Top Public Intellectuals - Foreign Policy Mag

[Kahlessa]

The current issue of Foreign Policy magazine contains a list of the “Top 100 Public Intellectuals”. Incredibly Michael Crichton is not on the list. The magazine is letting people vote online for the top five. You can choose five from the list, plus write-in one person. The criteria are:

Candidates must be living and still active in public life. They must have shown distinction in their particular field as well as an ability to influence wider debate, often far beyond the borders of their own country.

There are six novelists on the list, but I believe Crichton meets the criteria better than any of them. So go to this link to add him to the list:
www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4262

As for the hundred people already listed, consider voting for Bjorn Lomborg. His book, The Skeptical Environmentalist, was much admired by Michael Crichton, who used it as an important source for State of Fear.

(You’ll notice that Al Gore made the list as well.)

You may only vote once and voting ends May 15. The list of the “Top 20 Public Intellectuals”, based on the votes, will be published in the July/August issue.

[Lukaran]

I voted for Bjorn Lomborg, and wrote-in Michael Crichton. Even if he doesn't make the top 20, maybe they'll mention him if he gets enough write-in votes. He's certainly influenced debate worldwide. Look at how many international fans he has.

[Kahlessa]

If Michael Crichton isn't mentioned when they publish the results, I write a letter to the editor about it.

I recently discovered that there is a Science Fiction Hall of Fame, and Michael Crichton is not in it. Yet. I'll try to find out how you nominate someone for the Hall of Fame.


Here's the linkfor the SF Hall of Fame:
www.empsfm.org/exhibitions/index.asp?categoryID=203

About the museum and hall of fame:
The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (SFM) is the world's first museum devoted to the thought-provoking ideas and experiences of science fiction. SFM’s exhibitions promote awareness and appreciation of science fiction literature and media while encouraging visitors to envision new futures for humanity. In the Science Fiction Hall of Fame, the museum pays homage to the most respected of science fiction practitioners—writers, artists, publishers and filmmakers.

It was founded by Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates. The museum and hall of fame are housed in Seattle with the Experience Music Project described here:

Experience Music Project (EMP) is dedicated to the exploration of creativity and innovation in popular music. By blending interpretative, interactive exhibitions with cutting-edge technology, EMP captures and reflects the essence of rock ‘n’ roll, its roots in jazz, soul, gospel, country and the blues, as well as rock’s influence on hip-hop, punk and other recent genres. Visitors can view rare artifacts and memorabilia and experience the creative process by listening to musicians tell their own stories.

[Kahlessa]

Foreign Policy has posted the Top 20 Public Intellectuals. Many of those who made the list actively campaigned for votes on their own websites, which could explain the results. Here's the link:
www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4349

Stephen Colbert was the only write-in mentioned as he got the most votes. (I'd better get to work on that letter to the editor.)

I was pleased to see that Fareed Zakaria made the top 20. Unfortunately so did Al Gore.

But Bjorm Lomborg came in at 41. Gore has refused to debate Lomborg or anyone else. Smart of Gore, because Lomborg would kick his ass so bad Gore would have to crawl off the stage.

Here's the final rankings of the top 100:
www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4379

Here's a list of people that the top 100 themselves think were overlooked.
www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4365

[Kahlessa]

I sent my letter to Foreign Policymagazine. I'll let you know if they publish it, and if they don't, I'll post it here. Considering how many people voted, the editors are probably swamped with letters!