Welcome to the home of Carl Sagan Day. This November 7, 2009, we will celebrate the life and contributions of the great astronomer, author, and philosopher, Carl Sagan, on the 75th anniversary of his birth.
So November is well and truly here. Late fall in southern Ohio sees the trees go bare pretty quickly, but this year conditions were nearly perfect for some stunning fall color. It seemed like it came and went so fast that if you blinked, you missed it.
Continue reading this entry ...
1. Cayenne, The Beatles, Anthology (Disc 1)-- From April 1960, the Beatles before they hit it big.
Continue reading this entry ...
Sen. Charles Grassley, author of the censorship amendment to the National Criminal Justice Commission Act, was asked about his anti-speech tendencies by a reporter on a conference call today. The full transcript is below, but here's the most interesting part of what Sen.
David Chalmers is a philosopher of mind, best known for his argument about the difficulty of what he termed the "hard problem" of consciousness, which he typically discusses by way of a thought experiment featuring zombies who act and talk exactly like humans, and yet have no …
Here we go again. How many stories like this are we going to get? Stories of senseless tennis violence. And what do you get when this happens?
Their main grievance was health care reform—some periodically broke out into chants of "Kill the bill!"—but many protesters saw reform as a part of a larger problem of government overreach: the stimulus, bailouts, and proposed cap and trade legislation.
This was the last of three October hearing sessions. The next sessions are scheduled for November 17-19.
Banned the use of "harsh interrogation" and ordered the closing of Guantanamo.Reversed George W.
Continue reading this entry ...
The headline speaks for itself as well as the first line of the story:
For myself, I'd have expected that a dataset to do what was reported would have included assaults with a firearm that either resulted in a shooting of the victim or did not result in the shooting of the victim, and do whatever "adjusting" magic was needed to control for dif …
It's not often that an appellate court decision reflects so vividly what a country has become, but such is the case with yesterday's ruling by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Arar v. Ashcroft (.pdf).
In oral arguments this month in the case of Salazar v. Buono, which concerns the constitutionality of a 5-foot cross on federal government land in the Mojave National Preserve, Justice Antonin Scalia suggested that the cross is a universal, rather than a Christian, symbol.
By forcing bacteria to evolve in ever-changing conditions, scientists have induced a behavior in which colonies formed by microbes with identical genes take radically different forms, as if one sibling in a set of identical quadruplets could sprout gills.
In a landmark ruling, Mr Justice Michael Burton said that "a belief in man-made climate change ... is capable, if genuinely held, of being a philosophical belief for the purpose of the 2003 Religion and Belief Regulations".
U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan will leave her job on Nov. 16. The announcement was made late Thursday afternoon in a news release from Buchanan's office. The move had been expected for some time after President Barack Obama's election.
Sen. Jim Webb (D-Virginia) has bravely proposed legislation to create a Blue Ribbon commission to conduct an 18-month, "top-to-bottom" review of America's criminal justice system with the goal of bringing U.S.
The ACLU has released a video of interviews with a number of former Gitmo detainees describing their mistreatment and the effects it has had on them.
In the northern Urals, where these leave behind vegetation to become velvety hills that blend into the horizon, seven giants majestically rise.
This morning, when I got up to put the trash on the curb for the collectors, the woods on the hill across from my house were on fire.
Continue reading this entry ...
To test whether it's possible to artificially induce paranormal experiences — or, from a different perspective, to technologically summon a spirit — researchers at London's Goldsmith College and architect Usman Haque designed a scientifically haunted room.
About 90 minutes into the ceremony, Dr. Bunn said, someone yelled in the darkness that a woman had passed out just after Mr. Ray closed the tent door between rounds. Dr. Bunn said Mr. Ray replied, "We will deal with that after the next round."
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is engaged in public partisan warfare over a climate bill, a battle that foreshadows the deep struggle the Obama administration will face as Democrats attempt to push a version of the sweeping legislation through the Senate.
Terri Mahan testified earlier in the hearing when the Board was putting on its case in chief. Hamilton elected not to cross examine at that time because he would call her now.
The main burden of Daubenmire's testimony was that he took responsibility for having organized the April 16, 2008, public demonstration in Mt. Vernon to bring attention to the Freshwater situation.
![]()
I might not always agree with him on his politics, but his logic is often impeccable and he's always willing to argue intelligently. Kudos, man!
![]()
Thank you for standing up for science education in this country, and great job posting some interesting articles and keeping the debates on subject.
Keep up the good work!
![]()
iarn, I saw that you clipped the alternative meds article...I'm fairly sure that you're a fan of the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe....but I get the feeling you would be if you aren't already. Cheers.
— LonoKemp
![]()
I'm sorry you wasted your time, although I hope you had a pleasant drive. Apparently you did not read the comments appended to that story, or the associated story that was published a day or two later that revealed the fact that said camp was fictitious, nor click through to the pictures on Flickr, where the photo captions revealed the true nature of the photos in the story.
I, too, went to the purported FEMA camp in Columbus, Ohio. It turned out to be a private residence. That visit, along with a different Newsvine author's story on FEMA camps (which contained absolutely no evidence, at all) prompted my story, and an exploration of what it means to rely on online "evidence" of conspiracies.
This story gets passed around a lot on conspiracy theory sites, and hardly anyone ever actually bothers to read the discussion which followed, nor to click through to the links. You can find both articles here. You can find photos of what is actually at the location of the purported Columbus, Ohio FEMA camp here.
![]()
i just wanted everyone that reads your articles to know about your reporting on the Fema Camps. Well i am personally a local and my boyfriend and I went to see these camps just today. we took our camaras and set out for what we thought was a Fema Camp. I live within 10 minutes of this place(westbelt dr, equity dr etc. When we got there I remembered being on that property delivering packages when I was a courier. We drove between Trabue Rd and Roberts Rd and all around this property. We didnt see one building that had razor wire and fencing around it like in your pictures. Also there wasnt one building that looked like the one in your pictures either. I am sorry , but you must have been somewhere else and not in Hillard Ohio.
![]()
A good place to read and witness, both Reason and Wit at work. Your persistence and patience are worth paying attention to, thanks for all the effort it involves.
— Dubbya R
![]()
Liberal thinking in recent times has turned "intolerance" into a four-letter word. But you sir, are a shining example of the kind of intolerance America so desperately needs right now. That being intolerance of nonsense, hubris, and mediocrity. At first I thought you were just some heavyhanded, overeducated prick (sorry), but having read several of your posts I notice something just beneath the dry, relentless logic. Optimism. I honestly believe that you wouldn't pursue issues so doggedly if you didn't think we were capable of upholding a higher standard for ourselves. That, perhaps more than your reasoning ability, earns you my respect. Keep it up man, and thanks.
![]()
I need to know how you got your handle. Hopefully, it is not something obvious that will leave me feeling silly, but every time I read it I see, "I am a raccoon."
Regardless, keep up the good work.
— jedipunk
![]()
I liked your article on the Republican Roots of the Subprime Crisis. I can't seem to find much info on who were the major bundlers of the subprime loans. There are hints that Fannie and Freddie were involved, but it doesn't sound right to me. Can you point me in a direction to find this information? Thanks.
— Atten
![]()
Many thanks for your active participation in the comments regarding the possible removal of religious texts on our currency here in the states. You were able to represent my views perfectly... which, quite honestly is not a very difficult feat as I base my opinions on empirical information rather than tradition :)
![]()
This is the first site I've visited since joining newsvine about 2 hours ago. It was the sunset photograph. It was the Bertrand Russell quotation (someday I'll have to post my BR skit, based on the one done in Beyond the Fringe). It was the variety and intelligence of the posts. And you've got some great friends. I'm looking forward to reading more from you. Thanks for being here!
![]()
Oh, no. I stick with the classics. The 'Zach Morris' look is as timeless as ever. Keep poking fun at it, and I'll have to punish you by returning to the "Irish sheep farmer" icon.
![]()
I love iarnuocon because of the amazing denim jacket (with popped collar) that he's sporting in his avatar. It's so stylish and modern that it inspired me to revamp my look and update my wardrobe. While bombastic and pompous at times, any less-than-stellar quality of iarnuocon is entirely eclipsed by his unparalleled ability to keep his finger on the pulse of ever-changing taste.
![]()
We agree to differ(sometimes on most topics) other than that Iarnuocon puts forward formidable arguments !
![]()
iarnucon does what many have attempted and failed: he targets the ridiculously absurd assertions of religious pseudo-scientists with wit and persistence. I think his secret is that he does not succumb to merely ridiculing his opponents. He truly believes that deep rooted superstition can be overcome by rational arguments, and that proponents of irrational doctrines can and should do better.
![]()
iarnuocon, when he's at his best, he's like a force of nature, and it's wise to let nature take it's course, and as with a thunderstorm it is a wonder to behold, but not a good time to put up a kite.
![]()
Iarnucon's word carries a lot of weight, because it's obvious there is a fine mind searching not for victory in a discussion, but to outline true lay of the land. He always seems to reach the objective truth of matters, and manages not to be distracted from the goal in any argument. A great voice to have around
![]()
I always enjoy our discussions, even if we don't end up agreeing. Thus I've tagged you for this 8-things thing that's going around. Feel free to take part or not, your call. I look forward to many more debates either way.
Latest Comments
Happy Carl Sagan Day!
NOT AGAIN!: Michele Bachmann: 20,000 teabaggers in capitol yesterday. Capital Police: 3,000-5,000.
NOT AGAIN!: Michele Bachmann: 20,000 teabaggers in capitol yesterday. Capital Police: 3,000-5,000.
Last of the Fall Color
NOT AGAIN!: Michele Bachmann: 20,000 teabaggers in capitol yesterday. Capital Police: 3,000-5,000.
Last of the Fall Color
NOT AGAIN!: Michele Bachmann: 20,000 teabaggers in capitol yesterday. Capital Police: 3,000-5,000.
NOT AGAIN!: Michele Bachmann: 20,000 teabaggers in capitol yesterday. Capital Police: 3,000-5,000.
Grassley Defends Censorship Amendment, Says Webb Commission Should "Do What We Tell Them To Do"
9 Months In-- the Accomplishments of our "Far-Left, Do-Nothing President"