Now on ScienceBlogs: The Galaxy's Biggest Valentine
An irregular exploration of the struggle between the power of rational discourse and the scientific method on one hand, and the forces of superstition and dogma on the other. Mostly regarding climate change, though.
James Hrynyshyn is a freelance science journalist and communications consultant based in western North Carolina, where he tries to put degrees in marine biology and journalism to good use.
The Demon-Haunted World:
Science as a Candle
in the Dark,
by Carl Sagan
(A
review)
The Doubter's Companion:
by John Ralston Saul (Excerpts)
Skeptic Magazine: www.skeptic.com
Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal: www.csicop.org
A poem by Yehuda Amichai:
The
Place
Where We Are Right
The Meaning of the
Island of Doubt
By doubting we come to inquiry; and through inquiry we perceive truth.
--- Peter Abelard
Undisguised clarity is easily mistaken for arrogance.
-- Richard Dawkins
As for evolution, it happened. Deal with it.
-- Michael Shermer.
"There is no need to sally forth, for it remains true that those things
which make us human are, curiously enough, always close at hand.
Resolve, then, that on this very ground, with small flags waving, and
tiny blasts of tinny trumpets, we have met the enemy, and not only may
he be ours, he may be us."
--Walt Kelly
July 31, 2007
Category: climate
"I find it almost inconceivable that "business as usual" climate change will not result in a rise in sea level measured in metres within a century. Am I the only scientist who thinks so?" -- James Hansen
Posted by James Hrynyshyn at 7:49 AM • 18 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
July 30, 2007
Category: politics
Not so long ago, scientists, engineers and astronauts were heroes. Now they'd fodder for the tabloids.
Posted by James Hrynyshyn at 11:24 AM • 8 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
July 27, 2007
Category: pseudo-science
A new study that shows people who say radio waves from cell phone towers are making them sick are exhibiting a purely pyschosomatic reaction won't be the last nail required to seal this particular coffin of pseudo-science. But as a...
Posted by James Hrynyshyn at 11:15 AM • 5 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: misc
The Guardian wins the prize for best headline for its coverage of the tipsy astronauts: "Drunk astronauts go from Right Stuff to the hard stuff." While we're on the subject, though, how about this, even less amusing, story: "Three die...
Posted by James Hrynyshyn at 11:02 AM • 1 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
July 26, 2007
Category: biology
While there may be no really good reason to clone, is a compelling reason to ban the technique?
Posted by James Hrynyshyn at 10:14 AM • 3 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
July 25, 2007
Category: philosophy
Steven Pinker of The Blank Slate fame, weighs in on the nature and temptation of "dangerous ideas" in the latest must-read for visitors to the Island. Not too surprisingly, he likes them. Among the questions we should not be afraid...
Posted by James Hrynyshyn at 1:41 PM • 1 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: ecology
Among the most common questions that follow my presentations of Al Gore's climate change slide show is "What about vegetarianism?" I usually respond that eating less meat will probably be a consequence of climate change, due to the enormous water...
Posted by James Hrynyshyn at 8:05 AM • 7 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
July 24, 2007
Category: climate
A committee of the North Carolina House has come up with the state's first renewable-energy bill at long last, one that would require electrical utilities to produce 12.5% of their product from renewable sources. Which is a good thing, if...
Posted by James Hrynyshyn at 1:09 PM • 1 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: climate
"The observed changes, which are larger than estimated from model simulations, may have already had significant effects on ecosystems, agriculture and human health."
Posted by James Hrynyshyn at 7:45 AM • 1 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
July 23, 2007
Category: misc
Last week, the city council of Brevard, N.C, a community just over a couple of hills from here that's known for its vibrant musical culture, voted to remove the fluoride they've been adding to the public water supply for last...
Posted by James Hrynyshyn at 11:26 AM • 8 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
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