Oftentimes I hear the phrase “technological surprise” used by military planners. It means how can we expect the unexpected? How can we know what might be coming over the horizon that will disrupt our carefully made plans. This is especially true with respect to ‘asymmetric’ threats, such as bioterrorism or biowarfare, where there is the possibility that a key scientific or technology finding might have large consequences. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘Rant’
On technological surprise
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010On history
Monday, November 8th, 2010The weird thing about history is that you don’t appreciate it until it’s over. But of course each of us is living history, every moment. And if we are paying attention, we perhaps see the arc of history, and have some understanding of how we got from there to here, and will get from here to beyond. (more…)
On Texas
Monday, October 25th, 2010Texas is my adopted state, I’m originally from the Midwest. Like many transplants, I find the place to be freaky. On the one hand, there is a certain frontier mentality that is refreshing. On the other, there is a certain retrograde mindset that is terrifying. Let’s start with attitudes towards the government. Our gubnor is in a constant pissing match with the Feds over, well, not much except his own political future. But this message resonates with Texans, who like to envisage themselves as embattled and downtrodden by the heavy-heeled boot of authority. (more…)