Blogging

Being Wrong: How we deal with it makes all the difference.

I’ve talked a lot about similarities between the so-called “climate sceptics”, anti-vaccination activists and creationists in the past, and much of those similarities could also be shared with the anti-fluoridation camp as well, but there is one aspect of similarity between each of these four groups that I have yet to discuss. From my experience, … Continue reading »

How the Enlightenment Has, So Far, Let Us Down

As a child, learning of the Enlightenment, I came to think of it as a revolution. To me, I saw it as a point where our species finally developed a critical tool kit, leading us to empirical evidence and thus a solid basis for understanding. I saw it as a turning point from ancient unfounded … Continue reading »

Moderation, Censorship and the Path to Ignorance

Several months ago, I was concerned about writing a post that deplored religious zealots demanding that their faith be held beyond criticism. I was concerned because I feared the hatred such individuals expressed would in turn focus on my call to protect the freedom of speech and I, obviously, did not want that. I have … Continue reading »

Nothing the Right Tell You About Climate Change is True

I must open an article as deliberately provocative as this with a disclaimer, which I’m certain will be blinkered for those whom wish to shoot the messenger rather than critique the argument itself; this is not an article in favour of “the Left”. I do not find either side of the political see-saw a comfortable fit. Rather, my … Continue reading »

Are You Willing to Be Spoon Fed Junk Science?

I’m currently reading Enting’s Twisted. His style is certainly a little different from other writers on the subject and interesting. Highlighting anthropogenic climate change deniers as he does got me thinking about the content I’ve come across from such people, creationists, anti-fluoride crusaders and anti-vax truthers. Of the many things these groups have in common, … Continue reading »

Welcome to the “Post Mayan” World – New Anthro Back Online

Hi all, I hope you all had a good time with friends and family over the festive season. I’m signing on again for the New Year and I thought I may start with some musings over what my guesses are for my focus over 2013. First and foremost, we are now undeniably in the Anthropocene. … Continue reading »

Signing Off Until Jan

I would be lying if I said this week has been anything but a weird one. Starting with Bundaberg’s rejection of improved tooth health, which lead me into the bizarre world of the anti-fluoride enthusiasts and then to learn about the “genius” Matt Ridley, whom has been able to render decades of climate research null … Continue reading »

So Long Mayan Calendar

Good News From the Leaked Fifth IPCC Report

I’m certain the leaked report has caused a buzz on the blogosphere and that some science communicators have felt the need to go into damage control. Personally, I think this is a good news story. The committed sceptics have given it their review and all they could find was a small section, taken out of … Continue reading »

Even More On The Coalition Spin

Recently, I commented on the spin provided by Joe Hockey. Peter Hartcher, in The Sydney Morning Herald articulates the shape of the Aussie dollar even better (please do read it), leaving Hockey’s highlighting of retail, tourism and manufacture very absurd. Moreover, he raises another point I hadn’t; the Coalition claiming that Labour needs to reduce spending to help the … Continue reading »