MIT (in through the out door)

I just stumbled upon the site for MIT’s science writing program, and I got to thinking, could this be a loophole? I write. I have a science background. I could be the dumbest guy at MIT! It’s a one year program with an emphasis on, duh, science writing, but in addition to writing, you get to take an elective (I can’t even imagine the available classes at the place), and they set you up with an internship upon graduation. Graduate school plans have been kinda iffy, but who knows? If I had a niche way into a school that good for even basket weaving, it’d be stupid not to try. I’m gonna look into it.

Dust bowl down under

Being born in Sydney, my ears naturally perk up any time Australia is mentioned. An article in the latest Seed Magazine titled, “The Climate Crucible,” tells how Australia is being affected by global warming more so than most places, and how the Aussies are attempting to fight it.

It seems the main problem in Australia, other than the heat increase, is the fact that the country has, this year, seen less rain than it has in 100 years, leading to what is being called Australia’s “Big Dry.” The article states increased power prices (due to the closing of water powered generating facilities), water restrictions, and the threat of an agricultural collapse have been largely responsible for the 92 percent of people in favor of measures combating global warming.

Everyone knows it’s too bad we’ve waited this long to do something about climate change, but even now, after all we know about global warming, and all the future predictions, we still wait for things to get a little bit worse before we respond just a little bit more. Stay strong mates while I go drive my car.

Richard Feynman

I found this cool picture of Physicist Richard Feynman playing a drum. Feynman was cool because in addition to being one of the greatest physicists ever known, he was an extremely funny and personable guy. Feynman was one of the dying breed of scientist folk heroes I mentioned in my Seed essay. A must-read is a semi-autobiographical collection of anecdotes titled, “Surely You’re Joking Mr. Feynman.” Feynman is important because he, more so than anyone I can think of, is proof that being smart is cool.

Second annual Seed Magazine writing contest winners (not me)

So, the first and second place winners have been selected, and I’m not one of them. The contest was a response to the question, “What does it mean to be scientifically literate in the 21st century?” put on by Seed Magazine (a big influence on what I’m doing here) over the summer. At my dad’s suggestion, I decided to write an essay less than a week before the deadline, and although I was happy with what I came up with, apparently, it didn’t make the cut. Considering the winners were an ASU faculty member and a Miami nuclear medicine technologist, I can’t be too bummed. Anyhow, here’s my Seed essay if you wanna check it out.

UNLV climate change talk

Like watching a train wreck, laypeople and scientists alike gathered to hear Mathew Lachniet speak of climatic future.  Titled, The Climate History of the Earth: A View to the Future, Wednesday’s talk was geared toward the layperson, and consisted of an hour-long synopsis of the history, current status, and future of earth’s climate. I initially thought it was going to be more technical, but was surprised when it covered much of the material I am learning in my Global Climate Change class, although I shouldn’t have been. Lachniet was professional, ending the talk at one hour on the dot (although I’m sure he could have gone on for days if he wanted to). Judging by the large turnout, it would seem things are looking up for the layperson’s science curiosity, but it’s hard to say, given the recent popularity of the climate change issue. It’s safe to say the turnout would have likely been less, given the talk were on, oh, say, the mating habits of the three-toed sloth…….yeah, I wouldn’t be there either.