Lileks vs. Picard

James Lileks responds to the comments by Patrick Stewart I linked to yesterday. Pertinent quote: “The 63-year-old British actor says manned missions are too expensive. ‘It would take up so many resources, which I personally feel should be directed at our own planet,’ he said. Making movies takes up many resources which could be directed …

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In defense of the invasion

This review of Allies: The United States, Britain, Europe and the War in Iraq, by William Shawcross, is well worth reading–as, it would appear, is the book it reviews. I was uncertain whether the war was the best thing for the United States. I’m quite certain it was the best thing that could have happened …

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Say it ain’t so, Jean-Luc!

Patrick StewartTis not Captain Picard. But then, you knew that already…didn’t you?

Europeans headed to Mars

Well, well, well! So even if the U.S. plan falls apart, there’s still hope.

This week’s science column…

SCIENCE By Edward Willett Getting to know all about you When Oscar Hammerstein wrote “Getting to know you, getting to know all about you…” for “The King & I,” he wasn’t (I think I can safely say) attempting to predict the future of human-computer interaction. But if researchers are successful, your computer will indeed soon …

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So far, it hasn’t done ME in…

An appropriate item after a week of temperatures in the -30 to -40 C range: “Big chill killed off the Neanderthals.”

Iraqis better off?

Some people would have you think the Iraqi people were somehow better off under Saddam than they are now. I say, ask an Iraqi.

The Lead Snows of Venus

What a great science fiction title!

Nano-nano

Read this fascinating interview with three leading nanotechnologists. My favorite quote about the future of nanotechnology: “If it doesn’t sound like science fiction, it’s almost certainly false.”

Patrick Moore on biotech

The founder of Greenpeace has someThecogent comments on the battle over biotechnology–and its human cost.

And while we’re at it…

Oh, yeah, and while I’m on the subject of that USA Today headline (see post below)–Andrew Gilligan was a reporter, not a “BBC official.” That headline is just wrong, in so many ways. Grrr…

"Bawks?"

Check out this headline:USATODAY.com – Third BBC official out, bawks at ‘black and white’ report. “Bawks?” You suppose they meant “balks?” I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: editors, do your jobs! Call yourself a newspaper…why in my day…(voice fades away into codgerly mumbling).