Science + Tech » Brad King:

In Which I Speak at TedxCincy, or the Brad@40 Plan, Part 1

Life, Science + Tech, Teaching View Comments

Aug 162010

The TED conference, for those involved in technology, is one of those signature events. Say what you will about it (and the criticisms are many, including those I have made myself), but the event routinely draws some of the most accomplished people in the world.

I know because I use the videos from the main event – videos made publicly and freely available – in my classes. I use them to give my kids a world-class education at a bargain basement price. So for all its flaws, it adheres to the first hacker ethic: Information Wants To Be Free.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve taken the hacker ethic to heart. I try to only use technologies that are open, that support individual freedoms and allow for the greatest movement in innovation and education. I’ve turned down projects that stray too far (according to me, of course) from that ethic.

I tell you these two vignettes, this preface, for this reason:

A few weeks ago, I was asked by the folks putting on TedxCincy, one of the satellite versions of the main TED conference, if I’d be interested in submitting a talk. Apparently I came recommended by three folks – Kevin Dugan, Dacia Snider and Elizabeth Edwards.

I told the group putting on the conference that I’d love to submit a talk. And, as soon as I committed to that, everything else about Brad@40 feel into place.

Brad@40

I’ve alluded to my plan in the last few weeks, but I’ve been vague. Something that’s uncharacteristic of me. But I’ve been moving some chess pieces around on the board and I wasn’t ready to talk about them just yet.

What I can say is this: I’m tired.

The Appalachian Trail Project

On Writing, Science + Tech View Comments

Jun 242010

There’s a website called Kickstarter that enables people who have an idea to solicit help in working on a project. If the project doesn’t “make” – that is, if there aren’t enough funds generated – nobody pays and the project goes away.

I’m a big believer in the micro-loan way, giving individuals the opportunity to do what they want to by developing a network willing to fund their work. It seems rational to me.

So when I came across this particular project, a young man who wants to hike the Appalachian Trail and write a book about his experiences in order to dispel the stereotypes of the region, I was hooked.

I’m definitely going to pony up cash for this project and I hope you do too.

Now, I don’t know Forrest and I haven’t talked to him about the project. I know nothing about him (although I’m going to send him a note for sure). So let the buyer beware.

For me, though, this seems like an amazing project. One I’m happy to support.

Yelp! A Travel Story

Life, Science + Tech, Travel View Comments

Jun 092010

I teach several classes relating to social media. I’ve done so – in some manner – since 2003 when I was a lecturer at the University of Texas.

Still, I’ve been slow to participate in many online communities other than Facebook and Twitter. Sure I’ve joined a host of sites. I have to professionally. I need to keep up – as much as possible – with the world of technology. Otherwise I can’t credibly teach emerging technologies.

But I’ve failed to integrate some of the cooler participatory communities into my daily life. Until now.

I’ve finally – FINALLY – joined Yelp, a community-generated ratings and review site that enables me to check out reviews of places I may want to visit. You can find me here (http://thebradking.yelp.com for those who want to direct address), where I’ll post notes and reviews about the places I visit along my travels.

This is important to me for two reasons:

I don’t do well walking into an environment I know nothing about. I get very anxious. Sometimes to the point of getting physically ill, a wonderful attribute that a few of my friends have witnessed over the years;
I don’t like going in blind. I hate surprises. Loathe them. I prefer knowledge and this sites gives me, in some small respect, a glance into what I can expect.

I don’t just want to be a “free rider,” one of the denizens who never gives back. And I’ve been that for a long time.

The Friendly Atheist: Life as Teacher and Atheist

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Jun 042010

This talk is from Skepchicamp, a skeptics group in Chicago where atheists and skeptics gather to discuss the issues facing rational thinkers in the public sphere.

This speaker runs The Friendly Atheist, one of my favorite sites, as he discusses his life as a public school teacher in Chicago and an atheist. This talk focuses on a religious group trying to get him fired because of his thinking. (You can see all the videos from this gathering here.)

Skepchicamp-Hemant Mehta from Bruce Critelli on Vimeo.

In Which I Interview George Carlin (Circa 2001)

Life, Media, Science + Tech View Comments

May 262010

I’ve been thinking about George Carlin lately. Particularly his use of words. When I was a child, his comedy routines taught me the power of choosing words precisely and with purpose. He also taught me timing.

Many years later, I had the opportunity to interview him when I was working for Wired News. Depressingly, this is less a conversation and more a straight (and bad) interview. Still, the time we spent — about 2 hours all told — were the best experience of my professional career.

Here is that interview. (With thanks to Jeremy Barna, who pulled this out of the hopper for me.)

In Which Brad King Interviews George Carlin [27:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (23)

Another Example of Apple Thinking So You Don’t (This, By The Way, Is Bad)

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May 232010

“I understand that Americans are kowtowing to a religion overseas. I don’t understand why this is happening and it’s wrong.”

Apple has, by far, the most Draconian and frightening policies towards content creation, individual rights and copyright. This is nothing new for those of us who write about, follow and engage in these realms.

Unfortunately, not everyone does.

Thankfully we have the Internets.

Recently, Apple banned the iSlam Muhammad App – which pulled violent quotes from the Koran – and gave the developer no recourse. That this happened on Everybody Draw Mohammad Day was certainly no co-incidence.

The App developer recorded his call with Apple as they told him his software didn’t jibe with Apple’s view of the world.

This is just another example of the company’s Orwellian belief that it – better than you – knows what kind of content you should see. And lest you think this is limited to Apps, check out this piece on the news.

“No New iPhone This Year”

Media, Science + Tech View Comments

Apr 202010

“Teeny. Tiny. Possibility.”

Science + Tech View Comments

Apr 202010

There is a five-minute version of this clip that traces the entire conversation right here. I suggest seeing the whole thing. Also, this clip below cuts off the best part of the conversation. The last 5 seconds makes the entire joke.

Still…

“That was fun.”

Indiana Public Relations Leadership Seminar Talk

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Apr 172010

I gave a talk to the Indiana Public Relations Leadership Seminar on Friday, April 16. But I also recorded a version of that talk for a Communication class at Ball State University. I’ll unlock the video in a few days. If you’d like to see it, please let me know and I’ll send you the password.

The Importance of NASA

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Apr 172010

Here’s what 1/2 a penny on the dollar buys you, according to astrophysicists Neil deGrasse Tyson:

If you listen to nothing else, skip to the 4 minute mark. The best examples of why technologists point out that the future technology and innovation isn’t coming from America. And won’t. Without a radical shifting of our priorities.