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

Are opinions on the merits of the Iran deal based on facts?  – The answer has two letters.

August 2, 2015

As the saying goes, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts. In the case of the Iran deal, opinions are abundant and are expressed with confidence, certainty, and in many cases – arrogance. But what about the basis of those opinions? Are the opinions based on reading the agreement and … More Are opinions on the merits of the Iran deal based on facts?  – The answer has two letters.

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.

The perils of politicians rejecting expert advice: Chris Christie and Bobby Jindal

November 8, 2014

Governor Chris Christie’s media grabbing, grandstanding proclamations about Ebola reminded me of Louisiana’s Governor Bobby Jindal’s sand berms in 2010. Not that there is any relation between the Ebola virus and piles of sand, but the connection is that these two politicians received advice from acknowledged experts in their respective fields and then promptly ignored it … More The perils of politicians rejecting expert advice: Chris Christie and Bobby Jindal

The cocoon of delusion – are we praising away our children’s future?

September 7, 2014

In their 2010 book, “Academically Adrift”[1], Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa used the Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA) to measure students understanding of critical thinking, complex reasoning and writing. They found that after the first two years of college many students demonstrated only limited learning and 45% showed no improvement at all. In a 2014 follow-up … More The cocoon of delusion – are we praising away our children’s future?