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Common Purposes
What
are the Common Purposes? I've dwelt on that question since first reading
my alma mater's founding principle "for the purposes of instructing persons,
who may choose to apply themselves, in the application of science to the common
purposes of life". The question, more than any answer I may ever offer,
has guided me through many personal and professional endeavors. And, if I
have learned anything it is that I have derived my greatest joy when I, as part
of a team, have made a lasting difference to improve the lives of others.
Should the thoughts I share here and the ensuing discussion lead others to ask
the same question, to seek their own answers and to experience the same joy as
I, then I shall consider this effort of value.
Image: "The New Shoes" by Jane Bucci. This work is based on the touching photo snapped by Gerald
Waller in 1946, in Austria. The little boy, who lived in an orphanage, had just
been given new shoes by the American Red Cross.
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Posted August 10, 2013 12:12 PM
by MillMatt
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Can man live by bread alone?
This rhetorical question has its roots in the Bible where
related phraseology is found three times and the intent is spiritual not
physiological. But, the rhetorical question has gained a life of its own and
does speak to the issue of our need for food and the rise of agriculture, a
massive global industry.
Better living through chemistry. That phrase has its roots in the trademarked
advertising slogan "Better Things for Better Living...Through Chemistry"
that DuPont (actually, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company) introduced in
1935. Dupont dropped "Through Chemistry"
in 1982 but the phrase, "Better living through chemistry" lives on and, indeed,
speaks to the global chemicals industry which has roots in petroleum and other
natural resources.
Reach out and touch someone. AT&T introduced this identifiable
slogan in 1979 as competition arose when the telecommunications industry (there
was no internet, no cell phones then) was being untethered from government
regulations (and a monopolistic industry structure). There are many variations on this theme which
are juxtaposed (in my mind) to Google's admonishing "Don't Be Evil". (I know the story but what are they thinking
now?) Alas, I digress. My point here is
that the Electronics industry has grown rapidly (no kidding!), still is growing
and seems central to our lives. But, is
it?
The answer is yes. But, it's never that simple. And, that's what we'll begin to explore for these industries.
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Posted August 09, 2013 3:27 PM
by MillMatt
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A chicken is interested in the person who wants bacon and
eggs for breakfast but the pig is committed.
It's a light quip (for all but the pig!) but it makes a relevant
statement about what underpins our actions and how often we can overlook the
significance of the events we can trigger.
My intent is to start looking at the industries that exist
because of the needs we have and the wants (or desires) that we are able to
fulfill. In other words, we don't drive
cars because they exist but cars exist because we need transportation and we,
collectively, have found a way to harness the power in petroleum for a
mechanical system that affords a more economical means to satisfy our
needs. I'm being very brief here and
know that I could comment on horses, wagons, watercraft and more but I'll let
it suffice that you, dear readers, will allow me to build upon this premise,
from the perspective I have chosen, without getting into the weeds (for now…).
What is that we need?
What desires do we have the luxury of affording? We need food, shelter and clothing? And, Maslow tells us that we have a hierarchy
of needs that veer into social psychological and spiritual realms. Way down the road, I may venture into some of
Maslow's more subjective ideas but for now let's focus on objective matters
where this blogs audience generally focuses its attention.
And, on we go to begin our discussion.....
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Posted June 29, 2013 12:00 AM
by MillMatt
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Methinks, yet again, there is change blowing in the wind. US President Barack Obama presented his plan for
reducing
carbon emissions to thwart climate change at Georgetown University on June 25, 2013. I confess I have only heard the summary from several news sources and understand (from these sources) that he is focusing on increased renewable energy sources (possibly a doubling of such capacity) and reducing the amount of coal burned to generate electricity.
Even if I have misunderstood the pundits, there has already been a fair amount of discussion on what is right and wrong with these approaches. And, of course, it is evident that their level of agreement or disagreement is based upon the economic impact his plan will have on the pundit. I don't know that anyone in the coal industry wishes to see their business face more regulatory hurdles, taxes, fines, etc.
Frankly, I don't know how far any government can go to restrict economic activity especially as it relates to electricity. Almost all of us are tethered to electricity and for many (the ill, the infirmed) it is literally as necessary as water and air. As such, it is not easy for the populace to grapple with immediate needs (for electricity) versus long term needs (for a sustainable environment). Yes, we can do our part to reduce, reuse, and recycle, to be more efficient but we want our mobility, our information, our communication, our lights, our heat, and our air conditioning. As I said above, government regulation can only go so far.
As I see it, the newfound shale gas and tight oil that is now being tapped in parts of the United States is the beginning of a revolution that changes the equation in a way that can be good for both the climate change issue that President Obama addressed and consumer demand (I'll call it a 'want' and not a 'need' but wars have been fought over similar 'wants').
At this point, I can only ask questions but I think it is important to ask questions and sustain a dialog because I believe that the world economy could be (and probably will be) transformed by the energy and raw materials derived from shale gas and tight oil not only in the United States but globally. The drilling and production now underway may transform the petrochemical industry and may provide energy for use by utilities, industry, and consumers that is cleaner and more efficient. If so, we may want to apply more technical, financial, and industrial resources to these efforts. And we may find that the application of these resources trump any legislated resources (or, as they are often seen, constraints).
I believe I am doing what I can and hope to do more; so the singular question I ask is: Are you? |
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Posted June 25, 2013 2:19 PM
by MillMatt
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Earlier this week, I posted a reply to a CR4 question about
whether it was better to major in chemical engineering or mechanical
engineering. The asker had an interest
in the oil & gas industry and, at present, there is a demand for chemical
engineers in that industry so that leads to one answer. But, there are plenty of opportunities for
mechanical engineers and engineers of every shape and flavor in the oil and gas
industry! So, I suggested that the person
assess their own personal interests and, in so many words, find a good balance
between their own interests, abilities and energy and the needs of the
marketplace. For someone who is probably
about 20 years old, it would be a horrible situation to spend the next 40 years
doing work they did
not enjoy.
I also raised the issue of taking courses beyond the core
curriculum, meaning for a mechanical engineer to take some higher level
chemical engineering classes. And, from
my perspective, it's really important to remember that four years of college
education are merely a foundation and represent only the beginning of lifelong
education. As the college president
commented at my daughter's graduation, the awarding of degrees is done at a "commencement",
a beginning, a going-forward and not an ending by any stretch of the
imagination.
Last night I was on the golf course in the company of two
college students. We had a great time
(thank you). One of these fellows is a
Mechanical Engineering student who has just finished his junior year. He's been working with a major manufacturer
during school breaks and has now joined them for a six month assignment. This so-called "co-op" (co-operative
education) assignment is similar to something I did in school and I think it's
a very valuable and relevant part of the educational process. And, even though he's just starting, he
shared an interesting insight.
He said, "Well, I'm not doing very much engineering
work." Oh? I wasn't surprised by his comment and I've heard
it from other new engineers, too. Ah,
but you are doing important work! And,
while you may not be developing a lot of mathematically-derived process
improvements or new products, that kind of work may come in time. At the moment, he is developing other skills
relevant to progress that are certainly applicable to industry (his current
role), to research, academia and any other endeavor he chooses. Communication is essential to success!
I had also commented on the CR4 reply that it was important
to place a fair emphasis on non-technical pursuits as part of lifelong
learning. As I've come to learn,
communication is more than just sharing facts with other people. It's also requires understanding, different
perspectives and experiences and it's very much about building trust. By studying history, literature, theater, the
arts, music, religion, politics and more, we gain perspective and insights that
can build our self-awareness, our understanding of others (something like
walking in their shoes) and our ability to truly engage others in communication
that is effective.
It never ends! And,
it never should…..
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Posted June 12, 2013 12:12 PM
by MillMatt
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Please read this free and insightful report from McKinsey & Co.: Disruptive Technologies: Advances that will Transform Life, Business, and the Global Economy. You will be glad you did. (Note: there is a link to an Executive Summary and a Full Report; the full report is long but well worth your time.)
I'm going to be very brief here in my remarks. The report is long and speaks for itself; I would rather you read it than my thoughts on the matter. Suffice it to say, once in a GREAT while, a knowledgeable group of individuals will undertake a thoughtful review and present information of value in a logical and inspiring manner. And, in this case, the information is of incredible professional value to the CR4 audience.
In a nutshell, McKinsey's team has assessed various technologies currently being developed and presented information on the twelve that they believe meet the following criteria:
- High rate of technology change
- Broad potential scope of impact
- Large economic value that could be affected (by 2025)
- Substantial potential for disruptive economic impact (by 2025)
The twelve technologies are:
Mobile Internet | Increasingly inexpensive and capable mobile computing devices and internet connectivity |
Automation of Knowledge Work | Intelligent software systems that can perform knowledge work tasks involving unstructured commands and subtle judgments |
Internet of Things | Networks of low-cost sensors and actuators for data collection, monitoring, decision making and process optimization |
Cloud Technology | Use of computer hardware and software resources delivered over a network or the internet, often as a service |
Advanced Robotics | Increasingly capable robots with enhanced senses, dexterity and intelligence used to automate tasks or augment humans |
Autonomous/Near Autonomous Vehicles | Vehicles that can navigate and operate with reduced or no human intervention |
Next Generation Genomics | Fast, low-cost gene sequencing, advanced big data analytics and synthetic biology ("writing" DNA) |
Energy Storage | Devices or systems that store energy for later user, including batteries |
3D Printing | Additive manufacturing techniques to create objects by printing layers of material based on digital models |
Advanced Materials | Materials designed to have superior characteristics (strength, weight, conductivity) or functionality |
Advanced Oil & Gas Exploration/Recovery | Exploration and recovery techniques that make extraction of unconventional oil/gas economical |
Renewable Energy | Generation of electricity from renewable sources with reduced harmful climate impact |
Let it never be said that people in need cannot be served, that there are insufficient tools or that we lack enough opportunity. Go forth and make it a better world.
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