Monthly Archives: July 2014

Women in Technology

Random Thoughts, Technology

With all of the discussion of the current gap between women and men in technology fields, I’m wondering if maybe we haven’t identified the right motivation.

To paraphrase Lazarus Long,

“Never appeal to a woman’s (or man’s) ‘better nature.’ They may not have one. Invoking their self-interest gives you more leverage.”

Oh don’t get me wrong, girls love cool tools like Google Glass and wearable tech.  There are bike helmets that don’t screw with your hair (and as an add on bonus, don’t block your peripheral vision either!) eReaders, home automation and smart cars – yep, love those too. Curing terminal diseases – noble cause.

But what would be uniquely applicable to women – anti-gravity technology.

No, not floating cars but – think about it girls – an anti-gravity bra.  What could be more cool?  No more straps biting into your shoulders.  No more band chafing.  No more backaches.  It would bring a whole new meaning to “Lift and Separate”.

So let’s get with it girls! 

I Used to Be

Personal View,

I used to be a Republican.  No, let me restate that.  I used to be  PROUD Republican.  Now, I’m not so sure.

Isn’t the joke that in college you are a Democrat then you make some money and become a Republican? 

I work hard to have what I have.  I resent that there are people who WON’T work hard.  But I try to make the distinction between won’t and can’t or don’t have the opportunity.  I’m not happy to think about my hard earned dollars going to fund some crack addict that is going month to month to fund his dealer.  Not happy for some woman who is willing to pop out baby after baby because her welfare checks get larger as her “family” grows. 

On the other hand, what about the addict that is trying to beat their addiction without access to health coverage or support services?  Or the single mom (or dad) that is trying to make do on a low paying job to make ends meet for their family? Let’s not even talk about the committed couple that only wants to shout to the world that they love each other and be recognized as a married couple with all of the rights associated with that social convention.

Oh yes, I am conflicted.

Looking back over the last decade or so, it doesn’t matter which party is in power.  Both like to spend, spend, spend.  So being “fiscally conservative” is a lose/lose proposition.

What about the social element?  Looking at the recent Supreme Court ruling in the Hobby Lobby case, certainly gives one reason to re-examine priorities and alignment.

My friends on the right, yes, those that send out the scare messages about “Sharia Law” being imposed in the US, are ecstatic about the recent court ruling.  My friends on the left are distributing free copies of Margaret Atwood’s, “The Handmaid”s Tale”.

And me?  I’m conflicted.  I’m VERY conflicted.