Google Science Foo

Google recently invited Learning Friends' CEO, Ann McCormick and her colleague, Tim Ericson from eeps.com to the first Science Foo at the Googleplex, a remarkable event attended by 100 scientists "doing interesting things" in their fields. Among the remarkable things about this conference were the openness to new ideas of all attending, and the fact that they all "showed up" with their whole selves, including their humor and intent of being helpful to the planet and its people. Larry Brilliant spoke about ridding the world of Smallpox, and included a photo of his guru in the PPT. Tim Ericson gave a hands-on demo of science journal writing tools for kids, with real scientists trying out the prototype system along with the National Science Foundation Project Officer who awarded a new grant for continuing this work. Eric Case from Google met us approaching the campus and guided us through registration with grace and care, and introduced us to very important people, including the incredible chef from Google who masterminded food for the event. Everyone present could create their own presentation for this event, and attend any the others invented. There was an awesome science-modeling cartoonist, science fiction writer, Jaron Lanier of VR fame (Ann's former boss when she was VP of VPL Research), and scientists in an array of fields who usually don't comingle. It was great! Thanks Google, and thands, Nature Magazine.