LAUNCH: Innovating the Way We Create, Beth Beck “The amazing LAUNCH core team is gathering in San Francisco to host a brainstorming session with thought leaders in the field of “sustainable waste” — creating less and creating more value from existing and future waste. We call this brainstorming session, LAUNCH: Big Think.” Keith’s note: NASA HEOMD’s EPO lead, Beth Beck is off on yet another fun trip – one whose […]

Obama nixes federal swag, Politico “On Wednesday, Obama signed an executive order that will direct government agencies to, among other things, “stop using taxpayer dollars to buy swag.” What exactly falls under the category of “swag”? Plaques, “nonessential items used for promotional purposes” like clothing, pens and mugs, and “other unnecessary promotional items that agencies purchase,” according to the White House, which did not respond to multiple requests for more […]

“Test Out the Latest Gizmos at the NASA JPL Petting Zoo: Exhibition Hall Highlights: Bureau of Land Management and NASA Innovation Nation: August 23 – D.C. Convention Center Register now: Complimentary to government, industry rates apply. Take a break at the Innovation Nation Forum to stop by the exhibit hall and check out the Bureau of Land Management and NASA JPL booths. NASA will have its technology petting zoo on […]

Keith’s 1 July update: According to NASA SMD: this is what SMD paid for the reception: “Planetary Program costs: $37.5K, which included the NASM facility rental, rental for chairs/stage/tables/etc, a/v, music, lighting and rigging, delivery, taxes.” That’s $37,500 that could have been spent on science. Instead, Ed Weiler spends it on a party. Keith’s 30 June update: According to the AAS: “AAS handled the reception, the costs of which were […]

Reader note: “Have a look at this September 13, 2010 Youtube video “Music Hack Day London 2010: interview with Kelly Snook (Imogen Heap)” recorded in London. NASA’s Kelly Snook is featured and her name badge says “NASA/Imogen Heap”. She says that she is a studio engineer for Imogen Heap (a band that performs in Europe) and that she also works for NASA.”. Keith’s note: Kelly has always been very creative […]

– NASA GRC Solicitation: Purchase of Billboard Space for Educational Information: billboard # 1204 – NASA GRC Solicitation: Purchase of Billboard Space for Educational Information: billboard #222 – NASA GRC Solicitation: Purchase of Billboard Space for Educational Information: Cleveland Hopkins Airport “NASA/GRC has a requirement for the purchase of display units located at the “Arrival” and “Exit” walls at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, Cleveland, OH. These displays will be used for […]

NASA DFRC Solicitation: Two Different Interactive Robots With Accessories “NASA/DFRC has a requirement for (quantity 2) Interactive Robot Characters with accessories. The specifications are: Two different interactive robot characters will be required for usage with the varied targeted audiences. One male “wise-looking” robot such will be suitable for all audiences whereby a female of somewhat ethnic background may add additional comfort to a more diverse audience or when wanting a […]

NASA Advisory Council Education and Public Outreach Subcommittee Meeting (17 Feb 2010) Agenda: “- Associate Administrator for Public Affairs Briefing. – Discussion of Social Media Opportunities and Challenges. – Associate Administrator for Education Briefing. – Discussion of Opportunities and Challenges to Reach K-12 Students. – Discussion of how to Organize the Committee Work Plan.” Keith’s note: All of these NAC committee and subcommittee meetings are almost always held in a […]

Keith’s note: I asked NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver “While NASA has certainly been at the forefront of using new media – social media etc. – to connect with the public it still has a long way to go to catch up with how people actually learn and communicate in the real world. As you well know Education and Public Outreach at NASA is all too often an afterthought or […]

Keith’s note: New NASA Advisory Council Communications Subcommitee chair @milesobrien just Twittered: “If you were creating an all-star team of people to help NASA improve its efforts in education and outreach, whom would you select?” NASA Advisory Council Meeting, 29 Oct, NASA ARC