Many believe the phrase "First do no harm" is part of the Hippocratic oath; it’s not, nonetheless it’s considered canon for those involved in medicine and bioethics and is a basic principle taught in healthcare-providing classes. The takeaway is that, in certain...
Climate Change
More on Climate Change
Most agree the subject of climate change deserves open and honest discussion in the public square; and equally important, the debate must be predicated on science, not ideology. At the same time, highly complex scientific matters whether in quantum mechanics,...
Same Ol’ Same Ol’
I was unable to attend the recent climate lecture at Battle Mountain H.S., but I did read Nate Peterson’s (the Vail Daily's editor) article on Friday when he reported on the event, and was struck by the lack of specificity regarding the topic. Not on Nate’s part, but...
Science or Science Fiction?
E = mc2. It's the world's most famous equation, but what does it really mean? “Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared." On its most basic level, the equation says that energy and mass (matter) are interchangeable; in other words, they are different forms...
The Human Element
Several years ago I attended a lecture given by perhaps the greatest theoretical physicist of our time, Steven Hawking. During the question and answer period a member of the audience asked Dr. Hawking if he or his colleagues researched time-travel. Hawking had a...
Climate Change – Science or Religion?
Americans increasingly believe that climate change is real and that human activity is largely responsible. But even as new surveys confirm a growing awareness, the issue is still not a major taxpayer concern. I have my own theory on why this is so, and it can be...
Is the Paris Climate Accord Serious?
The Paris Climate Accord is an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), dealing with greenhouse-gas-emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance. It’s “stated goal” was to ensure that global temperatures do not increase...
Hoist by Their Own Petard?
Perhaps the most absurd statement ever made on the subject of climate change is Nancy Pelosi’s famously disingenuous remark, “The science is settled.” Every true scientist on the planet understands that science is never settled, and it’s patently absurd to support...
Another Perspective
Amidst the hysteria about the president pulling out of the Paris Climate Accords it is difficult to know “the truth” about whether this was a good or bad thing for the United States. Everyone wants a clean planet, breathable air and unpolluted water. But just because...
“Cui Bono?”
Regardless of one’s position on the subject of climate change, the Latin term cui bono (who benefits?) is perhaps the most relevant phrase one can use when discussing the subject. Anyone who’s ever engaged in debate on the topic understands these are usually no-win...