Category: Follies of the Human Condition

Mao Wuz Here: The Great Leap, Uh, Forward?

Originally posted at Science 2.0 on 16 December 2009.

I came across this graph from the US Census Bureau on io9. They project the linear trend after 1965 out to 2050, assuming no major changes, which is always dangerous. The short story is that the Ehrlichian fear of massive overpopulation may not come true due to worldwide reductions in population growth. The human population might peak in the not so distant future. I might have to rethink my prediction of when evolution will finally vanquish creationism/intelligent design.


But, let’s ask the real question. What the hell happened in 1960? Continue reading “Mao Wuz Here: The Great Leap, Uh, Forward?”

Thoughts on Phil’s Dick Presentation

Like most public “dick” presentations, Phil Plait’s “Don’t Be a Dick” speech at The Amazing Meeting 8 was controversial.

Whole tomes have been written on this topic already (this post by Daniel Loxton and the endless comments summarize the debate nicely). Continue reading “Thoughts on Phil’s Dick Presentation”

In which British papers call sick kids sluts and I get mad. . .

According to the UK press, the foggy isle is being overrun by 11 year old tramps.

Dr. Petra Boynton has the definitive take down of this clap-trap on her blog.

The UK appears afflicted by ‘soaring’ numbers of sexually active girls, who lie to parents, enabled by GPs.

Is it accurate?

No.

Continue reading “In which British papers call sick kids sluts and I get mad. . .”

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.

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?”