Global Spinneret: Archive

“Not only have multiple independent researchers demonstrated that global temperatures are likely greater than at any period in the last 2000 years, but the data used by researchers are all independent too. Sources as varied as marine sediments, corals, tree rings, stalagmites, boreholes, the length of glacial tongues, ice cores, and lake sediments all independently confirm that modern global temperatures are anomalously high. Independent researchers using independent data and methodologies to reproduce the each other’s results is the ideal for how to conduct good science.” —

Brian Angliss, from Serious errors and shortcomings void climate letter by 49 former NASA employees

So very good. This is what popular science writing is all about.

Apr 26, 20122 notes

“The opportunity to reinvent society is within our power, but the future doesn’t invent itself. We must create a culture that encourages and empowers transformational entrepreneurs and celebrates little else. Anything less is selling short ourselves, our ancestors, and the future of the human race.” —

- Transformational Entreprenuership: Where Technology Meets Social Impact

jedsundwall:

Not quite.

We need a political economy that, as Julien tweeted yesterday, doesn’t send “the majority of its rewards to people who don’t need any more rewards.”

And we need to celebrate people who heed Steve Jobs’s advice: “I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long. Just figure out what’s next.”

But the idea of empowering disruptive entrepreneurs and celebrating “little else” is terrible. A society that can celebrate disruptive entrepreneurs needs countless people who show up every day to do non-disruptive, yet extremely important work; you know, like paving roads, keeping sewage systems intact, raising children, educating children, farming, cooking, etc.

Innovation is great. It’s necessary. We need a political climate that encourages – perhaps even favors – it. But let’s not be dogmatic about it. We should enthusiastically celebrate the people who proudly do jobs that aren’t necessarily innovative but are necessary nonetheless. We couldn’t innovate without them.

Agreed. Even transformational entrepreneurs need to eat.

Apr 24, 20125 notes

Apr 24, 20128 notes

“Most listeners will not be offended by, or even notice, bad English. But many will notice and will be offended. The first category will not be offended by good English, even if they don’t appreciate it. The second category will be appeased and will be less likely to switch off or write letters of complaint which some poor unfortunate person will have to take time and trouble to answer.” —Tom Fort, former BBC Radio assistant editor as quoted in the BBC News Styleguide. (via measuredvoice)

Apr 18, 20122 notes

Now that Discovery is safely delivered to the Smithsonian, I think I can tell the story of how we nearly lost her in July of 2005, and how well intentioned, highly motivated, hard working, smart people can miss the most obvious.

Gut-wrenching revelations from a NASA (and Space Shuttle program) veteran.

I might seem cavalier when talking about the safety of spacecraft and the people in them, but I understand the sheer terror that engineers feel when any errors they make could cost real human lives.

Apr 18, 2012

“We tried to raise money, it was impossible. No-one really wants to fund hardware projects right now, except for the people that want to buy them.” —

Eric Migicovsky, designer of the Pebble watch. The watch, which functions as an e-ink display for smartphones, currently has $3.7 million in backer pledges on Kickstarter.

from BBC News - Smartwatch breaks record for Kickstarter funding

Play

Apr 5, 201274,014 notes

“So for the past 10 years, Brierley has scoured the satellite images of Google Earth, zooming in and out searching for any discernible clues. He found the train station where he used to beg with his brother, then examined the surrounding area and found that his hometown was called Ganesh Talai. He joined a Facebook group, messaging locals to piece the story together. And then, three weeks ago, he boarded a plane.” —Man Uses Google Earth to Track Down Long-Lost Family in India (via internetmiracles)

Apr 5, 20125 notes

“It takes slightly crazy people to make big changes. These same people generally have tough lives. It’s a lifestyle choice.” —Iain McClatchie (via Jonathan Goff)

Apr 4, 2012

Apr 2, 20128 notes

Global Spinneret

April 2012

14 posts