A great piece from Pacific Standard, here. Money quote:
The backers of Franklin’s List are trying to get science literacy back into American politics by recruiting, training, and sponsoring actual professionals from the STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—to run for office. Franklin’s List is modeled on another political action committee, Emily’s List
A good idea to start 2014 I think…
It’s The Great Stagnation and the Amazon link is here. The basic thesis is that during the 19th and 20th century we (meaning the US) plucked virtually all of the “low hanging fruit” that would increase GDP and we’re just stuck until some serious innovation takes place–innovation that can actually produce revenue and get people jobs (the Net doesn’t do particularly well at either of those).
I’m still reading the book, but couldn’t help a blogpost about one of his prescriptions for fixing things: increasing the status of scientists. Tyler knows full well that I’m biased on this point, but I couldn’t agree more.
I believe that if we’re to see innovations that will make a difference, they are going to come from our investments in basic and applied science. And, to some extent, they will be serendipitous. But, like electricity and railroads, they will get us on the move again.
My top guesses:
Chrispian Jago’s cool map is here.
Chris Mooney’s thoughtful piece on a new a cadre of science-savy professionals who chose not to practice academic science. Read the comments as well!
The question is: how much of this is driven my the economy?
Jim
Here’s a great piece from SCIENCE with some concrete advice on the challenges of being a scientist and having to talk with members of the media about your work.
Discoverers and Discoveries 
