Category: Uncategorized

The 2016 presidential race as viewed through a Dunning-Kruger lens

October 4, 2015

The peculiar nature of the campaign for the 2016 presidential election has provided political pundits an oversupply of fodder for their analyses. A prevailing assessment seems to be that Donald Trump, Ben Carson, and Carly Fiorina are achieving at least transitory success in the polls not because of any great depth of their policy discussions, … More The 2016 presidential race as viewed through a Dunning-Kruger lens

Obliviousness to global catastrophes- if we can’t feel it, it simply doesn’t exist.

October 3, 2015

I am convinced that one of the limiting factors of the human species is our inability to understand cataclysmic events that are occurring because they develop at a rate that is outside our ability to emotionally comprehend. And, as humans, if something can’t be understood at an emotional level, then it is unlikely to receive … More Obliviousness to global catastrophes- if we can’t feel it, it simply doesn’t exist.

This flawed, unethical study will help fuel the multi-billion dollar homeopathic industry.

September 19, 2015

Does additional antimicrobial treatment have a better effect on URTI cough resolution than homeopathic symptomatic therapy alone? The absolute absurdity of this “published” research study is beyond mind boggling. The tragedy is that it will likely fulfill its purpose of serving as the reference cited for the phrase “clinically proven” that will appear on some … More This flawed, unethical study will help fuel the multi-billion dollar homeopathic industry.

Fact – GMOs are safe; Fiction – GMO food labels are a good idea

August 16, 2015

As a parent, how do you handle the fears of a child that believes there’s a monster under his or her bed? There are a number of ways to handle that situation, but one of them is not to say that there may or may not be a monster and we’re simply not sure. So, … More Fact – GMOs are safe; Fiction – GMO food labels are a good idea

NPR endorses the magic of “Posture Guru” Esther Gokhale

August 12, 2015

With its segment on Esther Gokhale, Lost Posture: Why Some Indigenous Cultures May Not Have Back Pain[1], NPR seems to be continuing its long, downward spiral of presenting emotion-based belief practices as if they were legitimate, evidence-based therapies.  Ms. Gokhale has achieved a certain level of fame, and not a little bit of fortune, by espousing her … More NPR endorses the magic of “Posture Guru” Esther Gokhale

Why all the fuss about the Keystone XL pipeline?

February 12, 2015

I just don’t understand why the Keystone XL pipeline is such a high priority for the Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Maybe I’m missing something, but this is how is see the project. The pipeline will be owned by Tanscanada, a Canadian company. The oil running through the pipeline belongs exclusively to the oil companies … More Why all the fuss about the Keystone XL pipeline?

Remembering Sandy Hook: Guns actually DO kill people

December 13, 2014

I can’t believe it’s been two years since the tragedy at Sandy Hook. I avoid imagining the horror of that day and I know with certainty that I can’t understand what it must feel like for the survivors today and every day since the senseless taking of so many lives. What I also can’t understand is … More Remembering Sandy Hook: Guns actually DO kill people

Driving with the windows rolled down.

November 9, 2014

It’s increasingly clear that the information cocoons woven from technology-enabled communication has contributed to the divisiveness in society. The internet in general, and social media in particular, has facilitated the self segregation of individuals into like thinking communities. The communication within these closed communities forms  a positive feedback loop where a common set of ideas, … More Driving with the windows rolled down.