Oceans of Opportunity

Author: oceanopportunity

fiscal embarassment

Here we are, New Year’s eve, staring the at the blank promise of a bright and prosperous 2013 right in the face. Today’s political antics regarding the looming ‘fiscal cliff’ are yet another stark reminder of our nation’s state of affairs. It seems that the issues are mounting – a housing market bubble, debt ceiling…

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still here

If you’re reading this, then I suppose we all made it through. The last baktun came to an end, and the next one is underway. Rather than call it an end, call it a new beginning… All of the December 21st hype is a good thing in many ways, as it reminds us all of…

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the man in the canoe | this guy’s got it all right

The man in the canoe – perfect on all fronts. This CNN piece caught my eye from several perspectives – a man is effectively living in a canoe out in Boston Harbor, making use of public waterways and facilities to supplement his very paired down subsistence out on the water. Most importantly – he has…

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the research ‘investment’

A recent article in our local ‘Providence Journal’ newspaper raised some discussion about our State University – the University of Rhode Island – and its ability to generate jobs via its flagship program in oceanography. The questions embedded throughout the piece related to spinning small/private business out of the research community. Being involved in private…

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the american eel

When the dinner table conversation turns to ‘what I do’, the typical response is one of surprise, with a hint of envy, and a honeymoon image of cruising over some coral reef every day to play with the fish. If it were only that simple. While I wouldn’t trade this life aquatic for any other, it…

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time after time, or timeless

Every so often, I fall victim to a most unfortunate creative rut. Now happens to be one of those times. It is a period where, in hindsight, I have been incredibly productive for a long while, and the benefits have yet to cast me ahead. It happens, and while discouraging, if time has its way of repeating…

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the voting ‘blues’

I’m appalled. Among the few actions we, US citizens, are empowered and encouraged to do by our government to contribute to this great democracy is vote. Having voted just minutes ago, I am inclined to say that while we are empowered and encouraged – we are far, far from enabled. The process is a catastrophic…

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cut throat and cash

The long list of things that truly fascinate me about being a working diver never seems to stop growing, and this is even after some 15+ years at the game. Most importantly to me is being able to find an appreciable ‘art’ in heavy and potentially dangerous tasks. Yesterdays project was a good reminder of…

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the literal ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ of stunt science

Yes, yesterday I was among the 8 million viewers glued to the live feed from Felix Baumgartner’s capsule as he took the plunge from 128,000 feet. While I was right there with him in spirit, I have been troubled by the ‘record-setting’ mantra associated with this, and other recent science events. Doing science outside in…

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October 12th is ‘Exploration Day’

Celebrating ‘Columbus Day’ always resonates with me for several days pre and post this impactful day in history – marking Christopher Columbus’ landfall in the Americas in 1492. Specifically, he set foot in the Bahamas – the island chain to the south and east of the US State of Florida, and perhaps not so coincidentally –…

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