A Scientist Thinks Outside the Box: The Null Hypothesis
Failing to respond appropriately and respectfully to differences of opinions about controversial scientific issues is bad pedagogy, and presuming that no legitimate controversy can exist, simply because the preponderance of evidence now at our disposal favors a particular theory, is bad science. How many theories, espoused within the last hundred years with as much fervor as those mentioned in the Tennessee statute, are now wholly or in part discredited?
The Power Of One
Every time there is an election my work colleagues complain that they have to vote (voting being compulsory in Australia). “What’s the point of me voting? My vote is not going to make a difference.” Then my mother’s voice goes off in my head … Read more →
Capital Gains Tax Breaks – Not Just for the Rich
Recently there has been a flurry of outrage concerning the fact that some very wealthy individuals, notably Mitt Romney, pay Federal taxes at the 15% middle class rate, because of a law that put a cap of 15% on taxes on capital gains and qualified … Read more →
Election-Year Paralysis Cripples American Legislative Process
Martha Sherwood provides some insight into current American election practices and how they impede effective legislative function by occupying our legislators’ time and forcing them to take short-term, popular stances contrary to the long-term public good. Could less frequent elections be a possible solution?
Reforming Congress – A Reactionary Approach
Most current proposals for reforming United States Congress are extensions of trends with a poor track record. Analogy with unreformed British Parliament, 1812-1822, suggests a less representative system might produce a legislature more responsive to national needs.
The Clear Plan to Change
Just like the French and American revolutions, the Occupy Wall Street Movement is motivated by the need for change in world equity and is inspired by hope, equality and freedom
This Day in History: The First Gay Rights Demonstration in Canada
40 Years later, an academic conference in Vancouver acknowledges, honours and celebrates the first public protest to address gay rights in Canada
5 Protests That Shook the World (With Laughter)
Great moments in “laughtivism” from Yes Men Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, the guys who duped the BBC, embarrassed Dow Chemical, and mocked Halliburton.
WikiLeaks’ Spoofs MasterCard Commercial
Here’s a great Wikileaks-supportive parody on the fact that major credit card and online payment companies have withheld over $15 million in donations to WikiLeaks.
The Big Society (or How to Really Solve a Recession)
Julia McLean reflects on “The Big Society” speech by British Prime Minister David Cameron and says it’s time to reawaken of community — being a good neighbour will help end the recession.
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