In a blind debate, adjudicators cannot see the debaters and all of the debaters' voices (including diction) are electronically disguised through a voice changer.

Spec knowledge refers to specific information that debaters might have about a particular debate. Currently, spec knowledge is not credited to the same extent as first principle or logical argumentation

DebateStuff is a facebook group where debaters share their personal negative exeperiences with debating. In recent years, it has become a forum of redressal for complaints (which has manifested in a public show of ‘cancelling’ certain individuals) as opposed to it's earlier role as an informant of the on-goings of the circuit.  

In a futuristic world, an AI technology, ‘lord farquaad’ accurately scores individuals violent tendencies on a scale of 1-100. A greater score means a greater likelihood that this person will commit crimes. The scoring is highly accurate and any score above 80 signifies that the individual will 100% commit a violent crime. 

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using generative AI in mental health therapy. In this scenario, no human therapist will be in the loop. It is just a person and generative AI carrying on a mental health session, notably with the AI acting in the capacity of a seemingly versed therapist or clinician.

 To accomplish this goal, real-world transcripts of clienttherapist sessions are being used as a primary source of data. This rich data is fed into generative AI and large language models (LLMs) to computationally patternmatch the nature of highly engaged conversational mental health guidance. The goal is to have the AI computationally mimic the therapeutic process, doing so on an always-on 24x7 basis and accessible from anywhere in the world.

While researchers have debated the underlying causes of the gender wage gap for decades, recently it has attracted mainstream political attention. With that attention, cities and states have begun to experiment with “Salary History Bans” (SHB). Salary history bans (SHBs) prohibit employers from inquiring about a candidates former or current compensation.

Applicants may volunteer, without prompting, their own salary history. However, even if salary history is voluntarily provided, employers may not use this information alone to determine a workers’ salary. Most SHBs also require employers to provide a salary range at the request of the applicant. In some cases, after an offer has been extended, employers may seek the applicant’s compensation history. Each SHB adopting entity has publicly stated that they have adopted the SHB to promote pay equality.

 Given the complex issues factoring into the gender earnings gap, its unclear whether a blunt policy like a SHB would be effective in reducing the gender wage gap, or affecting salaries at all. In the simplest of labor market models, perfect competition, workers are paid according to the marginal revenue product, and past salary does not factor into this at all. However, it could be that absent full-information, salary history sends strong signals about productivity.

Currently in the UK, a 'right to petition' exists which allows citizens to petition the government. Under this provision, if a petition reaches 10,000 signatures, it requires discussion in parliament and if it reaches 100,000 or more signatures, it requires policy action. 

The Van Gogh 360°™ is an immersive art experience venture featuring the work of one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of western art-- Vincent Van Gogh. His paintings are housed in galleries and collections around the globe. Its set up in a dynamic immersive form of art show where people come in and "immerse" themselves in the experience if seeing art.

While it has caused people to show interest in art and come in huge numbers to visit the immersive studios, critics also hold a different view about experience of art in such forms. Critics argue about the inevitable dying of contexts in art due to the isolated and unguided ways of seeing art. Critics also point out how certain forms of art like experimental (expressionism or dada) can't be demonstrated in the same manner. 

In Dolly Parton's timeless 1973 classic, "Jolene," the haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics tell the story of a woman pleading with the character, Jolene, not to take her partner away. In Parton's version, she opens the track with a vulnerable plea- “I’m begging of you please don’t take my man,” Beyoncé version says, “I’m warnin’ you, don’t come for my man. ”Where Parton yielded, “I cannot compete with you, Jolene,” Beyoncé menaces, “You don’t want no hеat with me, Jolene.” Dolly Parton's original version is a plea to a romantic rival to spare her partner, whereas Beyonce takes a bold, assertive stance, and through her lyrics, serves a cautionary message to any potential threats to her relationship.

The institutionalization of art includes but is not limited to the emphasis on formal art training in standardized curricula, the recognition of art through its placement in formal institutions (e.g. museums, galleries), and the requirement of academic credentials (e.g. university degrees in art). 

The Inflation Reduction Act introduced by Biden contains $500 billion in federal spending and tax breaks that aim to boost clean energy, reduce healthcare costs, and increase tax revenues.

After relocating to Portugal, a 'digital nomad' (freelancer from another nation) can obtain an NHR (non-habitual resident) status. There are several advantages:

-no taxes on foreign income;

-20% tax on income earned in Portugal compared to standard Portuguese income tax rates of up to 48%

-social contributions at 10% which is considerably less than the standard rate.

Portugal has built entire digital villages (eg. Ponta do Sol in Madeira) for the sole purpose of bringing in foreign businesses. “Remote workers” enjoy that place because of its pleasant climate, comfortable working conditions and the opportunity to live among like-minded people. The authorities benefit from developing sparsely populated regions. It helps to boost the economy, create new jobs and increase trade turnover. However, this scheme has had a significant effect on the housing markets, creating crises for the already precarious Portuguese population. 

In the vast majority of depictions of Batman, he abides by a strict 'No Killing' rule. For the purpose of this debate, Batman has never killed anyone.

Upon arriving at Hogwarts, students are sorted into houses by the Sorting Hat, which takes into account their personality traits and desires. The different houses and their traits are: 1. Gryffindor: Courage, daring, and chivalry 2. Ravenclaw: Intelligence, wisdom, and creativity 3. Hufflepuff: Hard work, loyalty, and fair play 4. Slytherin: Ambition, cunning, desire for power, and self-preservation.

Houses compete against each other for the house cup by earning points through various means such as academic achievements and winning competitions. The most famous and intense rivalry is between Gryffindor and Slytherin, deeply rooted in the contrasting values and characteristics of the two houses.

"Bimbocore" is a term that emerged from internet culture and music genres. It blends elements of "bimbo" culture with hardcore aesthetics, often characterized by exaggerated, hyper-feminine appearances and attitudes. The term "bimbo" typically refers to a person, usually a woman, who is perceived as attractive but intellectually vacuous. Chrissy Chlapecka, an American TikTok personality, activist, and musician is a key figure in "#BimboTok" , a TikTok subculture centered on reclaiming the bimbo stereotype and aesthetic. 

In 2018, Scottish comedian Daniel Sloss, proposed the “jigsaw” philosophy of relationships that states that “If you do not love 100% of me, you do not love me. You love the fake idea of me created in your head. ” Since then, Sloss' words have broken up over 250,000 couples.

Paige and Leo have been in love for the last ten years and set to be married. However, a month after their marriage, they are both involved in a horrible car crash. While Leo suffers only minor physical trauma, Paige has suffered memory loss and has no recollection of the last ten years. Leo is still very much devoted to Paige but after a month of trying to court her, is at a crossroads. The doctors say there is no way to be sure Paige will regain her memory. 

Low emission zones (LEZs) are areas, typically within cities, where access by vehicles with higher levels of emissions is restricted or regulated. LEZs operate by setting specific emission standards that vehicles must meet in order to enter the zone. These standards are often based on factors such as the vehicle's age, engine type, and emissions output. Any other car (based on vehicle type and/or emission level) has to pay higher ‘taxes’ to use that road and certain types of vehicles, such as those with high emissions or specific fuel types (e.g., diesel), may be prohibited from entering the zone altogether. Some low emission zones offer exemptions or discounts for certain types of vehicles such as EVs or hybrid cars.

Congestion pricing mechanism is a dynamic way of tolling roads that is directly proportional to the amount of cars (‘congestion’) on the road. This means that all vehicles on the road pay the same money but it is dependent on the total number of cars on the road. It can alsol ook like placing a fee on vehicles entering a designated area or zone within a city center.

Drivers pay a toll when they cross the boundary into the congestion zone during peak hours.

The implementation of a token system aims to empower underprivileged children and their families with the opportunity to choose between private and public schools. Per the token system, vouchers or credits will be credited to eligible families, which they can then use to enroll their children in either private or public schools of their choice.

These tokens will be distributed based on socio-economic criteria, ensuring that those who need assistance the most receive it