Bay Area Skeptics

The San Francisco Bay Area's skeptical organization since 1982

Falling with the SciSchmooze

from the desk of Herb Masters

Hi Science Aficionados,

It has been quite a week, month, or even year!  I find it stunning that there can be so many actions taken by our government that are directly in contradiction with the evidence and experience that have been acquired recently and in history.  That combined with the protests and opposition from some sections of the public just adds to my stunned outlook.  Just consider in the last few weeks… 3 Essential Questions For Good Public Health Policy,  Do Homeopathic Cows Exist?,  Rivers used to catch fire,  fluoridation and children’s IQ,  and Endangered Species ActThe toxic mix of breaking news and misinformation makes it difficult to separate fact from fiction or lie.  Here’s a bit of help, Lying with science: a guide to myth debunking  Fortunately there are those that are carrying on with the fight.  For example How to Fight Fake Climate Science on YouTube,  Why does the Dept. of OB/GYN at the University of Utah offer a premarital exam for women? and  Scientists fight Trump EPA ‘secret science’ proposal to exclude certain research

There are so many cool things about science as well.  I find some articles do really make me appreciate what an amazing human endeavor it is.  Check this one out…  Science is deeply imaginative: why is this treated as a secret?  I think seeing the amazing creativity that is part of science gives me hope that it doesn’t take genius necessarily to do or appreciate it.  Science is one of the many things that keep me curious. 

Here are a few things to feed your curiosity drive…

  1. Wonderfest: The Most Famous Equation Mon 2:00 Alameda
  2. After Dark: Transportation Revolution  Thu 6:00 San Francisco
  3. Transportation/Transformations | explOratorium Community Day Sat 10:00 San Francisco

Bonus events…  
Are Inspections Going to Waste? Using Machine Learning to Improve EPA Inspection Targeting of Hazardous Waste Facilities  Wed in Berkeley
Smithsonian Museum Day Live Sat in San Carlos
Our changing atmosphere: Evidence that demand a Verdict?  Sat in Berkeley
Marine Science Sunday: Top Predators: Orcas and Sharks  Sun in Sausalito 

Of course there are many things to do and share in the SF Bay Area.  You may have heard that modern technology would seem like magic to those of a hundred years ago.  Consider it like this though… Most Tech Today Would be Frivolous to Ancient Scientists but a bit of the bubbly will usually inspire them… Cheers! How the physics of fizz contributes to human happiness and How to reduce digital distractions: advice from medieval monks

Remember that we need to talk to the kids about what is going on.  They have far more capacity than you might think to understand.  Here’s where I ask a favor of you.  Please forward the SciSchmooze to anyone that you think could possibly be interested in some of the great opportunities in the area.  If you know a teacher, send it to her/him.  To anyone you send it to let them know they can subscribe at the website bayareascience.org.  (Be sure to remove the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the email though!)

So, I’m a post-middle aged white guy.  I have never understood high heeled shoes (disregard the ad!).  I offer that caveat to this article…  Falling Flat: Are The Days Of High Heels Coming To An End?

Have another great week learning cool stuff about how it all works… 

Wait for it …. Monday, September 23, 2019 at 12:50 am PDT 

herb masters

“Nature is, above all, profligate. Don’t believe them when they tell you how economical and thrifty nature is, whose leaves return to the soil. Wouldn’t it be cheaper to leave them on the tree in the first place? This deciduous business alone is a radical scheme, the brainchild of a deranged manic-depressive with limitless capital. Extravagance! Nature will try anything once.” ~ Annie Dillard


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *