Weekend Reading - AIDS Sutra

A nice publication from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation about AIDS in India, reported in a couple of places like the economist it covers some interesting and less explored aspects of AIDS in India. Amazon has a link to buy it as well

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/avahan/Pages/aids-sutra.aspx

Storytelling - Carmen Agra Deedy on TED.com

Stylistically one of the best examples I can show you for how to tell stories. Interaction, expressiveness, character and the best twist and emotional tug at the end. Now that doesn't mean that all stories have to necessarily model themselves after one or another presentation. In fact the best of the best are original, but the aspects that make this so engrossing to watch are things that everyone can learn from when telling stories.

Weekend Reading - Transparency International Annual Global Corruption Report

Each year transparency International publishes a report on corruption worldwide.

download link is at: http://www.transparency.org/publications/gcr give it a read when you get a chance.

Extemp Questions for the end of Sept.

• What does the Chinese government need to do to create an effective health care system?
• What should Congress do to provide health care for the uninsured?
• Can south Ossetia survive as an independent state?
• How much worse will the US banking crisis get?
• Should Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac be dissolved?
• Will South Ossetia turn into another Kosovo situation?
• Can Obama convince voters that he has enough experience to lead?
• What can John McCain do to convince voters that he would be able to have a successful bipartisan government?
• Can John McCain effectively engage the religious right?
• Is confidence growing among Iraqis that they can govern themselves?
• Can the Shiite leadership in Iraq effectively integrate Sunnis into government?
• Should the US press India to accept the nonproliferation treaty?
• What should the US Treasury Department do to alleviate the mortgage crisis?
• Should the federal government do more to assist New Orleans?
• Does FEMA still need massive overhaul?
• What can be done to reform Colombia’s politics?
• What impact will the expansion of oil and gas exploration in South America have on the region’s indigenous people?
• Can new leadership stabilize Pakistan?
• Is Angola ready for real democracy?
• Will the June ceasefire hold in Gaza?
• Is Libya ready for major political reforms?
• Does a lack of unity across Europe harm the EU’s relationship with Russia?
• Does Germany face a serious economic recession?
• Will the European Central Bank continue to ease its lending policies?
• Is the UN doing enough to combat global poverty?
• Should the EU sanction Russia for its actions in Georgia?
• When will Cyprus reunify?
• Will Anbar province remain stable after the US hands security to Iraqi forces?
• What will it take to politically stabilize Thailand?
• Will a new Prime Minister be able to implement lasting political change in Japan?
• Does NATO still have a military role in Europe?
• What are Russia’s ultimate goals for the Baltic States?
• Is political instability on the horizon for the Ukraine?
• Can Russia afford to continue antagonizing Western Europe?
• Does Russia’s actions in Georgia hint at the future for Chechnya?
• Is Britain’s economy overly reliant on the finance sectors?
• What impact did Ron Paul’s campaign have on the Republican Party’s platform?
• Is the US housing market finally hitting bottom?
• Does Sarah Palin represent a new direction for the GOP?
• Can Sarah Palin win moderate voters to the Republican Party?
• Is the LDP’s long rule over Japanese politics at its end?
• What can be done to ensure security for international aid workers in Somalia?
• Can Somalia’s government avoid total collapse?
• Is Africa the next front in the fight between the West and radical Islam?
• Why is the democratic left losing ground across Europe?
• Dos the UK economy face a lasting recession?
• Can the Afghan government find successful alternatives to opium poppies as cash crops?
• Should South Africa’s President Mbeki step down?
• Should US taxpayers bear the costs of banks’ bad loans?
• Will the US financial rescue plan resolve the global credit crisis?
• Should the US institute a carbon tax on new cars?
• Can the American automobile industry find success in hybrid and electric vehicles?
• Do regional trade agreements aid or undermine the progress of global free trade negotiations?
• Will Japan’s economy continue to underperform?
• How should the US react to North Korea’s intentions to restart its nuclear development programs?
• Will Americans continue to keep significant personal debt?
• How can Americans lower the average household debt?
• Is China’s labor market able to sustain its rapid economic growth in the long run?
• Has China exhausted its available labor pool?
• Why is it so important to wage a war on drugs if a joint never tried to blow you up with an IED or crash an airplane into a building?
• When will Hydrogen fuel cell cars make it to the mass market?
• Will Pakistan remain a key American ally in the war on terror?
• Is UE membership in the Ukraine’s future?
• Can government control over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac prevent their collapse?
• Will new leadership in Pakistan help stabilize the region?
• Will allowing India to import nuclear fuel let that nation remain economically competitive around the world?
• Will government conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac help alleviate the global credit crisis?
• Can the Democrats woo Evangelical voters in November?
• How can John McCain best reinforce support among Evangelical voters?
• Can John McCain ride the wave of Evangelical voters into the White House?
• Is feminism in America waning?
• How should the next American President react to the strengthening ties between Venezuela and Russia?
• Can Hillary Clinton bring he supporters to the Obama camp?
• Will Joe Biden help Obama win over undecided voters as muc as Sarah Palin will help John McCain?
• Are CAFÉ standards imposed on new cars strict enough?
• How to the two main party platforms compare on the key issues facing the next President?
• How will he next American President address the resurgence of Russia on the world stage?
• What role should the federal government play in setting standards for American primary and secondary education?
• What new voters will Sarah Palin bring to the Republican ticket in November?
• In post-Olympic China will the government allow for greater democracy?
• Is political stability finally achievable in Angola?
• Is America’s space program underfunded?
• How can the next American President best restore America’s standing in the global community?
• Does the Ukraine have a future as a NATO member?
• What does the restoration of Russia’s military power mean for Eastern European nations?
• Will Ireland approve the EU Lisbon Treaty in a re-vote?
• Is a university degree still worth the time and tuition it takes?
• Is the American workforce ready to handle the retirement of the boomer generation?
• Are higher oil prices better for America?
• Can the global community adapt to the changes in the environment created by global warming?
• What impact will rising fuel oil prices have on the US household savings rate?
• Should individual states do more to encourage local renewable energy projects?
• Will government conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac stabilize America’s housing market?
• How effective will the new government be in Zimbabwe?
• Will the holiday season be enough to salvage slinking American retail sales this year?
• Will the new government in Zimbabwe finally allow for the distribution of needed food aid?
• What are the priority reforms that need to be made in Zimbabwe to stabilize the country?
• Can American forces in Afghanistan gain some progress by fielding forces into the tribal lands of Pakistan?
• What can the global community do to preserve world fisheries and other ocean resources?
• Is additional government regulation of the financial services sector necessary?
• Will Cuba open new economic inroads for foreign investment?
• Should the US finally lift the trade embargo against Cuba?
• Is the NATO reconstruction effort in Afghanistan failing?
• How effective are Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism throughout the tribal areas?
• How much influence can the LDP keep Japanese politics?
• Can the new power sharing deal in Zimbabwe work?

Extemp Questions 29 Aug 2008

• Is the crisis in Darfur being adequately addressed by the international community?
• What would it take to eradicate the threat of Malaria around the world?
• Is the federal government doing enough to secure America’s seaports?
• How can the global telecommunications network be better used to promote democracy and international human rights?
• Does the breadth of modern economic globalization pose a risk to individual national interest?
• Should America develop a new ‘Marshall Plan’ to save Africa?
• What steps can the international community take to better respond to the threat of failing states?
• Can a global climate change agreement be made effective without US buy in?
• Is international cooperation on the development of alternative energy sources necessary to move America off of a hydrocarbon based economy?
• What will it take to eradicate Polio from the globe?
• How can Gordon Brown’s goal of education for all children of the world be realized?
• Will the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty be ratified?
• Will Ireland revote and pass the Lisbon Treaty?
• What would ratification of the Lisbon Treaty mean for the future of the EU?
• Should developing nations be given a larger voice in shaping the policies and practices of the IMF?
• Has America’s ‘abstinence only’ sex education policy been successful?
• Should the federal government fund comprehensive sex education programs in America’s public schools?
• What does the Supreme Court’s overturning of the Roe v. Wade decision mean for the future of the pro-life movement?
• How will the November elections impact the makeup of the Supreme Court?
• What does the future hold for the US-Russia relationship?
• What is the future of Russia’s relationship with the EU?
• What role should the US play in Eastern Europe?
• What is the future of Russian democracy?
• What will it take to restore America’s trust in Russia?
• Does anybody else thing the Olympics would have been way more interesting if they had the decathletes high-jump over Yao Ming’s head?
• Who will succeed Pervez Musharaf in leadership of Pakistan?
• Is unity a significant problem for the Democratic Party heading into the November elections?
• What strengths does Gov. Sarah Palin bring to John McCain’s Presidential campaign?
• Did McCain reach too far outside the beltway for a running mate?
• So maybe I’m old but who doesn’t think that Sarah Palin would be a hotter Vice President than Hillary Clinton?
• Will Joe Biden’s comments in the primary season be a liability to the Obama campaign?
• What will it take to get the necessary international aid to people in Zimbabwe?
• Will US consumer spending fall further in the last half of 2008?
• Will Thailand’s Prime Minister be forced to resign?
• What can be done to boost Japan’s lagging economy?
• What options does the US have to help resolve the Georgia-Russia crisis?
• Is Japan facing a serious political leadership vacum?

Extemp Questions 29 Aug 2008

• Is the crisis in Darfur being adequately addressed by the international community?
• What would it take to eradicate the threat of Malaria around the world?
• Is the federal government doing enough to secure America’s seaports?
• How can the global telecommunications network be better used to promote democracy and international human rights?
• Does the breadth of modern economic globalization pose a risk to individual national interest?
• Should America develop a new ‘Marshall Plan’ to save Africa?
• What steps can the international community take to better respond to the threat of failing states?
• Can a global climate change agreement be made effective without US buy in?
• Is international cooperation on the development of alternative energy sources necessary to move America off of a hydrocarbon based economy?
• What will it take to eradicate Polio from the globe?
• How can Gordon Brown’s goal of education for all children of the world be realized?
• Will the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty be ratified?
• Will Ireland revote and pass the Lisbon Treaty?
• What would ratification of the Lisbon Treaty mean for the future of the EU?
• Should developing nations be given a larger voice in shaping the policies and practices of the IMF?
• Has America’s ‘abstinence only’ sex education policy been successful?
• Should the federal government fund comprehensive sex education programs in America’s public schools?
• What does the Supreme Court’s overturning of the Roe v. Wade decision mean for the future of the pro-life movement?
• How will the November elections impact the makeup of the Supreme Court?
• What does the future hold for the US-Russia relationship?
• What is the future of Russia’s relationship with the EU?
• What role should the US play in Eastern Europe?
• What is the future of Russian democracy?
• What will it take to restore America’s trust in Russia?
• Does anybody else thing the Olympics would have been way more interesting if they had the decathletes high-jump over Yao Ming’s head?
• Who will succeed Pervez Musharaf in leadership of Pakistan?
• Is unity a significant problem for the Democratic Party heading into the November elections?
• What strengths does Gov. Sarah Palin bring to John McCain’s Presidential campaign?
• Did McCain reach too far outside the beltway for a running mate?
• So maybe I’m old but who doesn’t think that Sarah Palin would be a hotter Vice President than Hillary Clinton?
• Will Joe Biden’s comments in the primary season be a liability to the Obama campaign?
• What will it take to get the necessary international aid to people in Zimbabwe?
• Will US consumer spending fall further in the last half of 2008?
• Will Thailand’s Prime Minister be forced to resign?
• What can be done to boost Japan’s lagging economy?
• What options does the US have to help resolve the Georgia-Russia crisis?

Extemp Questions 16 Aug 2008

• What should America’s overall strategy in the Middle East look like?
• Will the peace process between Israel and Palestine stagnate under the next American President?
• Should the federal government invest more into early childhood education?\
• How will the resignation of Prime Minister Olmert affect the future of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process?
• When will China enact effective pollution controls?
• Is Afghanistan on the right track for rebuilding?
• How can America’s small businesses best react to rising oil prices?
• Should Olympic sponsors put greater pressure on China to reform its human rights practices?
• What role will Hillary Clinton play in the general election?
• Can the US withdraw all of its troops from Iraq within two years?
• Will Shiite militias in Iraq shift their focus away from violence?
• Will America’s involvement in foreign conflicts put the international dominance of the dollar at risk?
• Does the American economy’s rely too heavily on the financial sector?
• Should Congress impose stricter regulations on the financial industry?
• Is the Presidential campaign taking on too negative of a tone?
• Can expansion of offshore oil exploration stave off an energy crisis in America?
• Can exploration of offshore oil fields ensure America’s energy independence?
• When will America be able to move the economy off of it’s dependence on hydrocarbons?
• Should the federal government enact stricter fuel efficiency standards on new automobiles?
• Can the US government have a balanced budget without raising taxes?
• Is partisanship in Washington too big of a problem for any new President to fix?
• Is the surge in Iraq working?
• Would the improvements in Iraq have been possible without the troop surge?
• Will America provide a timetable for troop withdrawal?
• Will Joe Lieberman be welcome in the Democratic Party in the next term?
• Can the McCain campaign hold onto the Republican Party base?
• What role will the Clintons play in Obama’s campaign?
• Will the Obama campaign lose many of Hillary Clinton’s supports in the general election?
• What options should be left on the table when Congress addresses the problems with Social Security?
• What key issues will the Presidential campaign focus on?
• Should the tax credits for oil companies be ended?
• Is federal government bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac necessary?
• Do American capital markets need stricter government regulation?
• Did the tax rebates make a significant impact on stimulating the US economy?
• Are the long term fundamentals of the US economy still strong?
• How can China resolve the conflict between economic development and environmental protection?
• Should the US push China to improve its stance on human rights issues?
• Is China making enough of an effort to involve itself in the family of nations?
• Will economic realities prevent bold plans and campaign promises in the next Presidential term?
• Will John McCain try to distance himself from the Bush Administration in the campaign?
• Will Russia’s military action in Georgia prompt a response from the rest of Europe?
• What impact will Russia’s military action in Georgia have on European energy policy?
• How much work will the Obama campaign have to do to bring the Clintons back into the Democratic Party folds?
• How can the US revitalize its lagging manufacturing industry?
• Does access to clean fresh water pose a significant threat to international security?
• When will the US economy be able to recover from the current housing and mortgage crisis?
• Is American secondary education still competitive on the global stage?
• What should America’s exit strategy be in Iraq?
• What criteria should America use to determine when it’s possible to leave Iraq?
• What role will Iran play when the US leaves Iraq?
• Are Sunni Arabs a real part of the Iraq government?
• Do journalists in American uphold their responsibility to promote open and balanced dialogue?
• Is there a real alternative to the “West Bank first” policy to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
• Is the two station solution between Israel and Palestine still viable?
• Should the US still work with Hamas and Hezbollah even if they do not recognize Israel’s right to exist?
• Does the prevailing Israeli political leadership still want to prevent an independent Palestinian state?
• What will it take to develop a lasting trust between Israeli and Palestinian leaders?
• What stance on the Mideast peace process would be in the best long term interests of the United States?
• Is American involvement in the Mideast peace process still relevant?
• Why did the Palestinian National Unity government fail?
• Is it possible to generate a sense of urgency in the in the international community to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?ss

Oratory/Expos, etc. - follow up on a previous post

Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon professor who I've posted about before died last Sat. at age 47.

His CMU "Last Lecture" and an email i just got aused me to pause and reflect on the collective wisdom that he and they have taught me. (The below I blatantly and honestly steal from Mark Goulston. http://markgoulston.com)

1. "No dying man wishes he'd spent more time at the office."

2. While you're out trying to win the respect and admiration of the outside world who usually won't give it to you, don't make those who really do care about you feel like their love and respect isn't worth anything.

3. Don't let your emotional shyness cause you to wait until it's too late to say: "I'm sorry," "Thank you," "I love you" and "I'll miss you."

4. Wealth is what you take from the world; worth is what you give back a.k.a. In the end, it' s not what you have that matters, it's what you leave behind.

5. Smart is about knowing what will make you money; Wisdom is about knowing what's important.

6. Love means ALWAYS having to say (and show) you're sorry.

Extemp Questions 25 July 2008

• What more should the federal government do to curtail the rising homeless populations in America’s major cities?
• Is Congress really committed to balancing the budget?
• Will domestic inflation start causing America’s international trade position to falter?
• What plan does John McCain have to improve the US economy?
• Does America need a “carbon tax”?
• What steps should the federal government take to support Freddie Mac?
• Should the US consider removing itself from the ABM treaty?
• Will housing lenders require federal bailout?
• Can the federal government have a balanced budget while continuing to wage wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?
• How can the No Child Left Behind Act be revised to improve American public education?
• What qualities should John McCain look for in a running mate?
• Is American primary and secondary education underfunded?
• What should Congress do to make higher education more affordable to middle class Americans?
• Is it possible for US factory jobs to come back?
• Will Mexico begin to take some of America’s manufacturing business from China?
• Is it possible to move all US electricity production off of fossil fuels within the next ten years?
• Does the demand for oil by emerging economies such as China make renewable energy a viable option for the US?
• Will Al Gore return to politics?
• Will the main issue of the fall elections be Iraq, the economy or something else?

Extemp Questions 7 July 2008

• What should the G8 nations do to alleviate global hunger?
• What should the US do to lead the G8 nations in carbon emission controls?
• Has Afghanistan replaced Iraq as the central focus of the global war on terror?
• Will a permanent lunar base benefit NASA’s dreams of a manned mission to Mars?
• Should Israeli withdrawal from Palestine be a precondition for the progression of the peace process?
• Should the US push Saudi Arabia to reform its human rights violations?
• Is the Saudi Arabian justice system violating international human rights accords?
• Will Belarus and Russia merge into a single nation?
• How will Vladimir Putin function as Prime Minister?
• Is crime in America cities getting worse?
• Will the US automobile industry shift its focus to electric and hybrid vehicles?
• Can the EU incentives Iran to end it’s nuclear enrichment program?
• Has Rupert Murdoch’s acquisition of The Wall Street Journal proven that there is still some life left in print journalism?
• Is the era of serious American print journalism over?
• How did Barack Obama’s campaign become so successful at fundraising?
• Can the Obama campaign motivate younger voters to turn out to the polls in November?
• Is public campaign financing the solution to big money influence in politics?
• Will the Obama campaign be held captive by the left-leaning wing of the Democratic Party?
• Should the moratorium on exploration of offshore oil and gas reserves be lifted?
• Should resources devoted to the war in Afghanistan be increased?
• Is it possible to win in Afghanistan with the level commitment the US current devotes to the area?
• What factors and characteristics should Barack Obama look for in a running mate?
• Will Barack Obama garner the Hispanic vote in November?
• Should the US encourage the development of new nuclear power plants?
• Should the Federal government enact a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants?
• Where does the war in Iraq stand as an issue in the General Election season?
• How has immigration reform in the Western United States impacted immigration across the country?
• Will the American West be the key battleground in the 2008 Presidential election?
• Will rising oil costs sink the US automobile industry?

Extemp Questions 12 June 2008

• Are Americans’ First Amendment rights being adequately protected in the age of the PATRIOT Act?
• What does the long primary election season mean for Democratic Party unity?
• What mistakes did Hillary Clinton make in her primary election campaign?
• Is China improving human rights practices in preparation for the summer Olympics?
• Has enough been done to improve Afghanistan’s national infrastructure?
• Is improved infrastructure and better roads the key to Afghanistan’s future?
• Are China’s efforts in environmental protection having an impact?
• Can alternative energy sources be used to improve environmental quality and keep up with the rapid economic growth in China?
• Will the US dollar continue to slide against the Euro?
• Is the situation in Darfur being properly addressed by the international community?
• Do NGO’s have sufficient access to help the victims in Myanmar?
• What role should the African union play in Darfur?
• Does American discussion of withdrawal embolden Iraqi insurgents?
• Does media consolidation lead to a less informed public?
• Do American media sources cover enough international news?
• How can Democrats argue for withdrawal from Iraq without appearing soft on defense?
• Is American print news media falling by the wayside?
• Is media consolidation in the US damaging to the public?
• Should US troops oversees be subject to the jurisdiction of the international criminal court?
• Will Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton be able to unite the Democratic Party?
• Will history judge the Bush Administration in a better light than it is seen today?
• Can conservation efforts solve America’s energy woes?
• Will rising energy costs push the US into a long-term economic downturn?
• Will Africa be the world’s next development miracle?
• Can John McCain use his age as an asset in the Presidential election?
• Can American businesses better meet the bottom line by going green?
• Are VoIP telephone calls harming law enforcement efforts with wiretapping and criminal investigations?
• Can peaceful reunification of China and Taiwan be accomplished?
• Can John McCain unite both the social and conservatives in the Republican Party?
• Are the various movements within the Democratic Party too fractious to unite effectively?
• Can a Democratic majority in Congress agree on a plan to address the problem of health care reform in the US/

Extemp Questions 12 May 2008

• Should America adopt a system of proportional representation for congressional elections?
• Should the US adopt instant run-off voting for federal level elections?
• Are effective election reforms possible in the US?
• Should the US get rid of the electoral college for Presidential elections?
• Should national level elections be standardized and regulated by the federal government?
• How can the US overcome the different conflicts of interest in the process of running elections?
• Should the same sex marriage debate be left to the individual states to decide?
• How can the US become the global leader in environmental protection?
• Can a single-payer system work for the health care system in the US?
• Is enough being done to combat homelessness in the US?
• What reforms to mental health care would most benefit the US?
• What more should be done to combat global hunger?
• Can the development help eradicate Malaria across the globe?
• What metrics should be used to determine a timeline for US troop withdrawals from Iraq?
• Is the federal government doing enough to ensure America’s cyber-security?
• Will Russian President Dmitri Medvedev continue the path laid by Vladimir Putin?
• Can President Medvedev end the rampant corruption in the Russian government?
• Has life for Israeli Arabs improved over the past few years?
• Should the US be willing to accept a long-term troop presence in Iraq?
• Is the primary campaign season in the US too long?
• Have attack ads in the Democratic primaries helped John McCain in the general election?
• Is America ready for an African American President?
• What steps are necessary for the US to return to a balanced budget?
• Can Israel survive as a Jewish democracy?
• Is an independent Palestine in the best interest of Israel?
• When will the US housing market rebound?
• Can Congress pass effective campaign finance reform?
• How significant of a problem are performance enhancing drugs in professional sports?
• Should Intelligent Design be taught in America’s public schools?
• How can the US most effectively wage the War on Terror?
• Should education be a more prominent issue in the Democratic primaries?
• How well has General Patraeus been doing in Iraq?
• How should the role of the US in the Middle East change?
• Why have the Kyoto protocols been so ineffective at promoting environmental controls?
• Will the rest of the global economy fall under the US recession?
• Should federal government contributions to school funding be raised?
• Is online file sharing bad for musicians?
• Should the federal ban on stem cell research be lifted?
• What dos the future hold for Cuba?
• Is the black market trade of nuclear materials being combated effectively?
• Can Afghanistan effectively police the narcotics trade within its borders?
• Would Obama be a stronger candidate than Clinton in the fall elections?
• Can the stranglehold of special interests in Washington be broken?
• Does Hillary Clinton still have a viable path to the Democratic nomination?
• Is universal health care a viable solution to the problems in the American Health Care System?
• Will values voters be a necessary block of voters for the Presidential nominees to court?
• Can the US afford to enforce its immigration policies?
• Is youth violence on the rise in the US?
• Does US foreign policy do enough to address international human rights issues?
• How large of a part should energy efficiency play in resolving America’s energy independence?
• Is America’s high education staying competitive with the rest of the world?
• Will America’s economy right itself in the second half of 2008?
• Is the development of corn based ethanol hurting the US economy?
• Is Colin Powell a viable running mate for John McCain?
• Are free trade agreements good for the US economy?
• Will Kosovo’s declaration of independence recreate the regional instabilities of the 1990’s?
• Should the US increase the number of H1-B visas?
• Is state sponsored terrorism on the rise?
• What has been the impact of the Brown v. Board decision on American society?
• Is Barak Obama capable of running an effective national campaign against John McCain?
• How can the US become more energy efficient?

Policy Debate ('07-'08) - Paul Ewald on TED

One of those things that would have been interesting to have much earlier in the debate season, Paul Ewald talks about the domestication of germs. How it's possible in a relatively short time frame to manipulate the virulence of some diseases by manipulating the means in which it can be transmitted. For example, making Malaria less virulent and less resistant to anti-malarial drugs by mosquito proofing homes.

http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/259

Further information on evolutionary domestication of diseases (Malaria specifically):
http://memorias.ioc.fiocruz.br/935/24mvt.html - About the Tennessee Valley Authority mosquito-proofing houses around the 1930's and 40's when it build dams to provide hydroelectric power which caused Malaria outbreaks.

Randy Pausch - Last Lecture

In the same vein as the TED lectures that I've posted here, this is something you should watch. if you do oratory, get an understanding of how the message is portrayed. No I don't expect you to do push ups. Get an idea of what it is to motivate, to inspire, to persuade those you are talking to.

http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/

Extemp Questions - Mar. 23 2008

• Can the Korea’s reunify?
• Will China use its trade surplus as an economic weapon?
• What impact will the looming retirement of the Boomer’s have on the US economy?
• Should the US default on its Social Ssecurity obligations?
• Should local school boards be removed in favor of national control of primary and seondary education?
• Does local control of education cause failing schools?
• Is No Child Left Behind failing?
• What can the US learn from Europe about secondary education?
• Will the tone of the primary season hurt the Democrats in the upcoming general election?
• Should Florida and Michigan be allowed a voice in the Democratic Party primaries?
• Is offshoring of jobs dangerous for the US tech industry?
• What will it take to make universal health care a reality for the US?
• Will there be new primaries for Michigan and Florida?
• Should we be prosecuting Eliot Spitzer or congratulating him for how hot that chick was?
• What is currently the biggest risk for the US economy?
• Does the failure of Bear Stearns signal fundamental problems with inventment banks?
• Is The Fed doing what it should to stabilize the economy?
• Can Ben Bernanke keep inflation in check?
• Are the US economic fundamentals still stable?
• Will US consumer spending continue to slow?
• Has the troop surge in Iraq been successful so far?
• Will the US economy rally by the November elections?
• Is US foreign policy towards the Middle East headed in the right direction?
• How should the US approach free trade with Latin American nations?
• Should private security contractors fall under the jurisdiction of military law?
• Does the hiring of private security contractors make the US military more efficient?
• Has Sarbanes-Oxley legislation improved corporate accounting in the US?
• Is e-voting technology ready for primetime?
• Should the US increase its diplomatic and political support of Israel?
• How significant is Chain’s space program?
• Will economic anxiety be the big issue for the November elections?
• What impact will Ralph Nader have on the Presidential election?
• Will John McCain’s age be seen as an asset or a liability for his campaign?
• Is a weak dollar good for American unemployment?
• Can multinational corporations revive the US economy?.
• How can the US reduce its trade deficit?
• How has globalization impacted the US economy?
• Has NAFTA harmed the US economy?
• Is intellectual property law reform necessary to protect the US entertainment industry?
• Will China continue to keep the value of the Yuan artificially low?
• Are US consumers headed for significant rise in inflation?
• Do hard times in the US housing market signal the shape of the rest of the economy?
• Will US unemployment rise?
• Can the federal government save Medicare?
• Is the federal government doing enough to protect America’s endangered species?
• Would ‘Net Neutrality’ be good for the US economy?

Extemp Questions 28 Feb. 2008

• Is the push for net neutrality good for American consumers?
• Is the quality of American higher education falling behind the global curve?
• Should the federal government be allowed to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for prescription medications?
• Is US national seaport security being overlooked?
• What should the US do to lead the world in controlling carbon emissions?
• Can public funding improve the fairness of US elections?
• Will a “Passengers Bill of Rights” improve the quality of US air travel?
• Should the federal government impose stricter fuel efficiency standards on new automobiles?
• Is the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates too low?
• Has the prop surge in Iraq been successful thus far?
• Should the US put a deadline on troop withdrawal from Iraq?
• Should the US put a deadline on troop withdrawal from Afghanistan?
• Will the US continue to look to Pakistan as a regional ally in the global war on terror?
• What can African governments do to improve access to clean potable water?
• Will the resignation of Fidel Castro improve relations between Cuba and the US?
• What’s next for Cuba?
• Should the US end its embargo against Cuba?
• Has the music industry been irreparably harmed by the popularity of online music sources?
• Should Congress push for a balanced budget amendment?
• How can the federal government curb deficit spending?
• What steps should US companies take to curb the growing trade deficit with China?
• Should additional limits be placed on interim federal court appointments?
• Is additional gun control legislation necessary?
• Will Kosovo’s declaration it’s independence from Serbia reignite regional violence?
• Will the Beijing Olympics raise the question of Taiwanese independence?
• Should the US further reduce its nuclear arsenal?
• Should the US Air Force end its use of cluster munitions?
• Are primary election processes in the US unfair?
• Has Microsoft finally resolved its problems with the European Union?
• Has Bill Clinton been a liability to Hillary’s Presidential campaign?
• Will union endorsements carry significant weight in the general election?
• Can John McCain mend his relationship with the evangelical wing of the Republican Party?
• Is more regulation of financial institutions necessary?
• Should the number of US troops stationed in Korea be decreased?
• Is diplomacy still an effective part of American foreign policy?
• Should America move from income based taxes to consumption based taxes?
• Should individual states be empowered to set their own carbon emissions standards?
• Is a federal cap and trade program on carbon emissions a good idea?
• Should genetically modified food products be required to have special labeling?
• Is corn based ethanol a viable alternative ethanol source?
• Can animal cloning benefit American food producers?
• Should American airport security procedures be scaled back?
• Does the US health care system have too many doctors? 
• Will Ralph Nader's Presidential campaign sap necessary votes from the Democratic nominee?

Extemp Questions 28 Feb. 2008

• Is the push for net neutrality good for American consumers?
• Is the quality of American higher education falling behind the global curve?
• Should the federal government be allowed to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for prescription medications?
• Is US national seaport security being overlooked?
• What should the US do to lead the world in controlling carbon emissions?
• Can public funding improve the fairness of US elections?
• Will a “Passengers Bill of Rights” improve the quality of US air travel?
• Should the federal government impose stricter fuel efficiency standards on new automobiles?
• Is the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates too low?
• Has the prop surge in Iraq been successful thus far?
• Should the US put a deadline on troop withdrawal from Iraq?
• Should the US put a deadline on troop withdrawal from Afghanistan?
• Will the US continue to look to Pakistan as a regional ally in the global war on terror?
• What can African governments do to improve access to clean potable water?
• Will the resignation of Fidel Castro improve relations between Cuba and the US?
• What’s next for Cuba?
• Should the US end its embargo against Cuba?
• Has the music industry been irreparably harmed by the popularity of online music sources?
• Should Congress push for a balanced budget amendment?
• How can the federal government curb deficit spending?
• What steps should US companies take to curb the growing trade deficit with China?
• Should additional limits be placed on interim federal court appointments?
• Is additional gun control legislation necessary?
• Will Kosovo’s declaration it’s independence from Serbia reignite regional violence?
• Will the Beijing Olympics raise the question of Taiwanese independence?
• Should the US further reduce its nuclear arsenal?
• Should the US Air Force end its use of cluster munitions?
• Are primary election processes in the US unfair?
• Has Microsoft finally resolved its problems with the European Union?
• Has Bill Clinton been a liability to Hillary’s Presidential campaign?
• Will union endorsements carry significant weight in the general election?
• Can John McCain mend his relationship with the evangelical wing of the Republican Party?
• Is more regulation of financial institutions necessary?
• Should the number of US troops stationed in Korea be decreased?
• Is diplomacy still an effective part of American foreign policy?
• Should America move from income based taxes to consumption based taxes?
• Should individual states be empowered to set their own carbon emissions standards?
• Is a federal cap and trade program on carbon emissions a good idea?
• Should genetically modified food products be required to have special labeling?
• Is corn based ethanol a viable alternative ethanol source?
• Can animal cloning benefit American food producers?
• Should American airport security procedures be scaled back?
• Does the US health care system have too many doctors? 

Extemp Questions, updated 19 Feb. 2008

Updated: 19 Feb 2008

• How should the US approach the current situation in the Palestinian territories?
• Should private equity firms face greater degrees of governmental scrutiny than other businesses?
• Is statehood the destiny of Palestine?
• Should the Kurds in Iraq have their own independent state?
• Does the strong support received by Dr. Ron Paul show a disappointment within the Republican Party’s base?
• Will the ideas of change that Obama represents win over the hearts of Democratic voters in the 2008 primaries?
• Is there a realistic fear among Afghani’s that they will be abandoned by the United States?
• Should the US increase the number of combat troops in Afghanistan?
• How can the US best develop political stability in Afghanistan?
• Is government corruption in Afghanistan an insurmountable obstacle?
• What role should the federal government play in American public education?
• How will history regard Karl Rove?
• Can the legacy of the George W. Bush presidency still be saved?
• Are American goals in the Middle East too ambitious?
• Should the US consider moving its currency back to a gold standard?
• How uncoordinated do you have to be to get an injury from playing the Wii?
• What can be done to make South Africa safer?
• Will South Africa be ready for the 2010 Olympics?
• What more is necessary for South Africa’s blacks and women to achieve socioeconomic equality?
• How should the US cope with the impending retirement of the baby boomers?
• How can the US retain its economic dominance against the rise of China and India?
• Will the Republican Party fare better when President Bush’s second term is over?
• Is Karl Rove a misunderstood political genius or a dark political mastermind?
• Are online predators a significant threat for American youth?
• Has consolidation of power under the Executive Branch peaked with the Bush Presidency?
• How can the governments of the world better control the flow of illegal weapons?
• Where is Iraq heading?
• Has the prison at Guantanamo helped or hurt the US in the global war on terror?
• What should happen to the remaining detainees in Guantanamo?
• Does the cost of free trade outweigh the benefits for developing nations?
• Should the US embrace free trade with South America?
• What will it take for the world to effectively combat global warming?
• How has American media shaped the Democratic race for the Presidential nomination?
• How can the US improve governmental transparency?
• Can Clinton’s experience win out over Obama’s movement for change?
• Is John McCain a strong enough conservative to rally Republican voters?
• Which Presidential candidates does the issue of the economy help the most?
• Would Hillary Clinton’s nomination rally Republican voters to turn out against her?
• Is America’s military readiness faltering?
• Can the US achieve effective immigration reform without causing harm to the national economy?
• Should the federal government impose more regulations on stop predatory lending practices?
• Do mortgage-interest tax breaks on real estate harm the US economy?
• Will a shaky global economy curb consumer spending?
• Would a national public health system harm the quality of US healthcare?
• Is a national ID card a violation of American’s rights?
• Can NGO’s solve Africa’s economic development problems?
• Should the US leave open the option of pre-emptive military action against Iran to prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons?
• Is the WHO devoting adequate resources to combating disease in Africa?
• How does the development of commercial space travel benefit global society?
• How can the federal government promote the development of alternative energy sources?
• When will the US end its dependence on foreign oil?
• Can ethanol and biodiesel take a big chunk out of America’s foreign oil dependence?
• When will third party candidates be viable in national elections?
• Should all electronic voting machines be taken out of US elections?
• Should the federal government focus more resources on early childhood education?
• Has the Head Start program improved the global competitiveness of America’s students?
• Should there be a cap on the damages awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits?
• Will the burst in the US housing market cause a significant drop in US consumer spending?
• Should the federal government create a national standard for primary elections?
• Can the tech sector keep the US stock market afloat?
• Can Electronic Medical Records significantly reduce the cost of health care in the US?
• What is the cause of the bitter tone common in American political campaigns?
• Do American income disparities deepen political polarization?
• What does the future hold for the Evangelical movement with regards to US politics?
• How can the EU develop closer ties with the US?
• How has the global war on terror changed Europe’s relationship with the US?
• Can Iraq’s President Ahmadinejad afford to continue his saber rattling tactics?
• Can the International Criminal Court be an effective body of justice for the world’s worst crimes?
• What will it take to end Robert Mugabe’s iron grip on power in Zimbabwe?.
• Is democracy across the globe stronger now than it was at the beginning of the war on terror?
• Why is Russia so complacent with Putin’s authoritarian rule?
• Should African leaders be more outspoken against President Robert Mugabe?
• Is America able to effectively promote liberal democracy throughout the world?
• What reforms are needed to end government corruption in Nigeria?

Oratory/Etc. - Isabel Allende on TED.com

Another good TED talk. A great example of something that would work well as an oratory or an expos piece.

URL: http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/204