I agree with Adam Keiper and Yuval Levin that Michele Bachmann jumped the shark with her ignorant comments about Gardasil. I usually don’t care that much about Democrat whining about Republicans being “anti-science,” particularly when they are themselves, and in much more politically destructive ways, but she has to be held to account for this nonsense.
Category Archives: Science And Society
Plumbing Mystery
The bathtub has two separate valves for hot and cold water, not a mixer. When I turn on the hot water valve, the cold one starts leaking from the stem.
Any ideas how that works? It’s not really a problem, because it only leaks when the water is running, and it leaks into the tub. So it’s not worth fixing in and of itself. I just think it’s very strange.
My Talk With Alan Boyle
For those people who foolishly thought that the Republican debate was more important than my conversation with Alan Boyle tonight, the podcast is up now.
[Update]
It’s all ME, ME, ME, over at Cosmic Log tonight.
So if you’ve had enough of me, don’t go there.
[Thursday morning update]
Related thoughts from Rick Tumlinson.
[Update a few minutes later]
Man, many of the comments over at Cosmic Log are typical, in their rampant ignorance and straw men.
A Creation Myth
…without a creator. I agree that many people are too eager to attempt to use evolution as a proof for their atheism (i.e., a belief that there is no God, as opposed to skepticism on the matter). I agree with Derb’s comment, though.
Our Cold And Creepy Future
Thanks to the ecofascists.
The Power Of Nature
As he says, it’s just basic physics. Unfortunately, not many people (and even fewer of the people actually running the country) understand basic physics. Or even basic economics.
Casual S3x
Why it’s a bad idea for women. Here’s the original article.
The Perils Of Price Controls
Let the market work in pharmaceuticals.
The Hidden Meaning
…of pronouns. Interesting stuff.
Good News For Texans
They may be getting a break in the drought soon:
A significant shift in the atmospheric circulation is predicted for the region, with the ridge of high pressure that has brought Texas its record heat and drought predicted to shift eastwards and allow a flow of moist, tropical air into the state. A low pressure region is forecast to develop in the Gulf near the coast of Texas on Wednesday or Thursday, and this low will need to be watched for tropical development. The shift in the large scale weather pattern does not signal a permanent end to the Texas drought, but it should bring welcome rains and cooler temperatures to the Lone Star state beginning on Thursday. This will be a relief to the residents of Austin, where the temperature topped out at 112°F yesterday–the hottest day in Austin’s recorded history, tied with September 5, 2000. By Labor Day, hot and dry weather will settle back in over the state, but the new ridge of high pressure will be weaker, and temperatures will not be as hot as this week’s.
From what I understand, it’s been brutal. It’s one of the reasons that I’m glad I’m in coastal CA and not TX.