Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

OCTOBER 5, 2010

I'm in Kyoto, Japan for the STS forum, an incredible gathering of top scientists and policy leaders from around the world. The event is the brainchild of Koji Omi, former Finance Minister of Japan. The caliber of attendees is amazing from all countries: ministers of education and science, top scientists, university presidents.

Japan 113

Japan Technology Conservancy Proposal 113

Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

JULY 6, 2011

This form of poetry has risen in popularity in the west, though it has come a long way from its beginnings in feudal Japan. From this pastime grew the three-line, 17-syllable literary form we know it as today. Traditional Japanese Haiku tended to focus narrowly on nature, whereas modern Haiku take on a bevy of topics.

Japan 133

Japan Artist Alternative Sound 133

Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

JULY 10, 2009

The second announcement was by Plextor of Japan, about their new ebook player that will play Bookshare books. It still takes downloading the book to a PC and transferring it to the cell phone, but I'm looking forward to getting rid of that extra step! The device also allows users to record their own audio books.

Spain 100

Spain Japan eBook Audio 100

Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

APRIL 7, 2011

As a thought experiment, imagine this approach being used in the Japan tsunami. We’re not having a purely academic/technical debate: rapid humanitarian response in a disaster saves lives. Delay costs lives. How plausible would be to put SMS messages on a map and point to it, and say, there’s where the most severe damage is?

Picture 140

Picture Data Disaster Map 140

Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

MARCH 5, 2008

Japan is the biggest source of tourists for Guam, with growing numbers from other Asian nations like South Korea. The presence is growing: the U.S. is relocating our units from Okinawa to Guam and this could grow the island's population anywhere from 20% to 40%. The military and tourism are Guam's two big industry.

Guam 100

Guam Micronesia South Korea Marshall Islands 100

Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

SEPTEMBER 9, 2005

Right now, I'm in Kyoto, Japan, to speak at the Science and Technology in Society forum (STS). Sometimes I like to update people on my travels. I've got a lot of trips planned for the next few months, and sometimes these blogs lead to people getting in touch with me about ideas for action!

Tunisia 100

Tunisia Kansas City Japan Dallas 100