The Right to Know What the Other Guy had for Breakfast Last Thursday, and Punish him for Sharing.

In case you've missed the news...

An organization called "US Right to Know" has been abusing the process of freedom of information requests to harass public scientists, and among the first to comply was a teacher from University of Florida.

Among the 5000+ pages of email correspondence there was enough to show that Monsanto did make a donation last year to a public outreach program where he gives talks and workshops about not just doing science, but communicating about it with the public. This was enough for them to drag his name through the mud.

Here's his explanation, in his own words:

The Radical Activist Attack on a Teacher

#BillNyeFilm

I don't know about you, but I would love to see a documentary about Bill Nye's personal mission to change the world via enthusiastic science education. Please, help make this thing a reality!

Do it...

Personally, I'm also looking forward to seeing Bill Nye's notes on the Hamm on Nye debate, since it seems to me a slightly more intimate look into the mind of the man... and there's a certain childish glee involved in those Emojis, isn't there?

100% All Natural Cyanide

Please, do us all a favour and share this video to everyone you know!

Our Robotic Agents Continue to make History

So is everyone else bursting with excitement?

We should shortly be receiving images of New Horizons' close flyby of the distant icy dwarf known as Pluto, but in the meantime, we have its previous efforts to keep our imaginations busy.

New Horizons Spacecraft Displays Pluto’s Big Heart

Did you know that Pluto's diameter is roughly equal to the driving distance from St. John's to Quebec City?

Or that because Pluto's mass is roughly 60% ice, if it were as close to the sun as we are, it would be instantly recognizable as a comet due to the long tail it would form?

Or that I watch/listen to a LOT of Neil deGrasse Tyson's interviews?

James Randi vs. The Supernatural

I've been a little occupied lately, so posts may be thin again for a while. I'll try to share more links and videos in the meantime; like this one, from the man who will give you a million dollars if you can provide solid evidence of a supernatural event.

Popular Misconceptions III: Accounting for Life Experience

One interesting idea that somebody suggested - and which seems some of the opinions of activist (or, blogtivists at least) are based on - is that pure science fails to account for the day-to-day life of normal human beings; that it is therefore irrelevant to our daily lives.

A typical scientist, relaxing at home

Mirror, Mirror

Just wanted to share with you this article by an activist who was inspired to look a little more closely at an organization he so loved to hate when he found his own rational skepticism being blamed on that same demon.

IS MONSANTO SATAN? THE PLEASURE AND PROBLEM OF CONSPIRACY THEORY

BY ALAN LEVINOVITZ  JULY 8, 2015

Popular Misconceptions II: Science in the Media

Bad Science

The way I see it, a lot of the confusion and mistrust of science among the general public comes from  the way it's reported on in the media.

Popular Misconceptions I: Consensus

So, I asked some of my friends & readers for input on what they distrust about “mainstream science” - later clarifying that I'm referring to the processes of professional research, peer-review, and the concept of “scientific consensus”. I've decided to do another multi-part series, this time tackling each response individually, in the hopes of helping everybody better understand that system which advances our understanding of the natural universe.

Feel free to let me know in the comments below, or privately through the inbox for my Facebook page or Twitter account if there's something specific that you distrust about the way science is done.

Science is Not a Religion

http://www.slayerment.com/science-vs-religion-which-right

I've got most of another long post ready to go, it's just going to take a little more editing than usual. In the meantime, I thought I'd take a look at an argument that I've seen many times over, mostly when Atheists are debating Theists about the pros and cons of religion. This argument is often used to frustrate or undermine the scientific argument, to say that it requires just as much faith, that it inspires the same fervor. This argument is, of course, that Science is a Religion, just as dogmatic as the rest.

Some other bloggers to follow while I'm occupied.

Hey folks, it's been a little quiter around here since I finished my series on Flat-Earth theory, but I haven't abandoned you, I promise! I've been busy with an unrelated project in the business I'm helping to run, so posts may be a little thin for the next couple of weeks.

While you're waiting for my next posts, here are a few like-minded facebook pages I'd encourage you to follow:

March Against Myths

Kavin Senapathy

The Skeptical Beard

Stop the Anti-Science Movement

Geneticists Starting from Scratch? I doubt it.

50 years of DNA research turned upside down as scientists discover second programming language within genetic code -- Science & Technology -- Sott.net:

Roundworld Conspiracy: Souls in the System & Conclusion

Part 11 - Souls in the System

Sargent starts this one off with a discussion of a documentary intended to prove that the moon landings were hoaxes. The part that has his attention here is that the Apollo astronauts that the film maker had attempted to interview had refused to swear on the Christian Bible to the truth of their stories.

Roundworld Conspiracy: Magic Show & Hiding God

Part 9: Magic Show

Ah, we're back to the planes. I actually enjoyed this one, because I got to learn some interesting things about modern communications technology. Sargent admits that some of his own listeners, attempting to repeat his observations from part 7, discovered that there really are non-stop long-hauls over the southern hemisphere, so of course he had to come up with a way to disprove that those flights actually happen.

Magical camouflage, obviously.

Roundworld Conspiracy: Long Haul & Creative force

Part 7: The Long Haul

Here Sargent actually does something right, from a scientific standpoint. He not only explains his real-world observations, but points his audience to where they can observe the same. Plus, air travel is much more accessible to the average citizen of Earth than space travel, so he's getting close to some testable hypotheses with this video.

Go ahead and get comfy.

Roundworld Consipiracy: Status Quo & Depth Perception

Part 5: Status Quo

In Part 5, Sargent is largely speculating - attempting to prove himself right by discussing the progression of events that might have led to the population of a dome-world being deceived by their own leaders about the existence of the dome. I won't waste time on the historic details, because an imagined history is not proof, whether he gets any particular points right or not. He is clearly excited by the idea that religions are superior to science, but that's just more of his own biases shining through.

The nerds are stuck in their labs, let's party!

Roundworld Conspiracy: Map Makers & Shell Beach

Part 3: Map Makers

In this video, Sargent talks about the layout of his Flat Earth.

He talks about an ancient Islamic scientist called Al-Biruni, who is credited with creating the Azimuthal Equidistant style of map projection. It doesn't matter if you've personally heard of him, his contributions to science were significant, and yes, even NASA recognized him when naming one of the many craters on the moon.

He's using me for what!?

Roundworld Conspiracy: The Empty Theatre & The Byrd Wall

Flat Earth Clues Part 1: The Empty Theatre

In this Video, Mark Sargent presents another very questionable piece of so-called evidence for his model of the Earth's shape, and the history of human discovery. You see, Hollywood movies are designed to brainwash us into not questioning the idea that the Earth is round.

And that aliens are just anthropomorphic versions of Earth animals, right?

The Roundworld Conspiracy, Introduction

In my previous entry, I explained that I had been asked to review a series of YouTube videos by Mark Sargent. In these he attempts to outline a series of “clues” that, in his estimation, point to one irrefutable conclusion:

That the Earth is in fact flat, and enclosed in a massive dome.

Flat Earth "Theory"

Someone recently asked me to respond to a video series detailing "proof" that the Earth is in fact not a sphere, but a flat plane. The narrator's argument is that we inhabit a cosmic snow globe roughly equivalent to what's described in Judeo-Christian scripture and other religious texts. It was over an hour and a half of video, so it took me a while get through all 11 parts, but I eventually did, and even managed to take some notes. Unfortunately, parsing the fallacies and poetry into something I can assemble a response to is taking much longer. (Yes, poetry. The Tower of Babel is presented as evidence.) So, stay tuned for that, there will be another entry on this subject at a later date. For now, simply enjoy and consider the following videos of our round world spinning through space.

Herbal Remedies to Modern Medicine

I’ve seen quite a few headlines lately about the magical wonder-cure that is marijuana. While I think it really is wonderful that its medicinal qualities are being seriously studied, I wanted to comment on those misleading headlines, since they appear to be creating the illusion of scientifically-based support for the idea that ‘pot’ is good for you and should be perfectly legal.

‘GMO free’ myth busting: Labeling movement leading farmers to use more toxic chemicals | Genetic Literacy Project

‘GMO free’ myth busting: Labeling movement leading farmers to use more toxic chemicals | Genetic Literacy Project:

'via Blog this'

GMOs, Go, Go, Go!

It seems the pseudo-scientific issue that bears the most weight with the people in my life is anti-GMO activism, so I once again find myself evaluating an article on that topic. This time around, Roberta L. Millstein attempts to take a middle road, but falls into a standard anti-science trap. “Just label it,” says the pseudo-scientist, “let the people decide.” Sure, label the GMOs. Teach the creationists’ “controversy”. Let the parents decide whether to vaccinate their kids. Oops, was my opinion leaking through here? I’ll get back to that in a bit.

She takes issue with the argument that the anti-GMO movement, and even the suggestion to label GMOs, is anti-science. She has conveniently listed her reasons in a numbered list, so let me take a specific look at these arguments.

Where's my frying pan?

I don't know much about Pierre Trudeau's history in Canadian politics, but I'll admit I'm not a fan of his son. Ignoring for the moment his actual political stance though, the more I see of him, the harder it is to not see a certain Disney cad...

Am I the only one?

PS: Sorry about the blade, I don't have a lot of experience with watermarks. Poor Flynn!

Scientists: Earth Endangered by New Strain of Fact-Resistant Humans - The New Yorker

Just an excellent little bit of Satire from The New Yorker that I thought anyone who reads my blog would enjoy.

Scientists: Earth Endangered by New Strain of Fact-Resistant Humans - The New Yorker:

'via Blog this'

Evidence or Wishful Thinking? The 'Science' of Reincarnation

Scientific Proof Of Reincarnation. Yes, The Soul Exists.

This entry is going to step away from the more “activist” areas of pseudoscience, and into a more supernatural one. While the concept of reincarnation may or may not in itself be anti-scientific, I would argue that the specific article I am critiquing demonstrates a real disdain for the scientific method. It attempts to present biased non-evidence as scientific proof, and is therefore counter to the scientific method.

I myself have not seen any evidence to rule out the possibility of the soul, or most other religious superstitions for that matter, but I’m arguing here that they do not constitute ‘Scentific Proof’.

Organic Cherry Picking

Bad Chart Thursday: Organic Cherry Picking

Strong-Arm Tactics, or Brand Confidence?

Here's another article shared by the same person who's been sending me the GMO links:

How Seed and Pesticide Companies Push Farmers to Use Bee-Killing Insecticides

There's a lot of reading to do here, and I haven't familiarized myself yet with the subject in general or the specific research, (some of which appears to be behind a paywall), but there's one big, obvious issue right in the article itself that I wanted to comment on. The headline makes a bold accusation of coercion, as though the sellers are strong-arming innocent farmers into using dangerous substances. When you read the details the same article provides however, the actual practice becomes much less sinister:

The companies also include incentives to buy coated seed in the form of insurance: If their crop fails , the farmer will get a 100 percent rebate. Without the coatings, the rebate is only 50 to 75 percent.

Now, I'm not an expert, but I did spend a decade working in shopping malls and customer service centres. In retail, this is what we call a "warranty". You put a warranty on products that you're confident are unlikely to fail. It's just good business; you're making a bet that the product is reliable. The elaborate long-term warranties are for brands like Sony and LG, not the Chinese knock-offs. That would be a bad bet. It's all about confidence in your product.

Like I said, I won't criticize the science until I've read up on it some more, but I will criticize the ethics of the writer (or their editor/publisher). Once again, an article is written to provoke an emotional reaction, at the expense of the "evil corporations" who are doing nothing more than performing the role our society needs them to perform, in a way that allows them to continue doing so: profitably.

Why buy the Scientists, when you can just buy the Government?

The G.O.P.’s War on Science Gets Worse - The New Yorker.

Look at those faces. McConnell appears to be on the verge of tears, while Boehner shoots him a warning glance. Just get through this and we'll be free men. I don't really believe they're being coerced, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Idaho Father Debates Anti-Science Activist

Wow, the posts are coming fast and furious this week, huh? Well, I’ve had trouble in the past coming up with topics, but meanwhile a friend keeps sending me links to science articles to explain or debunk, and my responses keep getting longer. In fact, this will be the third entry here that started there. So, what the hell? I’m going to keep posting them, and I invite you all to take part by sending me new articles! You can do that through the comments section, my Twitter account, or my Facebook Page.

What’s the harm?

Makes me sick to see this sort of thing. There are a lot of so-called "alternative" medicine practices that are relatively harmless, as long as modern, science-based medicine is also used, but they're still wearing away at everyone's understanding of science. Then to take it as far as this Hongchi Xiao and his followers do is criminal. At the very least, this person and the kids' parents, should (in my opinion) be tried for manslaughter, but the so-called "healer" himself should be charged with crimes against humanity. After all, he is systematically teaching his techniques to the masses.

What’s the harm? An Australian child dies while undergoing a particularly cruel form of quackery – Respectful Insolence:

'via Blog this'

Snake-Oil and Charismatic Fear-Mongers

I'd like to talk a little about an example of pseudo-science that has had dramatic, visible effects on the world stage.

They do love their drama.

Lesson Learned, Consolation Prize Earned

OK, so this week I got to relearn a lessen about keeping a backup of my work, because the majority of my last blog entry is gone.

Damn.

Blogger Buggered It

So something went wrong with my earlier post on the "GMO Kids", and it reverted to an earlier form. I have an idea of why that is, but not how to retrieve the other half of the article. I've taken it down for now, sorry everyone!

More on Reading Science

On the subject of last week's rant, here are a couple of useful infographics to better arm yourself against those who would mislead you into poor choices.

Science is Hard... But Don't Turn Off your Brain!

I've learned something interesting recently.

According to the Canadian Council of Academies, out of 35 nations whose statistics were available, we rank first in the world in science literacy. Excitement! For the briefest moment, I was proud of my nation. Then I kept reading: we're first in the world, at 42%. Meaning, 42% of Canadians understand enough about science that we can properly decipher a science-related news article, and that makes us the most scientifically-literate nation on the planet.

The "Food Babe" Blogger Is Full of Shit

This is a big part of why I decided it was worth giving blogging a shot: "The Food Babe". No qualifications, little to no scientific understanding or (from what I can tell) interest, but she makes broad claims about scientific concepts, pushing pointless and often dangerous ideas about human biology, and yet she has a self-styled "army" of followers who will take up her cause. And she makes a living at it! But don't take my word for it, follow the link and read a well-researched essay on the insanity, complete with citations.

The "Food Babe" Blogger Is Full of Shit:

'via Blog this'

'Spooky Action at a Distance' Confirmed by New Quantum Experiment | IFLScience

Of course they emphasize "Einstein was wrong", that's how you get readers!

What they barely attempt to explain is that Einstein merely voiced an opinion on something outside his specific field.

Most readers will overlook the most important line: "In so doing, their work backs up years of research"

'Spooky Action at a Distance' Confirmed by New Quantum Experiment | IFLScience

Beards as badges of honour.

I found this especially amusing given my current appearance (relaxing at home today) , the fact that I'm reading this on a smartphone with a 5.5" screen, and my actual job involves making and selling jewellery.

http://m.phys.org/news/2015-03-beards-badges-honour.html

The GMO Conspiracy

A big issue that I see discussed often (and which seems to be a hot-button for some people I know personally - sorry folks, some of you won't like this much) is GMOs. After a recent incident where a well-known scientist had made cautionary statements about their prevalence, then later announced publicly that he had changed his mind, I did a little a research on the matter inspired by - but in a slightly different direction from - someone else's post [1]. That one is an interesting read, and gives some little-known information on the history of public opinion's "Most Evil Corporation" [2].

"No Right" vs. "No Business"

In my post earlier, I mentioned my belief that those who don't understand an issue have "no business" affecting decisions related to that issue. Completely by coincidence, (because it's near enough impossible that any of the bloggers involved have read my introductory post the day I posted it), this post made its way to me via the Richard Dawkins Foundation, which does an excellent job of clarifying the difference between "no business" and "no right".

On the “right” to challenge a medical or scientific consensus

Hello World!

Hi there, welcome to my new opinion blog! I'm hoping to generate some discussions on the topics I cover here, so please do use the comment section at the bottom of each post.

My first real post will be auto-posted tomorrow morning, but I expect that I'll be stirring up some strong reactions among the Internet-Activism crowd right off the bat, so for today, here's an introduction to who I am, to give you an idea of what may be to come.