Author: Josh Witten

http://www.thefinchandpea.com

When Supplements “Work”. . .or Have You Drink Bleach

FDA warned consumers not to consume or use Miracle Mineral Solution, an oral liquid solution also known as “Miracle Mineral Supplement” or “MMS.” The product, when used as directed, produces an industrial bleach that can cause serious harm to health. The product instructs consumers to mix the 28 percent sodium chlorite solution with an acid such as citrus juice. This mixture produces chlorine dioxide, a potent bleach used for stripping textiles and industrial water treatment. High oral doses of this bleach, such as those recommended in the labeling, can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and symptoms of severe dehydration.- FDA Medwatch (emphasis added)

Miracle Mineral Solution claims to be a panacea that can treat many, unrelated ailments like HIV and the common cold. This not only puts the individual at risk due to neglect of effective treatments, but also has them drink BLEACH. Continue reading “When Supplements “Work”. . .or Have You Drink Bleach”

As You Would Wish. . .

Working in the UK (home of the anti-social behavior order – I think one of our neighbors chickens was threatened with an ASBO), my workplace walls are strewn with signs exhorting us to be polite to each other. Among signs suggesting that I remember to clean out my tea cup and turn the lights off over the weekend, we have this gem in the local water closet (i.e., bathroom). Given the obvious intent of the sign, it seems to me that the “as you would wish” indicates that the sign poster is making the rather rash generalization that their social norms are universal amongst a very diverse staff. Fortunately, that diversity does not seem to include any pedantic coprophiliacs that might force this important social justice issue into the light of day.

In other news, I’m strongly considering adding a beer fridge and flat screen television to the facilities.

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Dr. Seuss was not quite surreal enough for offspring 1.1. . .

Photo by Josh Witten

Musings on SexyGate, an opportunity missed?

This was originally intended as one of my rambling notes (you do read the notes, don’t you?) appended to “Zombie Feynman vs The Special Girl Powers”, but the ramble took on a life of its own. So, here are some thoughts about the impact of SexyGate[1][2] that have been tumbling around in the old noodle for a few days. Not sure if the extra cooking time helped them at all.

I would almost like to agree with Ayatollah PZed on this one – that to make a “sexy scientist” list without appearing to be an ass monkey, one should give the scientists the choice to be included. For just  such a list, check out the Science Cheerleader’s Sexy Scientists and Engineers, but restrain yourself from making any comments about how good I look in the short rugby shorts. Continue reading “Musings on SexyGate, an opportunity missed?”

Zombie Feynman vs The Special Girl Powers

If there is one lesson from SexyGate (the kerfuffle following Sheril Kirshenbaum’s inclusion on a “sexy scientist” list[1]), it is that actions have consequences, long-range, important, and potentially ironic consequences, for which you shall be held responsible. Consequences like drawing the attention of the hedonistic proletariat to the “sexy scientist” list and giving many the excuse to consider the potentially related[2] question: “Is science sexist?”

There were a number of thought-provoking answers. Alexandra Jellicoe’s article was advertised as both unusual and interesting, but was neither. While most commentators examined sexism in the institutions we use to do science, Jellicoe spent her non-raging-lesbian-feminist thunder[3] on the fundamental process of science. Continue reading “Zombie Feynman vs The Special Girl Powers”