Sometimes, if you wait long enough, a problem solves itself. For some time, pundits have been warning about the collapse of our technical infra structure. Not only is our system susceptible to hackers living in the wilds of Nigeria, but to those in Russia and China who can open our hi

What a piece of work is man?   Seen from outer space, we homo sapiens, dwelling on the third planet from a middling sun, appear to be unique in that we are conscious.   Our imagination is limitless and we use it to alter our environment for the benefit of our species.  Over time,

Recently, I was a guest on a radio program, Labor Hour, where, with co-hosts Susan Stoner and Lane Poncy, we discussed the future of the labor movement. (Click)  When asked what I thought was the single most important issue facing the workplace, I answered, “robotics” and the thr

I’ve read so much about the way technology is changing our lives that my eyes glaze when I learn another app is about to revolutionize the work place.  Mostly the trend is to eliminate jobs.  China, for example, has long benefitted from a large population and an abundance of cheap

Listen up all young women who think feminism went out with the dinosaurs.  Discrimination against females in the workplace is alive and well. So says Facebook’s COO, Sheryl Sandberg, author of Lean In.  Never mind that Ellen Pao, former partner with venture capitalist firm, Kleine

A blog I wrote over a year ago was about Craig Mundie’s solution to all the data mining going on in the world.  He advised that the practice was so pervasive, we’d be wise to create rules for how data can be used rather than attempt to prevent its collection. (Blog 4/4/14)   An

“What makes aerial drones so different from manned aircraft is not their efficiency as hunters or killers but their ability to linger.”  So writes William M. Arkin, a former army intelligence analyst.  (“Loitering With Intent,” by William M. Arkin, Harper’s, June 2015 pg.

No question about it, technology is taking us into brave new worlds, worlds that until now were the purview of science fiction. One example is a recent article by James Surowiecki who warns about the problems we can create when we use robots as stockbrokers, allowing them to respond t

Here’s a new phrase to add to your lexicon: “situational awareness.”  Situational awareness means being aware of the terrain — something I could use whenever I open my sock drawer.  The term takes on a new meaning when we’re discussing outer space, which, believe it or

One of the lovely benefits of emails is that I can leave a message for someone to pick up at their leisure.   Phones are a gamble.  A ring might interrupt someone’s shower, or nap, or a family argument.  No matter how polite my reception, I fear I might be an intruder.  Sending