Today's Question Category Archive: Science/Technology

How have your perceptions of Google changed over the years?

Posted at 4:00 AM on January 26, 2012 by Eric Ringham (15 Comments)
Filed under: Media, Science/Technology

Google has announced that it will begin tracking the web-surfing habits of users across all of its many services, and not give users the chance to opt out. Technology watchers say the change will allow Google to target ads more precisely to individual consumers. Today's Question: How have your perceptions of Google changed over the years?

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What changes would you like to see over the next 15 years in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul?

Posted at 5:00 AM on December 15, 2011 by Eric Ringham (18 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Environment/Energy, Politics/Government, Science/Technology

A new design plan for Minneapolis calls for doubling the number of downtown residents in the next 15 years and making other changes to sports, arts and shopping districts. Today's Question: What changes would you like to see over the next 15 years in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul?

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Has technology taken over too much of our lives?

Posted at 5:00 AM on October 17, 2011 by Eric Ringham (28 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

Eighty-three percent of American adults have cell phones, according to the Pew Center's Internet & American Life Project. Nearly 90 percent own some kind of computerized device. Three in four Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 use social media. Today's Question: Has technology taken over too much of our lives?

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What part of your social network experience would you like to change?

Posted at 5:00 AM on July 11, 2011 by Eric Ringham (17 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Science/Technology

Nearly 700 million people use Facebook, but many of them complain about some of its features. Now Google has launched Google+ as an alternative social network site. Today's Question: What part of your social network experience would you like to change?

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Has the space shuttle program been a success?

Posted at 5:00 AM on July 7, 2011 by Eric Ringham (22 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology, Transportation

After 30 years and 135 flights, America's space shuttle program is about to come to an end. The Atlantis launch scheduled for this weekend will be the last. Today's Question: Has the space shuttle program been a success?

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Does Internet access rise to the level of a human right?

Posted at 5:00 AM on May 27, 2011 by Eric Ringham (56 Comments)
Filed under: Politics/Government, Science/Technology

Social networks have played a major role in the so-called Arab Spring. In light of that, leaders at the G8 Summit in France are being urged to view Internet access as a basic human right. Today's Question: Does Internet access rise to the level of a human right?

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Thanks to new technologies, what do you find you no longer need?

Posted at 5:00 AM on March 28, 2011 by Eric Ringham (29 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

Gadgets become obsolete more quickly than ever. And new technologies are changing our habits and routines. Today's question: Thanks to new technologies, what do you find you no longer need?

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Does Minnesota need a law to prohibit human cloning?

Posted at 5:00 AM on March 17, 2011 by Eric Ringham (42 Comments)
Filed under: Politics/Government, Religion/Ethics, Science/Technology

A bill that would ban human cloning in Minnesota is making its way through the Legislature. The bill's sponsor says he is promoting it as a preventive measure. Today's Question: Does Minnesota need a law to prohibit human cloning?

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Should the president have an Internet kill switch?

Posted at 5:00 AM on February 7, 2011 by Jon Gordon (30 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology, Security

Several U.S. Senators plan to introduce a bill that would give the president the power to restrict Internet traffic in the event of a cyber security emergency. Today's Question: Should the president have an "Internet kill switch" to limit damage to U.S. infrastructure in case of a cyber attack?

Here's some background reading from that Washington Post that susses out the pros and cons. Excerpt:

Greg Nojeim, director of the Center for Democracy and Technology's Project on Freedom, Security and Technology, said the bill is focused on cyber security emergency measures, not on squelching dissent. But he said the measure is not sufficient to ensure that such power to control Internet access is not abused.

"What if the authority the bill gives the government to shut down or limit Internet traffic was abused?" Nojeim said. "What would be the remedy? The bill does not allow for a remedy. There's no authority for an objective decision-maker to ensure the decision ... is properly based on a true emergency."

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Nasdaq computers have been under attack. What if attackers were able to damage the U.S. financial system in a widespread attack?

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What should come next for America's space program?

Posted at 5:00 AM on January 28, 2011 by Eric Ringham (14 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

Today is the 25th anniversary of the Challenger explosion. NASA's shuttle program is coming to a close. Today's Question: What should come next for America's space program?

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Do you find the possibility of life beyond earth comforting, or alarming?

Posted at 5:00 AM on December 3, 2010 by Eric Ringham (27 Comments)
Filed under: Religion/Ethics, Science/Technology

Scientists have announced that the universe contains more stars than they had thought ... and that life can exist in more environments than they had thought possible. Today's Question: Do you find the possibility of life beyond earth comforting, or alarming?

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Do you think there is life on other planets?

Posted at 5:00 AM on September 1, 2010 by Eric Ringham (32 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

Less than 18 months after its launch, NASA's Kepler spacecraft has identified hundreds of possible planets outside our solar system. Today's Question: Do you think there is life on other planets?

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Is it time to change the way we pay for the internet?

Posted at 5:00 AM on August 10, 2010 by Molly Bloom (16 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

Yesterday, Google and Verizon released a joint policy proposal supporting an open internet, but also allowing broadband providers to charge extra for premium services like entertainment and gaming. Today's question: Is it time to change the way we pay for the internet?

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Do you depend on sirens to alert you to severe weather?

Posted at 5:00 AM on July 26, 2010 by Eric Ringham (27 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology, Security

Minnesota's emergency sirens operate with no system of central control or regulation. Today's Question: Do you depend on sirens to alert you to severe weather?

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Is it worth it to be among the first to use a new technology?

Posted at 5:00 AM on July 1, 2010 by Eric Ringham (15 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

Some early adopters of the iPhone 4 report screen discoloration and reception problems if they hold the phone a certain way. Today's Question: Is it worth it to be among the first to use a new technology?

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How have smart phones changed your life?

Posted at 5:00 AM on June 8, 2010 by Eric Ringham (17 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

Apple unveiled the fourth generation model of its popular iPhone on Monday. Today's Question: How have smart phones changed your life?

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Have you had a privacy problem on a social network?

Posted at 5:00 AM on May 28, 2010 by Eric Ringham (6 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Science/Technology, Security

After complaints from users and government officials, Facebook has introduced measures to simplify its privacy controls. Today's Question: Have you had a privacy problem on a social network?

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What concerns does the prospect of synthetic life raise for you?

Posted at 5:00 AM on May 24, 2010 by Eric Ringham (10 Comments)
Filed under: Religion/Ethics, Science/Technology

Genetic scientists say they have taken a big step toward the creation of synthetic life. Today's Question: What concerns does the prospect of synthetic life raise for you?

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When is it appropriate to use a stun gun?

Posted at 5:00 AM on May 12, 2010 by Eric Ringham (9 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology, Security

A Philadelphia police officer used a stun gun last week against a teenager who ran onto the field during a Phillies game. In Minnesota, a complaint alleges that a man was shocked with a Taser after shouting at authorities in the Sherburne County jail. Today's Question: When is it appropriate to use a stun gun?

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What steps do you take to protect your kids online?

Posted at 5:00 AM on May 10, 2010 by Eric Ringham (4 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology, Security

Advocates for children warn that they are at risk from cyber bullying, adult predators and other dangers on the Internet. Today's Question: What steps do you take to protect your kids online?

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How have you seen violent video games affect your friends or family?

Posted at 5:00 AM on May 3, 2010 by Eric Ringham (28 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Science/Technology

Most teenagers play some sort of video games, and some of the most popular games feature violent content. Today's Question: How have you seen violent video games affect your friends or family?

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What do you really need your computer to do?

Posted at 5:00 AM on April 5, 2010 by Eric Ringham (26 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

Over the weekend, Apple released its iPad, a light, flat, touch-screen computer with fewer functions than a conventional laptop. Today's Question: What do you really need your computer to do?

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Should NASA give up its dominant role in human spaceflight?

Posted at 5:00 AM on February 9, 2010 by Eric Ringham (34 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

The space shuttle Endeavor blasted off yesterday, leaving only four more planned launches in the shuttle program. After that, the United States plans to rely on private contractors to ferry astronauts into space. Today's Question: Should NASA give up its dominant role in human spaceflight?

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What's the next high tech gadget you'd like to buy?

Posted at 5:00 AM on January 7, 2010 by Eric Ringham (10 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

The Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show starts today and runs through the weekend. Items on display are expected to include 3D televisions and tablet computers. What's the next high tech gadget you'd like to buy?

Comments from the Public Insight Network:

iPod/iPhone speakers because it would be nice to listen to podcasts and music on my iPhone while I'm cooking dinner, without having to plug in my headphones. -Joel Creswell, Madison, WI

Google Phone - I'd love to break free of my iPhone with a smartphone that lets anyone build applications and has an open source platform. The iPhone is amazing but the combination of AT&T's terrible service and apple's closed app store makes it a platform that is inherently anti-innovation. -Tim Brown, Salt Lake City, UT

Widescreen, hi-def LCDtv. I've been holding out for prices to get just that much cheaper. -Bryan Powell, Alexandria, VA

I need several devices or a combo. I want a small computer with a 2 terabyte hard drive, all wireless, small interpoint Braille printer with Grade 3 capability, refreshable braille display, and GPS to help me get around, built-in phone, datebook, address book, and texting. A money identifier would be nice, too. I'm not a big tech person alas! This mythical device could also have barcode scanning recognition technology so that I could scan something at the store. It could replace this old cumbersome computer on my desk and all these evil wires. or let's get real high tech and have something that would help me navigate the environment muchbetter like real eyes would--I am blind and hence the braille reference. -David Faucheux, Lafayette, LA

My first priority is a smart phone, but with that said, which one is the real question. I was close to going for an Android based one - I am leery of Blackberry's for some reason - but now my head is turned by the Google branded phone. More research is needed. I am not what you would call an early adopter. But I watch the trends and try to pick carefully. I need the features that most smart phones offer, including internet access (I'm on the road around the Detroit metro area a lot), navigation (see previous parenthesis), and calendar integration. I am not a gamer or a social networker, so texting is the most I would need. -Phil Hadley, West Bloomfield, MI

A laptop computer. A more mobile means to connect while working and at school. -Mark Cultice, Plymouth, IN

My husband and I are considering buying new smart phones and have been watching with interest the launch of the new Google phone. Given the recent comments on the Google phone, I think we may be going with the iPhone. I have recently opened up my own law practice and really need something other than a cell phone. I've been waiting to see recent developments and weighing the Blackberry vs. the iPhone but I think I am going with the iPhone. -Kathleen Lynch, Cary, NC

My 3.5 lb laptop is getting too heavy to log around, while my smartphone's screen is too small to be useful. A Smartbook would seem to be just right. And if they ever come up with a special magnifying attachment for my glasses (similar to the 3d glasses) so the screen would appear bigger, then it would be just about the perfect gadget. -Christine Turner, Alamgordo, NM

A CFV-39 39 Megapixel digital back for my Hasselblad 500CM camera. I have a serious investment in this camera system and, although the $15,000 price of this piece of equipment is still beyond my means, it sure beats the $50K plus that it would take to replace the entire camera system with an equivalent digital package. -Frank Gwirtz, Middlefield, OH

Apple Tablet. While I prefer a PC to a Mac, I've fallen in love with my iPhone/iTunes/AppleTV combo. -David Spitz, Raleigh, NC

I've been scouring the web looking for an iJob. I'm told they come in a variety of colors and the killer app is Livable Wage 2.0. I've had the honor of losing two newspaper jobs in 2009. I was laid off as photo editor from the Detroit Free Press, then I lost a job when the start-up newspaper I signed on with folded after five issues. I'm hoping that in 0h-ten I'll find another job to lose. -Rodney Curtis, Detroit, MI

I would like to buy an iPhone. It is more than a phone. I think it is something you need to have in today's world to make the most of the IT age. -Aswani, Pulipaka, Antioch, TN

A scanner. I am not wedded to gadgets per se. Live "classical" and Jazz is more my line. Being of Welsh decent, these are more interesting. To me, most gadgets are clutter. -Jerome Stephens, Warren, OH

Tablet. Might make me finally carry a purse/carryall after abandoning them 30 years ago. Screen big enough for surfing; touch screen, solving the mouse/trackpad problem; small and light enough for travel; WiFi. -Pat Zimmerman, Scappoose, OR

I do not want to buy anything else. I am saturated with technology that does not work that well. Most of the upgrades are incremental and variations on the previous versions. -Vladimir Druzhshchienschkyy, Roswell, GA

Equipment needed to build a conventional 1gbps Ethernet LAN for my home - firewall, router, switch, cables. -Richard Rodgers, Coats, NC

Someday I'd like to see someone market an Internet gadget that's sized in-between an iPhone and a netbook. I'm bifocally-challenged, so for me phones are a wee bit small for surfing the 'net, but I'd like something small enough to routinely carry in my purse, and a netbook is a wee bit big for that. Something in-between would be appealing. (But it would need to be priced smaller than a netbook, too.) -Anne Nolan, St. Cloud, MN

Parrot MKi9200 advanced Hands free car kit. Because this device is freaking awesome. It allowys you to listen to your iPod in your car, and wirelessly communicate with any Blueooth device, and stream audio, giving an affordable alternatively to an expensive bluetooth oem option. -Jim Fulner, Berkley, MI

A "home server" with a pair of Xeon 5500s, a boat-load of RAM, slots for 8 hot-swap enterprise SATA drives, twin GigE spigots, and this the most important part: running SUN's OpenSolaris with the ZFS filesystem. the existing "home NAS boxes" are, uh, nasty. i'm going to build one if somebody doesn't package one as a product. -Mike O'Dell, Herndon, VA

iPod Nano or iPod Touch. I'm just starting to consider that I might want more MP3 downloads instead of CDs. I want something I can dock with speakers because my speakers on my laptop aren't loud enough. I'm thinking of going more high end just to do my bit to stimulate the economy. Yeah, I know, way behind the curve. -Kim Connolly, Hartford, CT

A firewall that disconnects us from all the liars, beggars and scam artists originating from places like Nigeria or the Czech Republic. It's bothersome having to sift through a lot of nonsense email, and when you've been 'forced' to find work by using the internet, it's a deliberate tax on my productivity. -Steven Sciotto, Jupiter, FL

The Apple iSlate, of course! I want a portable computer that does everything, just like my iPhone does (almost)--only with a bigger screen and larger virtual keyboard. I want the iSlate to have video conferencing, TV programs, movies, and e-books on it, too. In short, I want it to do everything I need/want! -Vicki Porter, Los Angeles, CA

Google Nexus One. I'm a big fan of the google suite and would like to buy a phone that's legally unlocked. -Joshua Ferguson, Ypsilanti, MI

Whatever it is, I want voice recognition so I can ask it questions and get answers like Star Trek! The social media opportunities are passing me by. I am intimidated with the need for facile thumbs and an innate understanding of electronics. -Gerri Batchelor, Cary, NC

I don't know I have just about everything. iPod Touch, iPhone, digital camera, digital video camera, Kindle, GPS watch, GPS device, TabletPC, desktop PC, don't know what else there is. But if you tell me, I'll probably buy it. -Michelle Hunt, Durham, NC

Apple's new iSlate. I love my iPhone, but would love to see something with a larger screen. -Bren Smith, Rough & Ready, CA

Nexus One (Google) Android phone. We are fast becoming a wireless technology culture. I've heard there are more mobile web browsers than desktops. To stay current with what's happening in our world and to sate my curiosity for new trends, owning using this technology is a must. -Kevin Stirtz, Burnsville, MN

An AIS transciever for my sailboat. I am hoping to start a sailboat charter business and would like to have the Automatic Ship Identification unit so I can know the name of ships in my area and so I can contact them on the radio if I need to. -Mike Girardo, Centereach, NY

I'm definitely looking for a smartphone to help with my self-employed business. But first, cellphone coverage in rural areas must become a reality. There are portions of African nations with better cellphone coverage than here in Maine. Working on a variety of projects, from within my home and on site in remote areas of this island town, I need to have effective communications that will talk to multiple devices. -Jeffrey Aronson, Vnalhaven, ME

The Google Phone. It's time for me to step up to a smart phone and I believe Google plans on selling the phone without requiring a restrictive service contract similar to iPhone/ATT's set up. -Bennett Dawson, Fairfield, VT

A tablet PC with multi-touch. I spend a lot of time away from home and main PC, and laptops are generally so cumbersome that I never bother to carry one (even though I own an adequate one for basic net use and writing). A tablet would be far more portable, more likely to be used casually, and more likely to encourage me to work on illustrations and graphic designs (which is an exercise in tedium and Ctrl+Z with a touchpad and annoyingly slow with a mouse or trackball). -David Artman, Durham, NC

Home media center server or gadget to consolidate digital music and photos. If possible, also use the same gadget to consolidate selected data files for backup, either to burned CD's, DVD's, flash drive, or across the internet to a backup service. Microsoft sells a Windows home server OS flavor geared to this purpose, but I'd like to avoid having another Windows server to manage. -Thomas Gronke, Portland, OR

A device not even announced yet: the expected/anticipated Apple tablet. Next after that will be a new iPhone, since mine is going to be two years old this summer. I always enjoy being "in the know", and I really appreciate the Apple ecosystem - by their being able to completely manage the experience to be one of simplicity, power, and integration, they are able to provide a fantastic user experience that no other tech company can achieve. Their tablet should bring more power and capability in a scaled-up iPhone-like device. With the success achieved with the iPhone, many people are waiting for this new product. -Brian Filipiak, Ypsilanti, MI

Western Digital's WD TV Live appliance. Video from the web, network, or storage. Less sneakernet to get the video I obtain from the interwebs to the TV. No commercials, ditch when bored, but watching from the couch instead of at my desk. -Graham Gibby, New Orleans, LA

Apple Tablet. It will be small. It will be light. I will love it. -Elizabeth Carlassare, Mountain View, CA

I don't intend to ever buy another high tech gadget. I'm going to use my computer less, turn off my TV, resist buying a cell phone, and get out and walk and snowshoe and talk in person to my neighbors. There is something else to living that so many seem to have forgotten. -Katherine DelaNoy, Keene, NH

The new boxee box/remote (http://www.boxee.tv/box). Developments like this are finally bringing an end to physical media (DVDs, CDs, etc) and making it easier to share videos and music with friends. -Tim Bornholdt, Richfield, MN

The latest iPod. I love listening to audio books while I run. -Sandra Busta, Santiago, Chile

An iPhone with a monthly plan I can afford! Would love to finally get the information and functions i most need in the places I most want them - usually away from my desk - through an interface that is designed for the way humans think, at a price that is reasonable. -David Posada, Portland, OR

Wacom cintiq 12wx LCD digitizing tablet. I'd like to develop software to turn hand drawing into text and geometric shapes. I think this would be more intuitive approach to drawing programs than currently available software. I saw technology like this demonstrated back in the 1980's, but outside of some handwriting recognition I can find commercial software like this. -David Wiley, Longmont, CO

A monitor that is huge - takes up all the wall space and desktop space of my cube so I can see everything I want to see while I do my work. -Lisa Twede, Burbank, CA

Tablet PDA device (like the device Apple is rumored to be developing). I VERY much like the idea of the iPhone, but paying $70/mo + $100 to buy the thing ($1,800) is just WAY out of line. Especially since the battery can't be changed and there is no memory card slot. If the new device allows reading of books, newspapers, magazines, etc. (in color) AND does what an iPhone can do - then (if it's not too big or heavy), I'm in. -Peter Loftspring, Overland Park, KS

Apple's tablet. Apple makes very cool things, and I would like something for travel that accesses wifi/email, can be used for an ebook, and has all kinds of good stuff in a lightweight package. -Barry Curtiss-Lusher, Denver, CO

Probably some kind of e-reader. We travel a lot and I find myself loaded down with books. -Dick Brandlon, Portland, OR

I think that I'll be getting an iPod. This is not new technology but the library now has books that can be downloaded and since I like to listen to books on my commute this sounds like a great way to have access to a lot more books than the library presenting carries CDs for. -Bonnie Rothman, Staten Island, NY

Blackberry cell phone. I need it. Well. . . I guess I could do without it, but I have used a Palm for the past several years and like the way it helps me stay organized. It is truly a personal assistant. I use it for all of my organizing and scheduling needs, professionally and personally, including the calendar, email, and "to do" features of the device. I am switching to a Blackberry only because my cell phone service (AT&T) no longer offers service with Palm devices. -JoLynn Collins, Durham, NC

Comments texted to MPR:

I want the droid verizon phone. -Phil, Edina, MN

I would love a Nexus One. -Sidney, Minnetonka, MN

I'd like to buy a bluetooth audio receiver by Belkin. -Sean, Burnsville, MN

Can't wait till Apple comes out with a tablet Mac. Made the switch to Mac and will never go back to Microsoft. -Dan, Minneapolis, MN

I can't wait for pocket projector technology to reach mainstream products; a projector built into my phone or netbook would be awesome! -anonymous

Tablet computer. -John Ganske, Mankato, MN

Next high tech gadget: a clothes folding machine. -James R., Marshall, MN

I'd like to buy a transporter so I don't have to drive in this weather! -Travis, Minneapolis, MN

Share your reply in the comments: What's the next high tech gadget you'd like to buy?

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Over the past decade, how has technology made your life better or worse?

Posted at 6:00 AM on December 30, 2009 by Eric Ringham (10 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

At the beginning of the year 2000, Facebook did not exist. You couldn't take pictures with your phone. Apple had yet to unveil the iPod. Over the past decade, how has technology made your life better or worse?

Comments texted to MPR:

Every time I sit down in a meeting or go for drinks with friends, we are all tapping away on our iPhones and Blackberrys. Even with my uncle or dad. -Kathleen, St. Louis Park

I think that technology has made society worse because we communicate not face to face as much, but more by checking our Facebooks or Twitters. -Morgan, Minneapolis, MN

I have a love-hate relationship with my blackberry. -Michael, Woodbury, MN

Technology has made me more inpatient. More productive when i use it then walk away but less productive when i waste time in front of it. -Little Falls, MN

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Have any of your texts, voice mails or e-mails come back to haunt you?

Posted at 6:00 AM on December 16, 2009 by Eric Ringham (12 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

Officials in the last White House are facing the release of e-mails they had thought were private. Tiger Woods' text messages and voice mails were made public. Have any of your texts, voice mails or e-mails come back to haunt you?

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Is there an issue on which you think the accepted science is wrong, or untrustworthy?

Posted at 6:00 AM on December 14, 2009 by Eric Ringham (28 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

A growing percentage of the population doubts that human activity contributes to global warming. Many Americans also dispute the value of vaccines and the evidence of evolution. Is there an issue on which you think the accepted science is wrong, or untrustworthy?

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Is going back to the moon a good idea?

Posted at 6:00 AM on October 29, 2009 by Eric Ringham (15 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

NASA on Wednesday test-launched a rocket that one day may carry astronauts to the moon, which humans last visited in 1972. Is going back to the moon a good idea?

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How likely is it that aliens exist somewhere in the universe?

Posted at 6:00 AM on September 1, 2009 by Eric Ringham (18 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology

A new NASA mission is searching for earthlike planets, and some scientists think the mission will reveal important clues about the potential for advanced civilizations. How likely is it that aliens exist somewhere in the universe?

The greatest evidence that there IS intelligent life outside our solar system is that none of it has bothered to contact us. -anonymous text message

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What low-tech device do you refuse to give up?

Posted at 6:00 AM on August 11, 2009 by Anna Weggel (48 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Science/Technology

Last year, the Polaroid company announced it would stop selling its cameras and producing instant film. Now that stores have sold their stocks, the price of a packet of Polaroid film is through the roof. Rapid changes in technology make it hard to keep up with the latest gadget, and even harder to let go of the ones we love. What low-tech device do you refuse to give up?

I refuse to give up pencils. -Cat, Plymouth, MN

I refuse to give up my turn table and vinyls. Purple Rain just isn't the same crammed into an iPod -Phillip R. Minneapolis, MN

My pressure canner and clothes line. -Jason

I refuse to give up my paper daytimer calendar. -Linda Sorensen, Oronoco, MN

Low tech device I refuse to give up? That's easy. My turntable and vinyl records. -Adam Thurston

I just seem to not be able to loosen my grip on my original Nintendo system. I don't use it, it's just there, much to the chagrin of my fiance. -anonymous text message

Definitely my VCR! -Miranda, St. Paul, MN

I refuse to give up flush toilets. -Reid, Duluth, MN

My corded phone. -Jane Fisher, St. Paul, MN

I wont give up my books or newspaper. Can't curl up on the couch with my blanky and my computer! -anonymous text message

Share your reply in the comments: What low-tech device do you refuse to give up?

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If you could travel through time, where would you go?

Posted at 6:00 AM on July 9, 2009 by Eric Ringham (66 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology, Transportation

Time travel might seem like a fantasy, but some scientists think it could become a reality. One of them, the physicist Ronald Mallett, has developed a theory of how to build a time machine. He says his idea works by using "light in the form of circulating lasers to warp or loop time," and he's getting attention from news media and filmmaker Spike Lee. If you could travel through time, where would you go?

I would like to go to the future to see how we're doing with things like: global warming, technology, a cure for some of our diseases (like diabetes and cancer) and world relations. -Mike Lang

I would go back and spend more time and get to know my grandparents better. -Kristine, Minneapolis

I would go back to the mid 70s, and do a better job with my post high school years. -Karen Anderson, Superior, WI

I would time travel into the early years of America and try to free slaves and break down color, race, gender, and sexuality barriers. -Jake, Northfield, MN

18 September 1970, just before MTC took over Twin City Lines, to collect bus schedules and bus-related documents and bring them back to the present day. -John Charles Wilson, Minneapolis, MN

I would go fishing with Hemingway and drinks some good Spanish wine. -Joel

I would return to Dallas Texas on November 22, 1963 and stop the Kennedy assassination. I believe that if he was to remain president the civil rights movement would have been less painful of a process for our country and a Kennedy presidency would have averted our involvement in the Vietnam war. Of course, as any science fiction fan knows, altering time always has unintended consequences so who knows what might actually happen. -Brian Roth, Eagan, MN

If I can make only one choice, then Jerusalem 31C.E., of course. Being a Christian, I would suppose most others would choose the same. If I could choose more, then Philadelphia June 1776. London 1615. Washington DC April 1865. Venice 1492. Singapore 1936. New York City 1945. I could easily go on. -Jared Hoke, Marine on St. Croix, MN

I don't know. The questions that I have often wondered when considering this question are. Can you go back and forward or only backward? If you can only go backward in time because the future has not happened yet, when you get to the past can you come back because from that point the future has not happened yet? If we could time travel I suppose I would go back to frontier times to learn more about the environment around us that we take for granted. -Jeremy Gray, Minneapolis, MN

I would like to go to July 2,1776 - signing of the declaration. -James Redfield, Rush City, MN

Late 1700's - Beethoven, Mozart, etc. -Sue, Brooklyn Park, MN

Love to see my dad and grandfather again. -@cbs3890

Share your reply in the comments: If you could travel through time, where would you go?

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