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Author Archives: Harry Katz
Unsolicited reflections on 2015
Back at the beginning of last year, I wrote a post Cautious Optimism for 2015. My overall point was about focusing on long term trends as a remedy for becoming overwhelmed by the incessant drumbeat of bad news. Was I … Continue reading
Maps and journeys
I unearthed this cache of old road maps the other day while doing a major cleanup of my office. I’d completely forgotten about them and I was pleasantly surprised by the number of places I’ve visited over the years. As … Continue reading
Wish You Were Here
40 years ago today Pink Floyd released Wish You Were Here. It’s one of my favorite albums. I still vividly remember the first time I heard it. I was walking through school after class one afternoon when the opening synthesizers … Continue reading
Mindset
Everyone knows there are two kinds of people in the world: those who divide the world into two kinds of people and those who do not. Well Carol Dweck, a professor of psychology at Stanford, is clearly one of the … Continue reading
Data and Goliath
Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your WorldBy Bruce SchneierW. W. Norton & Company, New York, 2015 Whether you know it or not, whether you like it or not, you’re being watched. Everywhere. All … Continue reading
Posted in Books, Computers and Internet
Tagged books, Data and Goliath, internet, NSA, privacy, Schneier, security, surveillance
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King v. Burwell: Everyone’s A Winner
(Photo: http://www.supremecourt.gov) Yesterday morning the United States Supreme Court handed down its decision in King v. Burwell. This case is about tax credits granted under the Affordable Care Act (ACA, a.k.a. Obamacare) to low income individuals to help them pay … Continue reading
Posted in Health and wellness, Law and justice, Politics
Tagged ACA, health care, King v. Burwell, Obamacare, SCOTUS, Supreme Court
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So long, Skate King
This morning I taught my last skating class at Bellevue Skate King. I’ll resume teaching in the fall, but at a new location. Skate King is closing its doors at the end of the month after more than forty years. … Continue reading
So, Anyway …
So, Anyway …By John CleeseCrown Archetype, New York, 2014 I’m proud to say I’m a huge fan of Monty Python. Have been since my early teens. I can still recite a few of their sketches and sing, sort of, the … Continue reading
The End of Night
If Vincent Van Gough were alive today he couldn’t possibly paint The Starry Night. That’s because our modern obsession with more and brighter lighting has obliterated the stars and threatens to banish night itself. This is one of many poignant … Continue reading
Posted in Books, Environment
Tagged astronomy, book review, darkness, light pollution, night, nonfiction, Van Gough
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Ada’s Algorithm
Lady Ada Lovelace has a good claim to being the first Woman in Tech. Born in 1815, she was the daughter of the poet Lord Byron. She’s best known for her collaboration with Charles Babbage, inventor of the Analytical Engine, … Continue reading
Posted in Books, Computers and Internet, History
Tagged Ada Lovelace, Analytical Engine, book review, Charles Babbage, computers, nonfiction
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