Random Thoughts
"If you're going to tell people the truth, be funny or they'll kill you"
G. Marx
Hank |
If you've watched any World Cup matches at all (and statistically, if you have not, you are not reading this article) you have been aware of an omnipresent drone in the background - and you might believe it is the biggest swarm of mutant bees you ever imagined or perhaps South Africa's revenge for Apartheid-based boycotts in the 1980s.
Instead, it is a horn South African fans like to use. They call it a vuvuzela - I call it a B flat plastic trumpet from hell. And I am not alone.
But if you're watching the matches on TV, the networks are using noise…
In most cultures, mothers are allowed to be proud of their off-spring, aren't they? In any case, I am about to brag shamelessly - and beyond - about my son Eilev (19).
My son, who one beautiful day this spring decided he wanted to learn how to play the piano. Nothing particular about that part of the story. But just wait till you hear the rest. As discussed in social and blog media (check out master of Science 2.0 Hank Campbell's thoughts at Scientificblogging.com), the younger generation devourer information with a pace never seen before, leaving us slightly older completely amazed at best…
Hank |
People who have been around a long time know the somewhat convoluted history of Science 2.0 in general and Scientific Blogging in specific but the top question I get after people say, "Oh, you're that guy!" is "Why did you call it Scientific Blogging?"
Why not Science 2.0? Well, there's a practical reason and a philosophical one. The practical reason is that the way domain names work it isn't really possible. In order to make Science2.0.com I would have to make Science2 a subdomain of 0.com and that has been in existence since 1985. Yes, 1985, well before Tim…
Understanding Depression
I suffer from depression.
One day I may write more fully about how it affects me, and how I cope. But not just yet.
If you have never suffered from depression you may be mistaken in your ideas about the problem. For me, depression is a 'pressing down', an energy-sapping burden. I have to fight to summon up the mental energy to do anything at all. Even sitting at my keyboard writing articles is very tiring.
The other side of depression can be a bonus. I get strong creative urges from time to time which so inspire me to write that I…
Georgie |
Hi, my name is Georgie and I’m a dog with a blog.As we approach the summer solstice of 2010 I thought I should start a blog as a countdown to the end of the world. Ok, the world is not really going to end, but is surely going to change. Humans have so overpopulated the world that their food and energy needs are soon to surpass the capabilities of the planet. Do you know there are 15 humans for every dog on the planet? Talk about a species that is badly in need of population control.So how does the world change? Well, that is a complicated question and will take days to…
I just arrived at the Harvard Science Center for a day of collaboration about the future. This should be an exciting day! Follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/neurotechfuture
Green Pastures And Still Waters
The most fascinating episode in my entire life was the day I witnessed ice growing from needle-like frazil through all phases into white ice. There had been no snow, and I had seen no ice elsewhere that day.
The location was a canal in the English countryside. There was a classic stone arch bridge, a gentle cold breeze and a venturi effect.
The expanding winter air caused only about six or seven feet to freeze on an otherwise ice-free canal. Adjacent to the bridge under which the breeze was funneling was a classic ice arch…
Hank |
Daniel Klein, a professor of economics at George Mason University, says in Econ Journal Watch that progressives do not understand how money works; basically they would flunk Economics 101.
Their Zogby research surveyed 4,835 American adults and found that the self-identified liberals or Democrats failed to understand even the simplest concepts, such as that restrictions increased costs. And even really obvious things, like that rent control decreased availability for people not in television sitcoms, or that licensing fees drove up costs of services - nothing. Despite the…
Hank |
A columnist at the Guardian wants help from the Web to determine the best science sites on the Web he and others there don't currently know about. He put his personal favorites in the article and, not surprisingly, it was heavy on the political/cultural writers in science blogging but I suppose that is why they are asking for help; the shrillest and most aggressive self-promoters (and some are owned by corporate media companies) will be known but not necessarily the best.
If you want to perhaps see your name in The Guardian you can get someone to nominate you, or do it yourself…