Category: Uncategorized

THE CONVENIENT COMMON ENEMY political tactic for quelling dissent on domestic issues (in particular, stuck trade talks) is a blatant attempt to brush major differences under the rug by appealing to jingoism and flag waving, and capitalizing on justified public outrage at the Paris attacks. These topics are not connected. Simplistic and manipulative. View in LinkedIn

MULTILAYER IRIDESCENCE REFLECTORS. "During the formation of insect integument, thin parallel layers of chitin ... that differ in refractive index are secreted ... If the spacing of these layers approaches one-quarter the wavelength of visible light (approx. 380–750 nm), one or more colours will be produced by constructive interference." https://lnkd.in/dRSiEq2 View in LinkedIn

ECONOMIC BOOSTERISM by two heads of state based on terrorism is disingenuous relating to TTIP Trade talks. I have covered in great detail, and will continue to cover, key issues where the two trading groups have profoundly different values. "Harmonizing" these polar approaches without a simple cram-down does not seem possible. View in LinkedIn

IRIDESCENCE IN BEETLES. "Coleoptera are sometimes referred to as ‘living jewels’. A number of novel and sophisticated reflectance mechanisms have been discovered in recent years, including three-dimensional photonic crystals and quasi-ordered coherent scattering arrays." https://lnkd.in/dRSiEq2 View in LinkedIn

OBAMA AND CAMERON "say strong economies and democratic institutions will defeat "those who think they can muzzle freedom of speech and expression with violence." In a joint article for the Times of London newspaper, the two leaders say that "our ability to defend our freedoms is rooted in our economic strength and the values that we cherish." https://lnkd.in/drFvpBi View in LinkedIn

"BEETLES comprise an estimated 5–30 million species, over 350 ,000 of which have been formally described. In addition to the striking iridescence, beetles have also evolved facultative luminescence, ultraviolet signals, polarized reflectance and complex photonic crystals analogous to the fibre-optic technology used to deliver high-speed Internet connections." https://lnkd.in/dRSiEq2 View in LinkedIn

FRAGMENT IN NATURE. This fragment themebreaker is the incredible iridescence of beetles and how paint technology is using them as exemplars. Until recently, iridescent paints have been impossible to manufacture, in part because the basis of natural iridescence has been obscure. But today, there are interesting ventures into the secrets of structural color. View in LinkedIn

SLIPPERY SLOPE ARGUMENT. "The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups oppose the administration's revised proposal, fearing it could still serve as a precedent for product-specific health exceptions in future U.S. trade agreements on other agricultural and consumer goods like sugar, alcohol, and pharmaceuticals." https://lnkd.in/dDpdMVf View in LinkedIn

EXEMPT TOBACCO. "Tobacco products should be exempted from the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership ... This is not anti-trade, but the goals and benefits of trade are not compatible with tobacco. Trade has the potential to improve lives, while tobacco devastates lives, providing no benefit whatsoever to its addicted consumers." https://lnkd.in/dtMxZcK View in LinkedIn

EXCLUDE TOBACCO LOBBY. "Malaysia, another country in the TPP talks ... demands that tobacco be excluded entirely from the negotiations." https://lnkd.in/dDpdMVf View in LinkedIn