19 karma · joined February 21, 2010
1) Rigors-of-academic-inquiry(oldnews) = new data = new model = new algorithms
2) Makes moving my research forward that much easier. Similar case: I went from getting an orders of magnitude brush-off from a theoretical physicist on the topic of string configurations and cellular-level biochemical reactions. A few years later, I see he is working with David Albert on Subjective Experience as a Window on Foundational Physics http://www.ctnsstars.org/enews/news_team5.html
+ the recent the quantum entanglement in DNA paper on arxiv http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/arxiv/25375/...
Embodied cognition, ghosts in biological machines, feels a bit like racing toward god. I can see how it can make some people feel uncomfortable. Still, it's what we're made to do, what the amalgam of our biology+experience gifts us with.
The 21st century is all about UX, i.e. power to the people. Entities who do not recognize this will not thrive in the long-term.
I do, however, feel your ecosystem pain. NYC is such a money town, and while there are pockets of sun, air, & water here and there, they don't instantiate enough to be completely nourishing.
That said, culture evolves and history re-writes itself with every passing second. Given time, I can see the city reaching her potential as a startup hub; she will make her inexorable way forward. Certainly it's time that neither you nor I can afford to let slip by, but if it's not people like you and I (& other like-minded folks) who help move this city forward, people who give a damn and follow passion up with action, who's it going to be?
I realize that you've got to put your company first, but the two (help NYC/grow company) aren't mutually exclusive. For instance Mouse.org -- I'll be chatting with them soon, & if SpeakerText is still in town, would love to place a capable high school intern from one of their squads with you.
We (NYC entrepreneurs & investors alike) might make more progress if we could set aside more than a couple hours a month to work concertedly on building culture and making history.