• My first port of call for scientific news

      Saturday, 20 Dec 2008 - 13:56 UTC

      is always the website of those evolved Whigs, Liberal Democrat Voice. Today they inform me President elect Obama has appointed two eminent scientists to his transitional team. They are physicist (although polymath seems a more apt title) John Holdren and marine biologist Jane Lubchenco.

      Seeking further enlightenment I thought that possibly the BBC News website Americas page might deem these appointments newsworthy. Scientists Holdren and Lubchenco could play a crucial role in shaping the United States’ policies on science and climate change. President elect Obama’s final cabinet picks were reported, but his science appointments were obviously considered less important than the news that a lady – I am sure she always behaves in a ladylike fashion – called Paris Hilton has had her bling lifted, as I have been told I must say to keep up with modern idiom.

      President elect Obama’s address on science and technology can be found here.

      Dr. Lubchenco was until recently the Wayne and Gladys Valley Professor of Marine Biology at Oregon State University, and her website can be found here. It is a modest website and with respect may I suggest she is a scientist with little to be modest about. Dr. Holdren’s CV is here, and requires updating to show his new role as Executive Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. A glass of sherry in the direction of Oregon University and Woods Hole. Let us hope their loss is the earth’s gain.

      Last updated: Saturday, 20 Dec 2008 - 13:56 UTC

      • Comments

        • Date:
          Saturday, 20 Dec 2008 - 22:31 UTC
          Eva Amsen said:

          But it’s here ! Found under the science section and under “Other Top Stories” in the Americas section.

        • Date:
          Sunday, 21 Dec 2008 - 01:48 UTC
          Jennie Rigg said:

          Hee! The lovely Doctor Pack WILL be pleased you’re watching him…

        • Date:
          Sunday, 21 Dec 2008 - 17:00 UTC
          Charles Darwin said:

          Thank you Eva. Perhaps I had mislaid my spectacles again.

        • Date:
          Sunday, 21 Dec 2008 - 17:03 UTC
          Charles Darwin said:

          Since Dr. Pack is a quadruped, could we call him a Tetrapack?

        • Date:
          Monday, 22 Dec 2008 - 11:17 UTC
          Karen James said:

          Lovely to see you back, sir, and on top form if I may say so. I do hope your absence wasn’t due to another episode of intestinal discomfort.

        • Date:
          Thursday, 25 Dec 2008 - 17:02 UTC
          Jennie Rigg said:

          Doctor Pack’s alter ego is a quadruped, but he appeared bipedal last time I saw him, at Conference.

          Merry Newtonmas!

        • Date:
          Sunday, 28 Dec 2008 - 21:16 UTC
          Mark Pack said:

          Well, hello. Don’t let my presence stop you talking about me :)

        • Date:
          Tuesday, 06 Jan 2009 - 20:14 UTC
          Charles Darwin said:

          Ms. Rigg, an inaugural glass of sherry raised in your direction for that one!

          Dr. Pack, you are welcome!


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