I’ve been a fan of Wired magazine since its inception and boast of having the first issue in my collection.  While Wired quality suffered for a few years, they are fully back on their game.  This month contains and exceptional section by Jame Cameron on exploration.  I’d encourage anyone who can get their hands on a copy to read pages 190-191.  The whole section is fantastic, but that introductory essay is spot on.

<blockquote>Exploration is not a luxury. It defines us as a civilization. It
directly or indirectly benefits every member of society. It yields an
inspirational dividend whose impact on our self-image, confidence, and
economic and geopolitical stature is immeasurable.</blockquote>

Update:  <a href=http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.12/cameron.html>It is now available online</a>

Great article about a great friend…

“In a cramped office inside Los Angeles County’s emergency operations center, John P. Sullivan sits buried in the latest intelligence on terrorists around the world.

Should any ever attack Los Angeles, this soft-spoken sheriff’s sergeant will be indispensable to the response.
(more…)

In this age of instant gratification, it is strange to go to bed not knowing who the President will be. What I look forward to is hearing about how the electronic voting machines worked out. I’ve seen a few horror stories already regarding system crashes, but that is to be expected. I a waiting for all the “evil hacker” stories.