Citizens are cognitive misers, meaning they rely on images and short cuts rather than knowledge to make up their minds about issues. It might run counter to democratic ideals and what scientists might prefer, but it's reality. One of the dominant heuristics is humor, as evidenced by the popularity of The Daily Show, and the impact of late night comedy on political campaigns.
So on the issue of climate change, how do you take into account this human tendency while also maximizing use of viral marketing techniques and new media platforms like YouTube? Well the Save Santa campaign is one leading example. Go to their site, BUT FIRST press play above.
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I got email this morning from the Obama campaign, bearing news that will no doubt have the more rabidly partisan Democrats of blogdom dancing with glee: The Obama campaign as prepared a video about the Keating Five scandal (Wikipedia link, n
A lot of people, especially in the media, have had a hard time reconciling John McCain's past reputation as an honest reformer with his current dishonest and dishonorable campaign behavior.
From Think Progress:
You all know that I've been a big Edwards supporter since he first ran for Senate. I have met Elizabeth enough times to consider her a friend. I am clumsy when it comes to describing my emotions. So, I'll do what I do best - collect the best and most important links for you to read:
I watched An Inconvenient Truth with my children, 4 and 6 years old, the week before Christmas. Their take-away message: Santa is going to drown. No kidding, they worked that out on their own and they have been very upset about it. My son (4) told a Santa in the mall that he wasn't the real Santa, but his boss was going to drown, so he bettr be ready to fill in. My daughter (6) has yelled at SUV drivers that they are killing Santa and polar bears. Its funny, but they've made me cry more than laugh about this. Thanks for taking the edge off.
Obviously the Rabett Chorale did not pass through your neighborhood with anonymuse's songs of good cheer and dirty old men (comments) and sea shanties (bottom of post)
Eli leaves you with a couple of verses from the middle song
When the windowshades are falling,
cuz it's hotter'n hell outside,
the think tank wank comes calling,
to take you for a ride.
In the local paper you will find him,
and on blogs and websites too,
it's the AGW denier
getting rich while your grandkids get screwed.