Heating Up the Energy Debate

Continuing on the Minnesota swing, I spent most of today at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter at the college's annual Nobel Conference. This year's topic is "Heating Up the Energy Debate," and this little college has brought in some of the top names of the field to talk about global warming and alternatives to carbon-based fuels.

I know virtually nothing about either topic, so it was an educational experience. But the bigger lesson is how even small colleges can do big events that draw huge crowds (6,500 this year — this at a college with about 2,000 students) and make a great statement about the school's commitment to liberal education.

I've posted some video here of the opening procession of faculty in full academic regalia. The conference continues tomorrow, after which I'll be happy to get a home-cooked meal.