The 21st century is a lot of fun...

A mars sunset.

Disruptive Civil Technologies

From National Intelligence Council (NIC) this report details six technologies

"with the potential to causes a noticeable-even if temporary- degradation or enhancement in one of the elements of US national power (geopolitical, military, economic, or social cohesion)."

The time frame is bounded by 2025, and the six technology areas include:

1. Biogerontechnology
2. Energy Storage Materials
3. Biofuels and Bio-Based Chemicals
4. Clean Coal Technologies
5. Service Robotics
6. The Internet of Things.

Several of these are particularly interesting, including the clumsily-named Biogerontechnology - I prefer to think of it as biotech and related technologies contributing to healthy life extension. Wired this week reports on The Fight to End Aging Gains Legitimacy, Funding if you're interested in another viewpoint.

Detailed reports in PDF format are available within the report.

"Report Says Severe Weather to Increase as Earth Warms"

from the Washington Post, Report Says Severe Weather to Increase as Earth Warms

impact snippet:

"This report addresses one of the most frequently asked questions about global warming: What will happen to weather and climate extremes?" said one of the report's two co-chairs, Thomas R. Karl, who directs of NOAA's National Climate Data Center in Asheville, N.C.. He added that the report, which synthesizes the findings of more than 100 academic papers, "concludes that we are now witnessing and will increasingly experience more extreme weather and climate events."

So, no surprise here I guess. Seems to me the 20th century was filled with chaos of our own making that we had the capacity to deal with. The 21st century may be filled with chaos of differing types that may be beyond our ability to deal with - with unfortunate consequences. But, I'm an optimist, relentlessly, so I assume even if some mayhem ensues, we'll come out the other side. (or maybe we're laying the groundwork for local implementation of The Great Filter.)

Here is a link to the actual report: Final Report, Synthesis and Assessment Product 3.3

another William Gibson interview

this time on IO9 (thanks IO9)

As usual, from my perspective, Gibson always provides interesting tidbits to think about. In this interview he doesn't disappoint.

Bar Harbor / Acadia

We stayed a few days in Bar Harbor and enjoyed Acadia. Hiking, Bike Riding and generally a good time. If you're looking for a restaurant in Bar Harbor, we recommend Guinness & Porcelli's Italian Cuisine. If its not the best restaurant in Bar Harbor I'd be surprised!

Here are a few nature snaps:

Singularity going mainstream?

You know discussion about the singularity is starting to approach the mainstream when, first, IEEE Spectrum has a special report devoted to serious discussion about the concept.

And, second, Ray Kurzweil appears on CNN interviewed by Glenn Beck. Here is the transcript.

Freeman Dyson on The Question of Global Warming

Freeman Dyson discusses the subject of global warming as covered in two books in this review in The New York Review of Books.

Freeman Dyson is scary smart, clear thinking, and expresses himself logically. I find it useful to pay attention to him because he provides insight lacking in conventional opinion. I recommend reading the article.

Updates: On the political scene:

Global warming bill faces stiff GOP opposition
and,
NASA watchdog says press office distorted climate studies

On this last point - seems to me you can do the science and then have a healthy political and/or policy debate regarding what to do about the scientific results. If the scientific results are in error or have bias, other scientists will delight in exposing the problem. Something about scientific method and inquiry and all that. If you allow politicians to determine scientific results; well, then you have Lysenkoism.