Category Archives: Technology

The Earth Will Soon Be Sentient

Posted on 19-September-2011 by

I’ve written another blog piece for the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies (http://ieet.org), this time on the future evolution of the Earth.  It can be read and commented on at http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/hansen20110919. If you are so inclined you can also comment … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, geoengineering, real-time monitoring, Technology, transhumanism | Leave a comment

NASA: Encounter with a Centaur

Posted on 16-September-2011 by

On Monday, September 12, I attended a VIP tour at a NASA encampment in the Arizona desert north of Flagstaff.  At this site (for the previous 2 weeks), space scientists and engineers had been testing their hardware, software, and communication’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology, transhumanism | Leave a comment

Using Digital Technology for Diplomacy

Posted on 09-September-2011 by

Over the past two years, the State Department has been working to upgrade its digital platforms.  This work is being accomplished under the tutelage of Alec Ross, senior advisor for innovation to the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.  Ross’s efforts … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Organizational Dynamics, Technology, transhumanism | Leave a comment

Anti-science, Religion, and the Tea Party

Posted on 31-August-2011 by

For NYT’s columnist and Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman (SLTrib 30 Aug 2011), anti-science among Tea Party Republicans is a concern: [Rick] Perry, the governor of Texas [and Republican candidate for President], recently made headlines by dismissing evolution as “just a … Continue reading →

Posted in Religion, Technology, transhumanism | 2 Comments

Helmut Lachenmann, German Composer

Posted on 27-July-2011 by

During a recent trip to Madrid, I attended a private concert for the recipients of the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award (My brother received one the awards.).  One of the pieces presented by the Madrid City Orchestra was a composition by … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, existentialism, Personalities, Technology | Leave a comment

Case Study for a Zero Energy Home (Cold Climate)

Posted on 25-July-2011 by

The following references provide design information for a 1,280-square-foot, three-bedroom Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver zero energy home that combines envelope efficiency, efficient equipment, appliances and lighting, and passive and active solar features to reach the zero energy goal. … Continue reading →

Posted in "Green" Homes, Environment, Social Justice, Technology | 1 Comment

Svalbard’s Vault, Doomsday Insurance + Art

Posted on 22-July-2011 by

Located “way up North,” above the Artic Circle, is Norway’s Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which officially opened 26 Feb 2008.  It was become the most diverse collection of food crop seeds anywhere on Earth. Also known as the “Doomsday Seed … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Environment, monumental, Technology, Travel | 2 Comments

The Case for Geoengineering Research

Posted on 16-June-2011 by

I recently wrote a blog piece for the Institute of Ethics and Emerging Technologies (http://ieet.org) on the need for geoengineering research.  It can be read and commented on at http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/hansen20110613. If you are so inclined, you can also comment on … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, geoengineering, Technology, transhumanism | 1 Comment

Process versus Progress

Posted on 03-June-2011 by

Yesterday I had a brief discuss with an attorney that works for the bureau I’m employed by.  I expressed by concern over laws, regulations, principles, standards, instructions, etc. being too restrictive.  By the time they are written, reviewed, commented on, revised, … Continue reading →

Posted in Organizational Dynamics, Technology, transhumanism | 2 Comments

Transhumanism and the Optimism Bias

Posted on 29-May-2011 by

I occasionally describe myself as an “optimistic cynic” or a “cynical optimist.”  This may sounds a little oxymoronic . . . . but that’s the way I am wired. The cyncial part of me makes me distrust most organizations.  The optimistic part gives … Continue reading →

Posted in Creation, Technology, transhumanism | 1 Comment