Don’t just stand there regarding climate change. Do something!

That's the message of Audrey Schulman, writing in Orion Magazine. Her article is entitled, "How to be a Climate Hero." Schulman describes psychology experiments where the subject is surrounded by stooges, everyone in the room doing a mundane task.  Eventually, something untoward happens. For instance, smoke starts pouring out of…

Continue ReadingDon’t just stand there regarding climate change. Do something!

Scientists are now required to treat plants ethically

In the April 24, 2008 edition of Nature (available online only with a subscription), it is reported that the Swiss Federal Government has issued guidelines to help granting agencies "decide which research applications deeply offend the dignity of plants." Those studies that fail to treat plants with "dignity" won't be…

Continue ReadingScientists are now required to treat plants ethically

Louisiana Passes Bible Science Education Law

Yall might could be tiring of my babbling on about Bible study in science classes. But I shall continue. According to this article, Louisiana has, and Florida still may pass amendments to their education codes to give free reign to teachers who choose to use texts other than (and conflicting…

Continue ReadingLouisiana Passes Bible Science Education Law

Before We Congratulate Ourselves On Our Tolerance and Maturity

The disturbing part of this story is the reactions of so-called medical professionals to this couple's situation and decision. Now there are two ways to look at this. The one that might make more sense (though certainly no more palatable) is that these physicians et al are concerned with Insurance…

Continue ReadingBefore We Congratulate Ourselves On Our Tolerance and Maturity

The Fall of Spitzer

I have no sympathy. I can't help it, but powerful people who behave this way strike me as the essence of... Spitzer wired the call girl service the money. Granted, he set up a relatively elaborate blind to hide the transaction (it was his own money, not the state's), primarily…

Continue ReadingThe Fall of Spitzer