Author Archives: Joseph Shoer

Apollo and Dionysus

Posted on 21 July 2019 by Joseph Shoer

As I write this, it is 50 years to the moment after the Lunar Module Eagle ascended from the surface of the Moon, carrying a victorious Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin up to their rendezvous with crewmate Mike Collins in … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Science, Space | 1 Comment

Ethical Engineering Means Choosing Your Work

Posted on 22 January 2018 by Joseph Shoer

I once heard a shocking comment from a colleague at a previous job in the aerospace industry. My colleague told me, “Joe, I think you’re a lot like me – you don’t really care about what your work is for, … Continue reading →

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“The Last Jedi” is Exactly My Star Wars

Posted on 16 January 2018 by Joseph Shoer

I’ve seen “The Last Jedi” a couple times now. And I liked it very much! Here there be spoilers.

Posted in Fantasy, Movies, Science Fiction | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Politics | Leave a comment

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