Monthly Archives: December 2010

Facebook vs Twitter

Posted on December 30, 2010 by Lex

I looked at some user stats of these two online services and was blown away. Go to that link, there are a bunch of interesting pieces of information in that one infographic to think about. Some of the more awe-inspiring … Continue reading →

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When I Say “Islam” or “Muslim”, What Image Comes to Mind?

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Lex

Thanks to James for showing me the 5 Ridiculous Things You Probably Believe About Islam. I’m going to be brutally honest about my own flaws and lack of education here. After I read the page above, I did a quick … Continue reading →

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Jury Nullification

Posted on December 28, 2010 by Lex

“Jury nullification occurs when a jury returns a verdict of “Not Guilty” despite its belief that the defendant is guilty of the violation charged.  The jury in effect nullifies a law that it believes is either immoral or wrongly applied … Continue reading →

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Einstein’s Brain

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Lex

I was listening to The Skeptics Guide to the Universe which is a laid-back podcast that preaches the value of the scientific method. They briefly mentioned a quote from Stephen Jay Gould: “I am somehow less interested in the weight … Continue reading →

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Scientific Consensus on Climate Change

Posted on December 26, 2010 by Lex

There’s a nearly 100% consensus in peer-reviewed publications to climate science journals that global warming is “real” and humankind has contributed significantly to it. I’ve long felt uncomfortable having an opinion on the subject because frankly I was intimidated by the complexity … Continue reading →

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Songs of Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2010 by Lex

I like songs that make me think, that take an ironic, cynical, or just a unique step away from the norm. Here are a couple of my favorites for the holidays: Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis by Tom Waits … Continue reading →

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The Great Epidemiological Divide

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Lex

The “Great Epi Divide” is a term coined by doctor Paul Farmer (who is the subject of the book Mountains Beyond Mountains) to describe two groups of people in the world based on what makes them sick and what kills them. … Continue reading →

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Nuremberg Laws

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Lex

In 1935, the Nuremberg Laws established the legal basis for racial discrimination, with almost no opposition from the German people. The image to the left shows the method for determining whether you were Jewish blood or German blood based on … Continue reading →

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A Medal for Killing Two Men and a Discharge for Loving One

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Lex

The title comes from the quote written on Leonard Matlovich tombstone: “When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one.” The “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy was repealed … Continue reading →

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37% of College Graduates Don’t Believe in Evolution

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Lex

A gallop poll released on December 17 confirms my long held belief that the fundamentalist religious groups are still going strong in the United States. Here is a key statistics: 40% of American don’t believe in evolution. Meaning, they believe … Continue reading →

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