Cool Futurism: You Can’t Have Science Fiction Without Science

So as we come to the end of my posts on what happened to Cool Futurism, let’s go on and whack reality with the truth stick: Anti-Scientific attitudes really put a cramp in the Cool Future.

As naive, distant, and consumeristic as the Cool Future we remember from the Omni days was, it was all about the science. It was all special materials and computers and sexy tech. There was also a lot of reality in there, even if some ideas seem laughable or we’re proven wrong or were modified.

However, science really has taken a beating in American culture. Wether its denial of global warming despite the evidence, or the idea that a well-used theory like evolution is completely equal to Creationism, that vaccines are worse than diseases, or that smoking really isn’t bad for you, science was a might inconvenient for some folks. It gets questioned a lot – and of course the bizarre trend in America to blame teachers and education for everything didn’t help (you don’t support by education by acting like everyone doing it is a moocher out to destroy society).

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Link Roundup 8/13/2013: Hyperlooping the Kickstarter And More

Had a lot of good stuff today.

Very important to follow – a startup program that focuses on an aging population.  This is a great (and kind of obvious idea) and fits trends I’ve seen lately for specialized incubators.  It’s a great way to focus and probably avoids rather dumb ideas.  Check this out . . .

Here’s three programs encouraging women in science and engineering and geekery.  It’s awesome, and yes you should check them out.

Fine, here’s something on the Hyperloop.  Actually the slightly cracked sci-fi weirdness aside, this intrigues me.  If nothing else I’d like to see it get a go if only to get people to experiment with public transport MORE.

A fascinating post that asks if there’s a danger to Kickstarter changing cosplay communities.

– Steven Savage

Job Creation and Climate

Two things to follow here.

First, Americans back government job creation – though it’s a broadly mixed bag of proposals there, so not everyone agrees on the right method. Suggests to me that if some rational politicians (those that are left) pay attention they’d have a lot of support – and a lot of workers.

President Obama will be announcing his climate change plans tomorrow. Beyond the scientific, political, and survival-of-the-human species issues, this could also result in economic stimulus. There’s something sad about me thinking that way, but my focus here is careers.

Since Miami looks to be facing some serious challenges, you scientific Musehackers may want to direct your skills to urban re-engineering.

– Steven