Author Archives: Joseph Shoer

Scientists Should March

Posted on 9 April 2017 by Joseph Shoer

Scientists are planning a “March for Science” in Washington, DC and many other cities on 22 April 2017. Some commentators seem to think this is a bad idea, because it would politicize science. Before I continue, let me suggest the … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Science, Skepticism, Social commentary | 1 Comment

We Can’t Grow Forever – so What?

Posted on 22 February 2017 by Joseph Shoer

Two interrelated opinion pieces appear in today’s New York Times. The first is an essay by David Brooks about how the economic growth of the 21st century compares unfavorably to that of the heady 20th century. The second is the … Continue reading →

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Donald Trump will fail as President, but we must still resist him

Posted on 5 February 2017 by Joseph Shoer

Donald Trump will fail as President. Let me explain that statement a little, by defining what I mean by “fail.” Trump will fail to accomplish most, if not all, of the goals that he has publicly stated he wishes to … Continue reading →

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Voting with my Feet

Posted on 11 December 2016 by Joseph Shoer

I recently made a major life decision: I left my job. And after the US presidential election last month, I feel that my decision was precisely correct. I want to explain my motivation, because I believe that there are important … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

A Diary in Space

Posted on 15 September 2016 by Joseph Shoer

I recently read a fascinating book – a diary of a man who spent about a year on a space station. In his journal, he expresses his excitement about learning to live and work in space. He’s proud of the … Continue reading →

Posted in NASA, Space | Leave a comment

The Maucland Confederacy

Posted on 5 May 2016 by Joseph Shoer

In honor of its tenth anniversary online, the Cartographers’ Guild ran a project to map a large, collaborative world. Each participant contributed a map of one country, done in whatever style they chose and with whatever lore they chose. Some of … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Fantasy, Maps | Leave a comment

A brief note about the 2016 presidential election

Posted on 27 February 2016 by Joseph Shoer

Hey, Americans. I want you to know that I’m looking for a few things from my national leadership, especially the President. Infrastructure investment. Doing this is how we will solve a huge number of problems: Want to create jobs? Advance … Continue reading →

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