Happy Birthday Genie Scott!
Today is Genie Scott's birthday. Genie is loved by all in the community of biological scientists because of her central role, as director of the National Center for Science Education, in fighting the good fight against irrational efforts to teach creationism in our public schools and elsewhere. Genie is the author of several books, articles, and book chapters, including Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction
I met Genie at a conference (SAA? APA? AAA? Don't remember). The link was that my then father-in-law had been her professor in graduate school. Later on, I got to know Genie better when I stumbled into the evolution-creation debate. I found myself facing a cadre of well prepared creationists (including one named "Dr. Bible") and Genie made it possible for me to do battle with them without utterly embarrassing myself.
Today, we all look to Genie and her organization for regular support. We send hapless colleagues to them, use the NCSE as a central clearing house for information, and consult with their members as needed.
Oh, and I owe them a book review. Just remembered. Working on that now...
Anyway, Genie, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! And thanks for all the fish!
Comments
Ooh, thanks for reminding me.
Happy birthday, Genie!
Posted by: Mad Hussein LOLscientist, FCD | October 24, 2008 12:52 AM
Many happy returns of the day, Genie.
Posted by: Katrina | October 24, 2008 11:02 AM
I had the pleasure of meeting Genie this week in MN at Innovation 2008. She gave a wonderful presentation and I really enjoyed our time chatting together. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Sheril R. Kirshenbaum | October 24, 2008 11:31 AM
I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Scott; nonetheless, Happy Birthday, and keep fighting the good fight!
Posted by: MRL | October 24, 2008 12:07 PM
Wow -- thanks, Greg. Those are kind words, indeed. Glad NCSE has been of help -- that's what we're here for.
Thanks also to the other well-wishers. I'm getting ready for an NCSE board meeting tomorrow, so the likelihood of getting much time off today is low, but I'll celebrate this weekend!
Posted by: Eugenie C. Scott | October 24, 2008 1:32 PM
Happy Birthday! I loved your work in Beware the Believers.
Posted by: thingsbreak | October 24, 2008 3:01 PM
I say put this genie back in the bottle. She is probably at least partly responsible for the unconstitutional promotion of pro-Darwinist religious views on UC-Berkeley's "Understanding Evolution for Teachers" website.
The celebration of Darwin's birthday was bad enough.
Posted by: Larry Fafarman | October 25, 2008 3:53 PM
Just goes to show -- the internet is powerful. Thanks to Greg, PZ, and Phil mentioning my birthday and providing encouragement, NCSE got about 20 new members (and some renewals!) So thanks, Greg, for starting this, and thanks also to his readers!
Posted by: Genie | October 28, 2008 5:27 PM