Mechanically locking soles, meaning no glue or solvents are required in the production process; plus, insertable booties, removable logos and other design features that make the shoes easy to dismantle for recycling. - Apparel made entirely from recycled polyester and organic cotton, with water-based adhesive techniques in place of toxic cement or VOCs. - Open-sourced technology, allowing other companies to share research and development and promote sustainability throughout the marketplace.

Read the article from National Post here.