Many LOTRW readers are familiar with IDSS; others may not be. Here’s some background from the NWS website: Timely and relevant forecasts, watches and warnings are major strengths of the National Weather Service. The agency’s ability to respond quickly to natural … Continue reading →

Okay, okay. So it’s a long title. Today’s LOTRW post is the product of insomnia (writing started around 2 am). A lot of Americans are tossing and turning instead of sleeping well these days. This week’s death of Senator-and-American-naval-hero John McCain … Continue reading →

In the LOTRW fine print you can find an invitation to submit guest posts. Over the eight years only a handful of folks have taken me up on this offer – but the results have been satisfying. For example, the Harold … Continue reading →

The previous LOTRW post dealt with the struggles of scientists – of every stripe – to go beyond the boundaries of their discipline and apply their science to societal benefit. Wherever we turn, we see societal needs. We know our … Continue reading →

“The American Meteorological Society advances the atmospheric and related sciences, technologies, applications, and services for the benefit of society.” – the AMS Mission (emphasis added) At one time or another, just about every member of the American Meteorological Society comes across … Continue reading →

If vigorous advance of science and technology is a necessary condition for sustainability, then getting the social contract between science and society right is vital to humanity’s prospects. What features of that social contract matter? Today’s post considers one that’s … Continue reading →

On August 26, 1999 – almost two decades ago – Allan Bromley, science advisor to George H.W. Bush from 1989-1993, contributed an op-ed to the Washington Post, entitled No Science, no Surplus. His basic point? That America’s healthy finances and … Continue reading →

Time was, e-mail was rare, and all e-mail was exciting. Today’s title phrase channels that 1990’s buzz. Baby boomers and perhaps a few Millennials recall dial-up (!!!) e-mail and AOL (the two were practically synonymous then) and this iconic AOL … Continue reading →

It’s the year 2018. The president has nominated you to serve as his science adviser. You’re seated before a committee of Senators. They’ll make an initial call on whether or not you should be confirmed. One asks, then another (with … Continue reading →

Tuesday I was composing a post for LOTRW. It began in this vein… This past week saw the Washington Post run yet another story on the lack of a presidential science advisor in the current administration. The story’s author, Ben … Continue reading →