Innovation and the Obama Presidency

Rip Empson — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:11:18 -0500

During his presidential campaign, President-elect Obama was quoted as saying, “America risks being left behind in the global economy: Revolutionary advances in information technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and other fields are reshaping the global economy. Without renewed efforts, the United States risks losing leadership in science, technology, and innovation.” Unfortunately, the numbers corroborate words; American Federal investment in Science and engineering research has been cut in half since 1970.

Innovation

Google Brings Voice to the iPhone

Rip Empson — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:22:06 -0500

The New York Times reported Friday that Google will be launching a new application for Apple’s iPhone that will allow the phone to understand the human voice. Finally catching up with the likes of Yahoo and Microsoft (who already offer voice services for cellphones), Google has taken another step toward becoming a serious player in the smartphone and advertising industries.

Real Change in Washington: Obama Announces Plan to Update Fireside Chats

Rip Empson — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:10:17 -0500

Reports that Obama plans to bring the President’s weekly “fireside chat” into the new century surfaced this weekend. The president elect plans to not just offer the chats on the radio, but on YouTube as well.

How Do We Boost Those Much Needed R&D Dollars?

Rip Empson — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:32:37 -0400

I just read a blog on WashingtonPost.com that essentially says that a business is doomed to failure if it cannot be on the cutting edge of innovation. And there is no bigger source of innovation than the ideas, products, and designs that come out of those valuable R&D dollars. But R&D will experience a squeeze on a widespread scale in the coming year. Why? Well, for one, offshore outsourcing has become an ingrained practice for the U.S.

Innovation

Reflections on a Depression: I’ve Got All This Blame, Where do I Put it?

Rip Empson — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:32:56 -0400

Wherever he is, Chicken Little is probably grinning. For many Americans these days, it feels like the sky is falling, and financially speaking, the evidence supports Mr. Little’s claim. The consensus around here is that we are experiencing the largest financial crisis since the Great Depression. The Dow succeeded in halving itself last week, banks are taking more dives than Italian soccer players, and the bailout bill hasn’t yet found its legs. In times like these, when few are exempt from feeling the squeeze, people demand answers.

Thinking Creatively: Making Coal into Diamonds

Rip Empson — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:23:26 -0400

In the October edition of Fast Company Magazine, Gregory Berns wrote an article entitled “Neuroscience Sheds New Light on Creativity”, which I think is fascinating. Read it here.

Creative Thinking: Making Diamonds from Coal

Rip Empson — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:26:27 -0400

In the October edition of Fast Company Magazine, Gregory Berns wrote an article entitled “Neuroscience Sheds New Light on Creativity”, which I think is fascinating. Read it here.

Innovation

Who The Blogosphere Says Is The Most Sustainable

Rip Empson — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:12:03 -0400

According to J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Environmental Sustainability Report, four brands—Toyota, General Motors, Honda, and Whole Foods—have received the most positive attention in the blogosphere regarding eco-sustainability.

Talkin' Political Leadership Blues

Rip Empson — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:59:52 -0400

I want to talk about leadership. I want to talk about a facet of the present American political climate, and I ask you to weigh in on this issue.

Colours in Motion: Innovation and Moving Forward

Rip Empson — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:12:56 -0400