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.

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!

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.

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.

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'

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].

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.