Some cheery Sunday morning reading from the Times, showing the perils of short-term thinking when it comes to staying ahead of agricultural pests: The damage to rice crops, occurring at a time of scarcity and high prices, could have been prevented. Researchers at the International Rice Research Institute [in the Phillippines] say that they know… Continue reading Agricultural Research Cuts Threaten Food Supplies
Author: Chad Orzel
links for 2008-05-18
California’s gay-marriage decision reflects the difference between judicial activism and, um judging. – By Dahlia Lithwick – Slate Magazine “Even though the majority did what it was supposed to do and offered up a rigorous close reading of state law and precedent, it will be defended and also criticized solely in terms of judicial elitism… Continue reading links for 2008-05-18
The Queen Surveys the Scene
“What the hell is this?” “We’re remodeling the garage into a family room.” “Oooh! That’s a good idea!” “Thanks. We’re so glad you approve.” “So, where are you going to put the bunny hutch?” “I beg your pardon?”
Sheet Rock Makes It a Room
Behold, an ordinary garage: Now, watch as it is transformed:
links for 2008-05-17
World Science Festival Blog Of course they have a blog– it’s 2008, for God’s sake… (tags: blogs science society culture education theater television movies art physics biology chemistry environment) Pharmaceuticals in the Environment, Information for Assessing Risk » Home “The database provides information on prescribed amounts, levels detected in aquatic environments, chemical structure, molecular weight,… Continue reading links for 2008-05-17
The Road to Woo is Paved with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
I’ve had recurring problems with hives for a couple of years now. I have, at times, jokingly attributed this to an allergic reaction to George W. Bush continuing to be President, but I really have no idea what, exactly, is causing the problem. My allergist says that it’s most likely an autoimmune thing, and thus… Continue reading The Road to Woo is Paved with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
Heads in the Sand by Matthew Yglesias
Matthew Yglesias‘s first book arrives burdened with one of the longest subtitles in memory (“How the Republicans Screw Up Foreign Policy and Foreign Policy Screws Up the Democrats”), which is a little off-putting. Of course, it also features a back-cover blurb from Ezra Klein calling it “A very serious, thoughtful argument that has never been… Continue reading Heads in the Sand by Matthew Yglesias
Festive Physics
Over at Cocktail Party Physics, Jennifer Ouellette offers her Top Ten events at the upcoming World Science Festival in New York City the week after next. The full program is at the festival site, and it looks like there’s even something for the stamp collectors. Probably to keep the cool physics-themed events from being overcrowded.… Continue reading Festive Physics
Quest for Physics
We had a colloquium talk yesterday from the very energetic Jessica Clark of the American Physical Society’s outreach office who talked about the many things that the APS does to bring positive physics experiences to a wide audience. It was a terrific talk, and brought to my attention a couple of programs I hadn’t heard… Continue reading Quest for Physics
links for 2008-05-16
Learning Curves: Verizon Wireless Reminds You to Silence Your Cell Phone During Class “I’m willing to put corporate logos on my PowerPoint slides if the Math Department gets to keep a decent share of the ad revenue. “ (tags: academia education economics math silly) Pre-K students benefit when teachers are supportive Today’s news from the… Continue reading links for 2008-05-16