Two theories that have been making the biological rounds have been group selection which argued for evolution and selection operating "for the good of the group" and the "selfish gene" which argued…

Before embarking on this discussion it is important to try and resolve some language and definition issues that will likely occur in this post. One of the main difficulties in addressing this problem…

I oppose any and all forms of censorship. At least so I thought.     (www.web-censorship.org)     Now, I’m not so sure anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I still honestly think I do,…

"The miroir des simples âmes" Marguerite la Porete The first of June 1310, in Paris, the heart of medieval culture, to the mill the Saint-Antoine, after the burning of 54 Templars sentenced for…

Sometimes how humans trade goods are as important as what is traded.    Even when it comes to trading dead humans. Human cadavers are a legitimate market?  Sure.  Commerce in…

Most scientists and science journalists argue vehemently for basic research - and even more taxpayer money should be devoted to it, they say.   Politicians usually disagree and feel like…

Is it possible to bring up a squid-related topic about which I have nothing to say? So far, the answer seems to be no. I'm not sure if I should be proud--or find some more hobbies. Anyhoo, today's…

One aspect of journalism that has led to a sense of entitlement among the public, and certainly those who have dissenting opinions, is the idea of 'balance' in media coverage.   That is, showing…

The American Tradition Institute would like to know who, besides taxpayers, pays prominent NASA researcher James Hansen, a leading voice in climate change discussions. The American Association for…

At the beginning of the year I mentioned this European cephalopod conference, where they were going to talk about new laws regulating the use of squids, octopuses, etc. in experiments. Sadly, I…