It turns out that Astrology is not for real. Who would have thought? There is discussion going on here.

Rachel Maddow points out that John Boehner tweeting a survey complaining about how most Americans are unhappy with the economy and think the country is on the wrong track, but did not tweet anything about te survey that says that “Americans prefer President Obama’s approach to the economy over Republicans. They like the American Jobs Act by 43-35, and when you break it down into parts … they like it even more…” Very interesting. More here.

Here’s Ed Brayton trying to cover up a conspiracy to hide nothing: Republicans Freak Out Over Non-Existent Gaffe

And then there’s this:

When a chaplain runs a Christian concert as a chapel event, that’s free exercise of religion. But, when a commanding general runs a Christian concert called the “Commanding General’s Spiritual Fitness Concert,” and soldiers are punished for not attending this religious event, that’s a violation of the Establishment Clause.

But they fixed it.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The CDC’s fact sheet is here.

Before life existed on Earth, there was just matter, inorganic dead “stuff.” How improbable is it that life arose? And — could it use a different type of chemistry? Using an elegant definition of life (anything that can evolve), chemist Lee Cronin is exploring this question by attempting to create a fully inorganic cell using a “Lego kit” of inorganic molecules — no carbon — that can assemble, replicate and compete.

Continue reading Lee Cronin: Making matter come alive →

We have a new look. What do you think?

is actually over at Freethoughtblogs. Please have a look.

Something you may or may not know about Mary, but that I am sure is true. She reads blogs and remembers all the details. So if you go here and say “Happy Birthday” she’ll probably remember that you said it and what you said when she meets you at the next Atheist Convention or other afferent event.

And if you don’t know of whom I speak, you must CLICK HERE.

This is important, please have a look:

Dear Colleagues,

Climate researchers are in need of immediate legal assistance to prevent their private correspondence from being exposed to Chris Horner and the American Tradition Institute who are using Freedom of Information (FOI) to harass researchers. (For context please see: http://wapo.st/pQg0JC and http://wapo.st/oiua7V) The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has recently stated: “the sharing of research data is vastly different from unreasonable, excessive Freedom of Information Act requests for personal information and voluminous data that are then used to harass and intimidate scientists.” The complete AAAS statement is available at http://bit.ly/p04sIq

Many scientists do not enjoy the institutional support necessary to fight attacks from well-funded science-denying groups. We need to help scientists to defend themselves. If ATI succeeds in this case, it would set a terrible precedent for scientists at public institutions across the country. But if they are turned back here, it will send a clear message to climate deniers that scientists are willing to stand up to them and fight for their rights.

A donation button has been set up at http://profmandia.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/donation/ So far we have collected almost $2000 of the $10,000 needed to file the legal papers. This fundraising will be an ongoing effort so the $10,000 is our immediate short-term goal. A gift of $25, $100, or more will go a long way to ensure that our top scientists can continue their important work without the constant harassment designed to slow them down.

I also strongly encourage you to share this information with your colleagues or others who would be interested in contributing . Any questions can be directed to me by phone or email. I will be keeping a private record of contributors.

Scott A. Mandia, Professor – Physical Sciences
T-202 Smithtown Sciences Bldg.
Suffolk County Community College
533 College Rd.
Selden, NY 11784
631-451-4104
mandias@sunysuffolk.edu

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ORIGINAL AND TO HELP!!!

And please pass this information around. Thanks.

Andrea Kuszewski is a behavior therapist and researcher who has written an interesting guest post on The Intersection.

Can neuroscience provide evidence for a liberal and conservative thinking style?

It may seem like a stretch to say that one could predict whether you lean left or right by looking at a brain scan—no questions asked, no opinions voiced—purely based on your neuroanatomy. However, this might not be too far from reality—at least insofar as predicting thinking style, which has been shown to be somewhat distinct based on party association.

And no, neuroscience determining something about your politics or other ways of thinking does not mean that genes determine how you vote!

Anyway, have a look at the original.

I know these are three totally unconnected items but I wanted to point you towards them quick before Huxley and I head off for the park:

Continue reading American Cancer Society Suks; Female Orgasms are Fer Real; Fox News Bites →

One final Back To School item. Do you think students should be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in US Public Schools every day? Increasingly, this is being required. Here are a number of reasons to NOT allow this, and a suggestion as to what to do about it: Demand that the Pledge of Allegiance Not Be Recited in Your Local School.

The republican party has become increasingly corrupted at the activist level by a mix of antiscience religious zealots and anti-climate change contrarian irrationalists. This is causing problems for candidates who need to make it through the endorsing process while still appearing rational enough to win the general election. The GOP Reagan Library Debate had this tap dancing on ready display, and highlights the problem reason-minded republicans face.

Check out Shawn’s analysis.