State of the Union Address Word Cloud Shows Obama Thinking About "People"

State of the Union Address Word Cloud Shows Obama Thinking About "People": "

Last night President Obama gave his State of the Union address, and how could we resist? We had to run his words through our usual text analysis process and dig into the speech.

The annual presidential address to Congress is key for each incumbent: It reveals their stance on recent news items and hot-topic issues, and its reception by politicians and the public can be regarded as a barometer of how well the President is doing--both from a political and personal standpoint. What were people expecting Obama to say? There was anticipation he'd make a call for more 'civility' in U.S. life, as several presidents have done before him, in the wake of the Tucson shooting. And he did: 'Amid all the noise and passions and rancor of our public debate, Tucson reminded us that no matter who we are or where we come from, each of us is a part of something greater--something more consequential than party or political preference.' Speculation also surrounded how Obama would tackle the health care issue--forever embroiled in a bi-partisan political war.

But what were Obama's most used words throughout his speech? One was 'People,' people. He said it 30 times--clearly the people of the U.S. are on his mind, and he wanted to personalize his address to appeal to the population. 'New' beat 'people' by with a count of 33, but that's nothing new--presidents like to talk about the new changes and improvements they've made, and are going to make...if they can.

Then came 'jobs,' with 25 uses. Employment and unemployment are hot-topic items, and Obama obviously wanted to highlight his stance on the matter with his fellow politicos and the public. The U.S.'s 'workers' popped up just six times, but 'work' was used 21 times--things have to work, as do people, if Obama is to win re-election, eventually. 'Make' is prominent in the word cloud too--probably because you have to make changes to make things work.

Interestingly 'government' popped up 18 times, suggesting Obama is acutely aware of the responsibilities, frailties and issues of the governing machine. 'Years' was a prominent word, suggesting that Obama was trying to distract listeners from being critical about short term government slip-ups, or political news that's just of the moment.

And then we glance at the rest of the word cloud and see something interesting: There's no real standout phrase other than these fairly unexciting words. We don't see 'defense' or 'Afghanistan' or 'Iraq,' and there's no 'need' or 'must' or 'sorry' or even many 'promises.' 'Innovation' barely gets a look in, and only slightly beats 'technology.' We're missing the word 'science,' which is a shame as Obama piqued our interest by promising a science-friendly term in office, and a future-focused one too. 'Future' did get used 15 times, but 'tonight' was used 13 times, which devalues the promise of futuristic thinking somewhat. Even 'health care' isn't prominent in the word cloud.

Compare the word cloud to Obama's SOTU from last year:

You can see that in 2010 Obama was happy to talk about 'America' and his fellow 'Americans' as well as generic 'people,' but that he also mentioned the 'economy', 'businesses,' 'families' and energy. 'Health' and 'reform' are in the mix too. A more resolute, issue-centric speech.

Then glance at this, the word cloud of the response to Obama's 2011 SOTU speech from Minnesota's Michele Bachmann (a key Tea Party figure, let's not forget):

Bachmann wasn't afraid to shy away from the big issues she sees facing the nation: 'Unemployment,' and an overgrown 'government' that's big on 'spending.' 'Obamacare,' as a critical phrase is clear in the cloud too, alongside 'health.' 'Debt' is a stand-out word, but mainly she kept her criticisms centered on the 'president.'

All in all, it seems the President was playing it safe with this 2011 SOTU speech, covering as many bases as he could and avoiding inflammatory language or hot-topic issues. He used 'can' 36 times...but 'will' with 61 uses implies he's aware there's a lot to do in the near future.

Read more State of the Union coverage

Word-cloud thanks to Wordle.

To read more news on this, and similar stuff, keep up with my updates by following me, Kit Eaton, on Twitter.

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Medical Marijuana Soft Drink Hopes to Become a Hit

Medical Marijuana Soft Drink Hopes to Become a Hit: "

First there were sit-down marijuana restaurants, and now there's this: Canna Cola, a line of soft drinks laced with medical marijuana.

Commercial artist and Canna Cola entrepreneur Clay Butler has created a cola drink that contains the psychoactive marijuana ingredient THC; $10 to $15 will get drinkers a 12-ounce bottle. In addition, he's producing Doc Weed, a spin on Dr Pepper; Sour Diesel, a lemon-lime flavor; and Orange Kush, his version of the citrus drink.

I'm interested in seeing how well Canna Cola takes off. Do you think these drinks will reach an all-time high?

Source

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Will Planet Earth Have ‘Two Suns’ By 2012?

Will Planet Earth Have ‘Two Suns’ By 2012?: "

Well look that: we may have another “sun” soon. That would be swell, and certainly the greatest thing to happen to sunglasses manufacturers. A scientist in Australia says that Betelgeuse, which is something like 640 light years away, appears to be losing mass at a fairly rapid rate. If that happens the star could go supernova, which would produce such a blindingly bright, uh, image, that it would be as visible in our sky as a second sun. Wild.

The prediction is that all of this would go down in 2012.

That, of course, means that this actually happened 640 years ago, more than 100 years before Columbus sailed the Ocean Blue.

I don’t know, I thought it was neat. It also reminded me of Sephiroth, which is always appreciated.

"

Jeez, Leonardo Di Caprio has anger issues

Jeez, Leonardo Di Caprio has anger issues: "

This isn’t the most gracefully-edited mashup I’ve ever seen, and four minutes and thirty seconds is a long time to watch Leonardo DiCaprio freaking out, but still, it is four straight minutes of Leonardo freaking out. I also could’ve used more Leonardo in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. But then I also said that about Schindler’s List. That mashup and more, after the jump!

(*climbs into metallic pink smart car, speeds away*)

(NSFW for language)

"

News - "Dark Knight Rises" Villains Revealed

News - "Dark Knight Rises" Villains Revealed: "

A press release from Warner Bros. Pictures has just confirmed the two key members of Batman's Rogues Gallery that will appear in the much-anticipated upcoming 'The Dark Knight Rises' - Catwoman and Bane. Check it out below:

'Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises.” She will be starring alongside Christian Bale, who returns in the title role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. Christopher Nolan stated, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story.”

In addition, Tom Hardy has been set to play Bane. Nolan said, “I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman’s most formidable enemies.”

Nolan will direct the film from a screenplay he wrote with Jonathan Nolan, from a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. Nolan will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner, Emma Thomas, and Charles Roven. “The Dark Knight Rises” is slated for release on July 20, 2012. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.'

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ANDROID

ANDROID: "

ANDROID

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor away

Submitted by: Unknown

"

Facebook is a Ponzi Scheme

Facebook is a Ponzi Scheme: "Comments"

The Best Times to Buy Anything in 2011 [Buying Guide]

The Best Times to Buy Anything in 2011 [Buying Guide]: "

Good things, and better prices, come to those who wait. Buy your furniture now, laptops in April, appliances in September, and make other better-timed purchases with our buying guide, and you'll save a few bucks with off-season, inventory-moving prices. More »

Surreal Fictional Urban Landscapes by Eugene Soloviev

Surreal Fictional Urban Landscapes by Eugene Soloviev: "[ By Steph in Graffiti & Drawing, Technology & Futurism, Urban Images. ]

Massive concrete blocks float in the sky, high above the Empire State building, each inhabited by a single seemingly bewildered person. Gravity no longer applies, and residents walk around in a daze. Welcome to the dreamlike fictional urban landscapes of Russian artist Eugene Soloviev.

Soloviev’s digital art has an ominous tone to it, often featuring solitary figures in seeming contemplation of the chaos and strangeness of their environments. Muted tones, dark clouds and fog enhance a sense of disquiet. The images call to mind concept art for films, hinting at a meaning behind the confusion.

Within Soloviev’s images seems to be a wordless story, an explanation as to why a seemingly ordinary city is suddenly no longer subject to laws of physics, or for the alien-looking architecture that has sprouted up among skyscrapers. But that silence is entangled within the beauty of visual art – it forces our own creativity into action, coercing a fictional narrative from our minds.

Entirely self-taught, the 21-year-old artist started out with simple photo manipulation in programs like Photoshop and Corel, and says that “for a joke” he cut out objects and placed them in non-standard landscapes. Ultimately, Soloviev refined both his skills and his particular brand of surreal atmosphere to produce a cohesive, thought-provoking body of work.

Haiti, one year later

Haiti, one year later: "

It's been one year since the earth shook so violently below Port-au-Prince, Haiti, destroying and damaging hundreds of thousands of buildings and lives in mere moments. Twelve months of struggle and heartache have followed, with very little progress to show so far. Only five percent of the rubble has been cleared as crippling 'indecision' has stalled reconstruction efforts, a recent report by humanitarian group Oxfam said. It's not clear when Haiti will be fully rebuilt, with five years needed just to rehouse the government, a top minister recently told an AFP reporter. On this somber anniversary, here are some photos of (and by) Haitians as they continue to cope with the aftermath of such a massive disaster. (45 photos total)

Orich Florestal (left), 24 and Rosemond Altidon, 22, stand on the edge of their partially destroyed apartment of Port-au-Prince January 9, 2011. Haiti will this week mark the first anniversary of the earthquake that killed an estimated 230,000 people and destroyed much of the capital Port-au-Prince on Jan 12, 2010. (REUTERS/Allison Shelley)

NYC – Mindrelic Timelapse

NYC – Mindrelic Timelapse: "Today is our final day in NYC and we are currently in the studio shooting the next Fstoppers Original on Sam Yocum. I have just a second as the model gets makeup ready for the second look. I just stumbled upon this fantastic NYC timelapse by Josh Owens. "

Poorly Named Pizza Joint

WHAT!!

Poorly Named Pizza Joint: "

Herpes Pizza — where you order a pizza once and pay for it the rest of your life.

[via Nothing To Do With Arbroath]

WTFriday

WTFriday: "

I'm going to be spending my weekend wondering why this is a real thing.

Think you can explain it? Tell us in the comments.

Want to extend your weekend? Check out previous WTFridays!

Wild Card Weekend Recap

Wild Card Weekend Recap: "

One of the NFL's most disappointing running backs led one of the NFL's most disappointing playoff teams to victory with the amazing run you see above. Then someone added the Super Mario Bros. music to it.

The only difference is that Mario was trying to save the princess whereas Marshawn Lynch was trying to save his career. Plus I'm pretty sure Mario never had a weapons charge. You don't really need a weapon to stomp on your enemies' heads.

Dad At A Justin Bieber Concert Puts Things In Perspective

Dad At A Justin Bieber Concert Puts Things In Perspective: "

Whatever you're going through right now can't be that bad.

The Empty City of Ordos, China: A Modern Ghost Town

The Empty City of Ordos, China: A Modern Ghost Town: "[ By Steph in Abandoned Places, Architecture & Design, Travel & Places. ]

It’s been called the Dubai of northern China, showered with wealth, packed with public infrastructure and located near to precious natural resources in a region plagued by water-supply troubles. But the urban center of Ordos City, known as ‘Kangbashi New Area’, has been mostly deserted for five years. Kangbashi isn’t a ghost town due to economic issues, contamination or any other common cause of such abandonment – the government simply can’t convince people to move there.

Built for 1 million people and currently inhabited by just a few thousand (despite a government claim of 28,000 residents, who are more likely just commuting workers), Kangbashi is filled with brand new buildings. One apartment building after another perches on the edge of streets that rarely see traffic, skyscrapers stand empty and over $5 billion worth of public buildings are unused and unstaffed.

(images via: archdaily)

One notable architectural project, the Ordos Art Museum, was the first structure to go up in the new civic center. Its ethereal location on a stretch of sand dunes along a lake makes it all the more visually striking. But this 29,000-square-foot exhibition and research space is just accumulating dust until the city’s hoped-for residents move in.

(image via: time)

Even now, construction on Kangbashi homes, businesses and public buildings still continues. City officials are confident that it’s just a matter of time before many of the 1.5 million residents of Ordos proper, who live 15 miles away in the old section of town, see the light. The Ordos city government has already moved its offices there, but that’s the extent of life in the new town.

(image via: google maps)

“It’s pretty lonely here,” Li Li, the marketing manager of an elegant restaurant in Kangbashi’s mostly vacant Lido Hotel, told The New York Times. “Most of the people who come to our restaurant are government officials and their guests. There aren’t any common residents around here.”

(image via: time)

Kangbashi’s local economy should be flourishing, given its close proximity to abundant natural resources like natural gas and coal. As in much of the rest of China, real estate in Ordos is booming, and the apartments in Kangbashi aren’t empty for lack of buyers.

(image via: time)

Investors have snapped up nearly every available residence, confident that they’ll eventually see a big return. But it’s exactly this activity that has analysts worried about a speculative real estate bubble that will inevitably see a painful pop.

(images via: google maps)

On Google Maps, you can explore the vacant city’s complex layout, intricate landscaping and wealth of public spaces like parks, swimming pools and a massive town square. The land is still raw in many areas as construction marches on, and what few cars can be seen are clustered around government buildings. New highways cut into sparsely populated countryside.

(image via: time)

So why don’t people want to live here, in a sparkling state-of-the-art city filled with modern architecture? Mostly, for now, moving to Kangbashi is an inconvenience. The new district is a thirty-minute drive from the old district where the bulk of Ordos residents still live, and the slow pace of relocation has stalled important supporting services like restaurants and markets.

(image via: time)

It may seem like a bizarre folly on behalf of the Chinese government, borne of severely misplaced optimism. But Ordos is indeed expanding at a rapid pace, home to a growing number of coal millionaires and producing China’s highest gross domestic product per capita. And pouring money into such new urban areas is part of a plan by China’s government to increase its middle class, benefiting the nation’s economy as a whole. Despite the current eerie silence of its streets, it’s probably safe to say that Kangbashi won’t be empty for long.