The Basic Problem is…Simplicity has its virtues, but like any source of relief, it can be addictive. We humans love our simplicity. We prefer the simple…Aug 14, 2023Aug 14, 2023
Perspectives on Radiation RisksI’m a sucker for simple handwaving arguments, since those are the only ones I can remember in full detail. Please forgive my…Aug 3, 2023Aug 3, 2023
Existential Risk may be DeservedThe air is filled with animated discussions of whether AGI represents an “existential risk” to humanity. Everyone has a suggestion for how…Jul 3, 2023Jul 3, 2023
LEAP!Atop a jetty rock I stand, fragile flyrod in my hand, trying to ignore the surge that breaks to spray me on the verge.Apr 13, 2023Apr 13, 2023
Oysters for Carbon Capture?Yesterday I heard an environmental enthusiast on the radio explaining that clams and oysters sequester carbon, so we should feel very good…Apr 10, 2023Apr 10, 2023
The Ethics of SafetyIn “Your Risk vs. Everyone’s Risk” I posed a scenario in which some national policy decision raised everyone’s probability of dying…Apr 8, 2023Apr 8, 2023
GOINGWalking this trail beside the stream among the ferns and evergreens I smell the skunky stink of bog and spice of rotting cedar log…Jan 17, 20231Jan 17, 20231
Intelligently Manipulated Evolution (IME)IME is not a meme for the fundamentalists, it refers to a faint hope that we (humanity) could actually improve with time.Dec 24, 2022Dec 24, 2022
Alas, this is precisely the thinking that you humans have applied throughout your brutal history.Jun 5, 2022Jun 5, 2022
Published inPredictRadiation Hazards and Common SenseIt is estimated that air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels kills about 800,000 people a year worldwide, and that’s not including the…May 2, 2022May 2, 2022
A Covid ParableA new road was built in Texas. It was a very good road, so the State Legislature decided it didn’t need a speed limit — it could be like…Mar 12, 2021Mar 12, 2021
Breaking Out of EigenstatesWe humans love our dichotomies. “You’re either with us or against us!” “You either love it or hate it.” “A statement is either true or…Feb 7, 2021Feb 7, 2021
Play the hand you’re dealt!The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted human civilization on Earth. Many have died. Many more have fallen sick. Even more have lost their…Feb 7, 2021Feb 7, 2021
Cherish Your ShameShame is unfashionable these days, and not only with the formerly devout who are trying to heal. New Age gurus and pop psychologists will…Jun 19, 2020Jun 19, 2020
Published inPredictConfessions of a CyborgLet me start with the assertion that we are all cyborgs now. Almost all of us have artificial enhancements for sight or hearing, many are…Jun 9, 20201Jun 9, 20201
