All Blog Posts from Tech Talk

Working late tonight to finish a story for tomorrow's Early Show about a new warning from scientists about the pace of global warming. The AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) met in Chicago over the weekend and released a dire warning: previous models of industrial greenhouse gas emissions were low, and the feedback loop associated with warming temperatures will only escalate. What does this mean for the planet? You can read more here, and be sure to watch Monday morning.

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Bill Gates released some mosquitoes into the audience, a musical group called Naturally 7 demonstrated the diversity of voice, and “Happy Birthday” was performed in a way that the recipient of the timeless tune will never forget. Just another day at TED, one of the premiere (and exclusive) gatherings of visionaries, luminaries and “extraordinaries.” It’s a place that really requires one to open one’s eyes, ears, and mind.

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Scientists across the country have heralded the Obama administration's approach to research and development. Already it’s a stark contrast to the Bush years. But what exactly will be done for areas like stem cells, global warming, and space exploration?

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Tapping into the wi-fi feature on an iPhone can be handy, and definitely faster than the current AT&T EDGE network allows. But now users are wondering what the deal is after AT&T first told subscribers that all AT&T wi-fi hotspots could be accessed for free, then apparently removing any trace of the offer from its Web sites. Has anyone else experience this? In other Apple news, a report looking at the "greenness" of various tech companies gave Steve Jobs' company low marks for greenhouse gas emissions. The ClimateCounts survey put Apple at the back of the pack, well behind firms like IBM, Canon and Toshiba, which finished at the top. For more, check out the story here. This particular survey aside, does the "green practices" of a tech company have any bearing on your purchases? Worth thinking about.

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"Only On The Web": Daniel Sieberg shoots a behind-the-scenes look at his report on the effects of climate warming on coral reefs.

It's been three weeks since we returned from our Arctic adventure, and tonight the first in our series of stories will air on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. There are four parts in total, with the remainder airing tomorrow, Wednesday and Saturday nights. Do these stories aim to solve the severity of global warming? Of course not. They are meant to shed light on an important subject to us all -- climate change -- and how what happens in the Arctic is tied to those of us in the south. It's a journey to the top of the world.

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RESOLUTE, Nunavut, Canada – Nothing about surviving in the High Arctic is easy. From the harsh climes to the isolation to the difficulty getting around, anyone here must contend with a vast expanse of untamed wilderness. Not that you have to tell that to the 229 or so Inuit and scientists who live here. We've been in Resolute for three days now, and as brief (southern) visitors, it'd be difficult to remain much longer. My wool hat's off to those who can make it. After three weeks away from home during this Arctic odyssey, tomorrow we return.

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BAFFIN BAY – Did Chloe lose her hair? Did they shave my eyebrows off?? Did we walk a gangplank into the ocean??? Did Mark even participate?!? The answer to one of those questions is yes. Can you guess? Well, if you've seen the photos then you know it's the last one. The crossing ceremony was (finally, and more on that later) held yesterday afternoon. Ultimately it was harmless and in good fun. But that doesn't mean we didn't suffer.

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It really only bothered me because I detest olives, especially when they're passed off as "seal eyes." Give me a break. But if given the choice, I would probably do the initiation all over again, particularly the part where the "sergeant at arms" invited me to participate in Daniel's hazing. Probably the first and last time I'll crack eggs on a correspondent's head.

The creepiest part: being blindfolded - very hostage crisis and very disorienting on a seriously big ship. Kneeling before King Neptune and his "hag wife" was deeply humiliating, and "kissing the feet of the queen" was really "kissing a can of herring," or something comparable. I of course couldn't tell.

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Paul, the helicopter pilot, took us for a ride today, and it was literally unbelievable. The icebergs are gigantic, beautiful, and pretty much candy for Mark. We aggressively scanned the horizon for one flat and strong enough to land on (a calving iceberg is problematic, and could kill you) and were successful.

The downside: we forgot to bring an axe, some on board were expecting iceberg ice, they are upset, and we are unpopular, presently.

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