Search Results for: marshall plan

“All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) Friday the President’s remarks on streamlining government focused on the economic agencies. But they also signaled his … Continue reading →

Maybe you’ve heard of William Thomson (1824-1907). One of the most renowned physicists of his time, Thomson is also known to us today as Lord Kelvin. [He was the first UK physicist to be elevated to the House of Lords.] … Continue reading →

1. The Myitsone Dam Here’s a quick Trivial Pursuit question for you. How many dam construction projects do the Chinese currently have underway worldwide? Over 250, in 68 countries. Hmm. I underestimated. Did you? Actually, today that may be one … Continue reading →

Here’s our situation in a nutshell. United States debt stands at $14T and is growing rapidly. The economy is in the doldrums and has been since the downturn of 2008. Both worldwide and at home, challenges are multiplying in number; … Continue reading →

Half a century ago, a young man by the name of Herman Kahn burst into national and international prominence because of his proclivity (and aptitude) for Thinking about the Unthinkable (the title of a book he wrote which appeared in … Continue reading →

Whatever our place in life – where we live, whatever our relationships, our work, our culture, our circumstances – Covid-19’s school is in session, providing stern but valuable instruction, in ways that are broadly similar, but also in some respects … Continue reading →

“To thine own self be true” – Shakespeare (Polonius’ advice to Hamlet) “Plans are nothing. Planning is everything” – Dwight D. Eisenhower Periodic, fair, and open elections define any representative democracy, and the United States is no exception. For all … Continue reading →

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket! Age-old investment advice dating at least to the 17th century. Do put all your eggs in one basket – but then watch the basket. – attributed, variously, to Mark Twain and Andrew … Continue reading →

Actual conversation this morning between an anonymous atmospheric scientist and an intelligent, educated, cheery layperson in his life (also unnamed) but she-on-whom-his-sun-rises-and-sets, as they walked outside to the car: He: This winter was warmer than usual.                                                                                     She (upbeat): Global warming!                                                                                                       He … Continue reading →

“I’m a boat owner, and I’ve learned that whenever something goes wrong on the boat, it’s my fault.” – J. Michael Hall Being AMS President confers few perks, but one of them is selecting a theme for the Annual Meeting. … Continue reading →