Category Archives: Technology and Society

We saw the movie in IMAX last night. It was entertaining, but…improbable.

History, Technology and Society, War Commentary

Snake Island

June 30, 2022 Rand Simberg 11 Comments

I think that this is the first time that the Ukrainians have taken territory back from the Russians.

That the Russian military & its much-touted Black Sea Fleet couldn't secure an island 170 miles from its homeport from a war-torn adversary with fixed-wing combat aircraft numbering in the dozens & no real operable Navy is an absolute stunning failure of massive proportions.
— Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) June 30, 2022

Business, Economics, History, Law, Media Criticism, Political Commentary, Technology and Society

EPA Reined In

June 30, 2022 Rand Simberg 4 Comments

Another victory for the Constitution, but it wasn’t as sweeping as I’d hoped. I do think it opens the door to a lot more useful and successful lawsuits, though.

[Update a while later]

Well, this isn’t hyperbolic at all.

The Supreme Court rules 6-3 that the planet should burn. https://t.co/PFkE8T4vZO
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) June 30, 2022

[Update a while later]

A short thread in response to all of the insane hyperbole I'm seeing in my TL this morning in response to the SCOTUS ruling on the EPA. First, let's talk about what SCOTUS *didn't* rule on. (1/N)
— Not-So-OK Boomer (@Rand_Simberg) June 30, 2022

Business, Economics, History, Political Commentary, Space, Space History, Technology and Society

Lori Garver’s Book

June 27, 2022 Rand Simberg 13 Comments

I have a review up now, at The Space Review.

[Tuesday-morning update]

Here is an earlier review, over at The Hill. And another from Keith Cowing.

Business, Space, Technology and Society

Brad Blair

June 26, 2022 Rand Simberg 2 Comments

He was one of the leading lights in the space-mining community. He reportedly passed away last night. From an email:

I have sad news. This morning, Laura Blair informed me that Brad Blair passed away last night from a heart attack. He leaves behind his wife and three young children, plus his adult children. Brad is one of my closest friends and I agreed to help Laura by communicating this to his friends and associates in his professional community. His untimely passing is a shock to all of us and I know it will sadden many in the space resources community.

I intend to establish a scholarship trust for Brad’s children, though I have never done such a thing, so any help would be appreciated. I intend to ask companies to donate to the trust. They are extremely bright children and I want them to follow in Brad’s footsteps into the space resources community.

I also intend to continue to pursue his inventions to benefit his children. I have filed or am preparing to file several patent applications for him and want to make sure those get granted and sold to companies that will use them. I’ll be reaching out for leads on who I should approach as I do not know everyone like Brad does.

Please convey this message to any in your part of the community I missed. I know his influence was broad and I will miss many people.

Sincerely,

Nathan Davis

801-230-6754

Perhaps some of my readers can help.

General Science, History, Technology and Society