Just got word that the new book, "Evolving Collective Intelligence" by Douglas C. Engelbart, Valerie Landau, and Eileen Clegg. The super Limited BETA Edition, signed and numbered by Doug Engelbart, is available now at www.engelbartbook.com so spread the word. 

It includes death.We buried my brother Jerry yesterday. Ultimately, Social Security had compassion upon us, and gave us Jerry's number, so that we could get the death certificate, so that the mortuary could get the permit, and the burial could take place.Many of Jerry's friends came. All had good things to say about him. In a town -- Las Vegas -- where integrity, honesty, and generosity are less prominent than they are elsewhere, Jerry stood out like a shining light.I am proud to have had him as my brother for 58 years.The book of Jerry's life is closed. But its positive and loving impact will continue to be felt.

"He's in the hospital. He had an aneurysm and internal bleeding," said my cousin, calling yesterday from Las Vegas.

Jerry's heart stopped twice before the surgery even began. They revived him both times. But an hour or so into the procedure, he left and did not return.

Jerry and I had an unusual relationship for brothers 2.5 years apart in age. My wife Dalia says we were more like twins, in our no-jealousy unconditional acceptance of each other.

We were close, despite infrequent contact -- emails from time to time, a phone call every month or so.

Everyone who knew Jerry loved him. He was a man of his word, and his belief in people knew no bounds.

The book of Jerry's life was not exactly what he thought it would be, but it was a good one, full of love, trust, caring, and giving.

I miss him.

The regional summit of NAFEMS, the International Association for the Engineering Analysis Community, was held last week in Hampton, VA. There was a good turnout of users and vendors, with interesting sessions and vendor displays. I gave one of the keynotes, based on a recent research project that resulted in a Cyon Research white paper. I hope NAFEMS will soon post some of the conference content on their site.

This just showed up in my inbox:

WALTHAM, Mass., (Oct. 21, 2008) – Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has revised its popular MathMovesU scholarship and grants program to invest more substantially in students already committed to studying science, technology, engineering or math (STEM).

Under the restructured plan, students who have already won a MathMovesU scholarship are eligible to win one of 30 additional $20,000 merit-based bonus awards if they major in a STEM field at an accredited college.

A second change redirects the $1,000 awards available to 150 middle school students. They now have the option to attend math and science summer camps or programs across the country, or save the money for college. Raytheon will also continue to donate a $1,000 matching grant to each winning student's middle school. The objective is to nurture and encourage the next generation of U.S. innovators by harnessing the power of technology and showing them that math and science are at the very core of invention.

Raytheon's successful math heroes' awards program is unchanged under the new plan. Nominated math teachers or volunteers will still be eligible to receive $2,500 awards with a further $2,500 matching grant given to their school or math program.

"We wanted to make a greater impact and be part of the solution,” said Kristin Hilf, vice president of public affairs for Raytheon Company. "By encouraging discovery and rewarding commitment, we hope to help replenish the country's STEM talent pool, a necessary first step if we are to maintain our competitive edge in science and technology.”

Raytheon has awarded more than $2 million annually in MathMovesU scholarships and grants to deserving students, teachers and schools since the program's inception.

The $20,000 bonus award is open to the 300 students who have previously won a MathMovesU scholarship. Up to 30 recipients will be chosen based on academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities. To apply for a camp scholarship, current middle school students need to create a multimedia submission illustrating how math factors into their favorite pastimes. In both cases, all applications will be evaluated by Scholarship Management Services.

In an effort to spur interest in math and science, Raytheon created and launched MathMovesU in 2005. Through interactive learning programs, contests, live events, scholarships, tutoring programs and more, MathMovesU engages and inspires students. By demonstrating that learning can be fun and that an interest in math and science can lead to better grades and scholarships, MathMovesU encourages students during their middles school years and throughout their academic lives.

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

For more info: MathMovesU.com

I scan many blogs, but don't read many. I read this one. Randy wrote about this entry: "Today’s post also involves Ernest Hemingway, country music, Sanskrit, and Aramaic." And it does!

I'm happy to report that my new site is up! Click on the link to go there and check it out. My slogan: "You have a book inside you. It wants to come out. I'm your midwife!"