Fun with science
Some recent studies with surprising results:
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Cows point north-south. Scientists studying blind mole rats, who are able to find their way in underground tunnels using electromagnetic fields, were curious whether larger animals also perceived magnetism. They watched herds of cows grazing in several locations throughout the day using Google Earth and determined that cattle do, indeed, orient themselves toward the magnetic pole. The images weren't high-res enough to tell if the cows were facing north or south, but other scientists observing deer in the Czech Republic found those animals to point north.
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Female relatives of male homosexuals have more offspring. Geneticists studying the paradox of the persistence of homosexuality across generations despite the fact that most gay men don't reproduce believe that there may be a gene (or combination of genes) carried on the X chromosome that influences sexual identity, and may be linked to higher fertility among their maternal relatives. (
source article)
I learned about the second study from the Stranger's
Dear Science podcast. And I have a crush on the author. Science is sexy.
Comments
Rendell is right when he says it was a political move, but to say it's entirely policially betrays an ignorance of how deep in the hole we actually are. Not to mention an unwillingness to do anything about it.
And yes, dealmaking does go on late at night on the weekends; I've had to sit through some of it myself. Rendell knows that too.
As for the renewable credits, there were way more than enough votes for passage. There wasn't any reason for either to be there except to make a political show.
We have a lack of visible leadership in DC, and neither McCain nor Obama is helping by physically being in the congressional morass right now. The posturing is only making it worse, and all we get are stories of Democrats racing to pass legislation before McCain can take credit, McCain and Obama sitting like figureheads on either end of a long table, and McCain balking when consensus was ostensibly reached yesterday afternoon. Meanwhile, the American public, inundated with even more incomprehensible stories about securities and mortgages and political posturing, let their eyes glaze over, and they change the channel to Heroes. Let the other congressional leaders deal with the messy negotiation—keeping the candidates comprised—but let the candidates use their opportunities to demonstrate leadership to the public in a meaningful way.
Also, I'm looking forward to the debate because, like most Obama supporters, I expect him to shine. McCain's cancellation of the debate has the appearance—whether real or not—of an insecurity about allowing his opponent to demonstrate his strength with foreign policy issues. Aren't we all tired of the media coverage of Sarah Palin (which has now turned to media coverage about the lack of media coverage of Sarah Palin)? Let's return to stories of substance, starting with a well informed debate between two potential leaders tonight.