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Building Our Fourth Economic Engine: Why the Emerging Technology Conference Matters
Nov 12, 2026 · @William Amos On November 19–20, builders, researchers, business leaders, founders, investors and students from across the Roanoke-Blacksburg region and beyond will gather at Hotel Roanoke for the Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council’s third annual Emerging Technology Conference. It’s one week away, and I think it’s one of… Listen ⇢
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Podcast Episode: Are We Preparing Students for What’s Coming?
Here’s a question that doesn’t get asked enough: if the software is easier to build than ever, what exactly are we still teaching people to do? That’s the thread running through my recent writing on Unconventional Observations — who gets to innovate now, what expertise actually means in an AI-assisted… Listen ⇢
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Are We Preparing Students for What’s Coming?
The Future Is Open for Business I’ve spent much of my career helping organizations use technology to solve difficult problems. Microsoft, GE Digital, Torc Robotics, and now ZynSource AI. I’ve witnessed some remarkable changes, but I don’t believe I’ve ever seen the economics of building software change this quickly. And… Listen ⇢
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Podcast Episode: Research Ambitions And Political Gridlock
There’s a particular kind of optimism that looks at a broken system and says, “yes, but have you considered building something excellent nearby?” Eddie, writing for Unconventional Observations, does both this week — and somehow makes it feel like a reasonable response to the world. Listen ⇢
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Virginia Tech’s Next Research Frontier: Building on a Foundation of Excellence
In 2020, the University of Florida launched a $70 million artificial intelligence initiative through a combination of university investment, industry partnership, and philanthropy. The effort included $20 million from the university, $25 million in support from NVIDIA, and a $25 million gift from an alumnus. What makes Florida’s experience interesting… Listen ⇢
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The Election Changed Washington – The Problems Didn’t
Both Parties Must Work Together With Democrats taking control of Congress, both parties face an uncomfortable question: When did winning political arguments become more important than solving America’s problems? Republicans promised fiscal responsibility. The deficit grew. They promised to expose government waste, but their own savings claims failed independent scrutiny.… Listen ⇢
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The WWF Effect: When Americans Stop Caring Whether Politics Is Real
How foreign governments exploit our divisions—and why political loyalty is becoming a dangerous substitute for truth By William E. Amos I grew up in an America where professional wrestling was enormously popular. Millions of people watched the World Wrestling Federation, or WWF, cheering for their favorite wrestlers, booing the villains,… Listen ⇢
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Balance the Budget – Proposed Constitutional Amendment
We are $41,000,000,000,000 in debt. Before voting this year, ask your candidate to sign the proposal below. This isn’t a tribe (Republicans or Democrats) issue; it’s an America issue that neither side is addressing. Make an alternative suggestion, write a new recommendation, or send the one below to your candidate(s),… Listen ⇢
