Guest Thinkers — February 16, 2011

My mascot wasn’t tough enough

A weekly collection of thought-provoking articles on tech, innovation, and long-term investing from Nightview Capital’s Eric Markowitz.

I rarely share personal news here, but since the word is starting to get out, I might as well publicly announce that I’m leaving the University of Minnesota. I accepted an offer from Iowa State University to be the coordinator of its Educational Administration program, effective this fall. My family and I will be making the move to Ames over the summer. We’re excited about my professional opportunities and the chance to return to a classic Midwest college town.

Since most of you know me virtually, I’m sure you don’t really care where I’m located! I’ll update my Contact me link once I know my new contact information. For those of you who are concerned, CASTLE and all of my related online ventures will just travel with me to Iowa State.

Sorry, Gophers. Go Cyclones!

Collage of classical art suggesting a theme related to somatic markers.

Business

How “somatic markers” can transform your decision-making

Ditch the old brain vs. heart assumptions, and instead think about a heart-led brain.

A black and white image of a bunch of spheres, symbolizing the multiverse concept discussed by scientists.

Starts With A Bang

How logic and reasoning can fail as scientific tools

In logic, ‘reductio ad absurdum’ shows how flawed arguments fall apart. Our absurd Universe, however, often defies our intuitive reasoning.

A wooden sign indicating "assisted migration rep 2" in a pine forest under a clear blue sky.

Life

Moving trees north to save the forests

As the world warms, trees in forests such as those in Minnesota will no longer be adapted to their local climates. That’s where assisted migration comes in.

Historical map illustration depicting a planned city layout with a circular central area and radiating streets.

Strange Maps

Ohio’s Circleville ditched the grid system. Then it got squared.

A small Ohio town tried to escape America’s addiction to rectangular grids. It didn’t last long.

Bullet Cluster separation mass gravity x-ray lensing

Starts With A Bang

Flagship NASA space telescope faces a penny-pinching death

NASA’s only flagship X-ray telescope ever, Chandra, still works and has no planned successor. So why does the President want to kill it?

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