Monthly Archives: September 2010
Hurricane warnings likely for Earl
North Carolina will receive hurricane warnings (a significant notch above watches) within a few hours, as the forecasted path for earl shift a bit to the west than previously thought and b) becomes less certain.
From NOAA/Hurricane Prediction Center:
Hurricane Watch:
North of Surf City North Carolina to Parramore Island Virginia including the Pamlico and Albermale Sounds
Tropical Storm Warning for San Salvador
Tropical Storm Watch for North Carolina Coast from Cape Fear to Surf City
You can expect, approximately, for the first of these watches to be upgraded to a warning soon.
The Devil in Dover
When I go to meet the teachers or administrators at my daughter’s school, I whisper these words to each of them:
“I just want you to know that I’m involved in a number of organizations that seek to protect the quality of science education in our public schools. If you ever need any support, if you are ever getting any trouble from parents, administrators, whatever, you can rely on me to help, to put you in touch with whom you should speak, to talk to anyone you’d like me to talk to, or anything else you need.”
This recieves a nod and a side long glance that I try very hard to interpret but rarely can. Then, regardless, I follow up by whispering these words:
“Oh, and if you happen to be of the mind to push a little religion, creationism, whatever, into the classroom …. the I’ll be your worst nightmare. I’ll be the one on the other end of that career ending law suit.”
At this point, the science-supporters usually laugh heartily. The creationists also laugh. But nervously.
You may or may not have a child in school that gives you this wonderful opportunity to embarrass your son or daughter, but you can still call the principal or any of the members of the school board and let them know how you feel, as a citizen, taxpayer, and voter. And, if you like, you can do what I do periodically: Give your school principle or science teacher a gift. Today, I’m recommending a copy of a book that outlines the nightmares of being in a school system that becomes a battle ground for science education vs. creationism.
Continue reading The Devil in Dover
Interesting items to read
First, go read this homeopathic web comic, and when you’re done, like in ten minutes, come back.
Then, this:
A study in Michigan to learn why Bald Eagles are not recovering post-DDT exposure as fast as expected has discovered that nestlings are ingesting flame retardants and pesticides via their food.
Will AI surpass human brain power in a few years? One can only hope. But it is probably mere hope.
Ask Surly Amy where to get your next Homeopathic Vaccine!
Archaeological study shows human activity may have boosted shellfish size