Among the interests about which I am most passionate are the philanthropic. I have a passion for science and I am a proponent of the greater understanding of science, philosophy, and critical thinking within the public sphere. Obviously, I am also passionate about technology. This blog contains some information on my philanthropic pursuits.

Open Software

After completing a consulting contract with Kaiser Permanente in April 2009, I took a prosperity break to co-found a social venture with a long-time friend and colleague. The Open Domain's mission is to provide an unique view on everything Linux and open-source. Launching in October 2009 with an enhanced, next-generation Web experience grounded in personal customization, theOpenDomain.org adapts open software to the user and presents the open software universe as a cohesive web of solutions. With helpful reivews, linux comparisons, and news, we intend bring the most relevant information on linux distros and open software to one place and provide answers to emerging linux- and open-software-related questions.

While all information will be available freely and anonymously, users can register for a free account to access special features:

• The ability to "dog-ear" your favourite articles within the site, highlight the text of an article, and make margin notes within an article allowing you to keep track of your thoughts and access them later.

• The site will find new and existing articles you may enjoy, presenting them to you both on the site and in a personalized weekly email.

• With the power of Google search and our customizable page widgets, theOpenDomain.org can act as your browser's home page allowing you to keep up to date on all the Linux and open source resources we make available while simultaneously providing you with a portal to the rest of the Web.

• By using the "choose your feed" feature, you'll be able to personalize the types of news that interest you as well as whether you want to receive news alerts on the site, in an email, or by text message - or even all three. By choosing your own feed on the TheOpenDomain.org, you get all the news you care about and nothing you don't.

• Ask a question in one of our forums, which are staffed by the Open Domain team as well as the Linux and open source communities, to get quick answers to your questions.

We also have a Distribution Matrix (called "Distrix") available to all users that allows you to answer a series of simple questions which will automagically match your specific software needs to the latest Linux distributions; the Distrix will then suggest one or more Linux distros that strongly suit your personality and personal needs, allowing you to install your new operating system with ease and confidence.

In short, TheOpenDomain.org will be an exciting and inspiring new way to experience information. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and an innovative presentation, we're creating a new paradigm for information access.

In addition to providing start-up capital, I will be serving as co-director of the initiative on a volunteer basis, overseeing the strategy and direction of the venture. As the project is small, I will also be rolling up my sleeves and participating in, as well as leading, the technical development with a PHP, Javascript, MySQL, Linux, and CSS architecture. The project is also utilizing the Symfony PHP framework, which provides MVC and front-controller design patterns as well as a command-line interface to perform common development and deployment activities.

After the development is complete, my co-director and I will focus on building the content of the site as weekly columnists, along with the open-software community. Our marketing plan forecasts page views per month in the low millions by Q4 2010.

Science and Critical Thinking

A Pew Research report (people-press.org/report/528) from July 2009 confirmed what I have known for some time: the public is woefully ignorant of science. According to the study, 85% of scientists view the public's understanding of science as a "major problem". This is confirmed by a 10-question quiz that shows significant gaps in understanding (you can take the quiz at pewresearch.org/sciencequiz to compare yourself with the rest of the country).

My passion for science is life-long. In high school and college, I volunteered at a science camp for junior high school students where I managed adult and student volunteers, developed educational curricula, and instructed large groups of students in biology, geology, astronomy, and ecology. Now I am a Professional Member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (aaas.org), the world's largest general scientific society. The mission of the AAAS is to "advance science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people". The AAAS also publishes the journal Science, which I read weekly. I am also a member of the American Institute of Biological Sciences (aibs.org) and the Academy of Political Science.

In addition, I am a Friend of the transnational Center for Inquiry, providing regular capital contributions as well as participating in events in their Los Angeles office. The CFI's mission is to foster a society based on science, reason, and freedom of inquiry.