Simon Pegg and the case for an “open source” sci-fi universe

Simon Pegg has posted a lengthy and thoughtful essay on his web site about how “nerd culture” is infantilizing society. While making it abundantly clear that he is a proud member of that culture and loves sci-fi, Pegg makes some compelling arguments. Among them he points out that prior to “Star Wars”, popular films dealt…

The creators of HBO’s Game of Thrones might want to seek professional help

Game of Thrones is incredibly popular and it is frequently very good. Since the beginning though the show has had a problem. The people who have adapted George RR Martin’s books for the screen insist on adding scenes of violence against women that aren’t in the books and that do not advance the story. They…

What if greenhouse gasses could be turned into a valuable commodity?

Photo via Señor Codo Economists have been saying for years that the best way to reduce greenhouse gasses and prevent catastrophic climate change is to use a carbon tax to put a price on pollution. The logic is pretty self evident: If producing carbon emissions costs money, businesses will look for ways to reduce those…

In the information age, a strong public broadcaster is more important than ever

Many would argue that in the information age there is no longer a need for a national public broadcaster. Those that make that argument however, are already behind the times. The information age has rapidly turned into the age of information overload. In 2014 public broadcasting’s mission may have changed, but the need for it…

No, sorry, NASA doesn’t have a warp drive

I’m as anxious as anyone for NASA to have a warp drive, it would be the best news in the history of news. Unfortunately, they don’t. However, you’d be forgiven for not knowing that this week. “Nasa might have successfully tested a warp drive that could carry people at speeds approaching that of light” –…