Published in Popular Mechanics·Feb 15, 2018Member-onlyDoomsday Satellites and the Space Wars To ComeThe Pentagon put Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellites in orbit to ensure communication in the event of a nuclear attack. But those spacecraft could also play a role in the rapid militarization of space. — By Joe Pappalardo Your phone is not going to work on the day nuclear war starts. But the U.S. President, National Security Council, and combat commanders count on being able to communicate. …Space5 min readSpace5 min read
Published in Popular Mechanics·Feb 15, 2018Member-onlyWhat Is Google Really Up To?The search giant’s crusade against “annoying” ads isn’t altruism. — By Eric Limer Google’s been busy this week. First came the new push to make email interactive. Then the flashy “Google Stories” — a Snapchat-esque package that can live in Google’s search results. …Google5 min readGoogle5 min read
Published in Popular Mechanics·Nov 21, 2017Member-onlyFCC Preparing Full Repeal of Net NeutralityNet neutrality is under attack and only collective action can save it. — By Eric Limer The Federal Communications Commission, under Chairman Ajit Pai, is preparing to completely undermine the founding principle that has defined a free and open internet since the foundation of the World Wide Web. …Net Neutrality5 min readNet Neutrality5 min read
Published in Popular Mechanics·Oct 12, 2017Member-onlyThe Rock Solid History of ConcreteHow limestone, rocks, and volcanic ash built the modern world. — By Jonathan Schifman The story of concrete is so ancient that we don’t even know when and where it begins. It is a story of discovery, experimentation, and mystery. Emperors and kings became legends for erecting great concrete structures, some of which are still a mystery to engineers today. Many…History18 min readHistory18 min read
