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Evolution Intelligent design/creationism Medicine Skepticism/critical thinking Surgery

The Energizer Bunny of antievolution

I need some β-blockers STAT. I say that not because I’m hypertensive or because I’m having heart palpitations–at least not at the moment. I’m saying it because, after reading the latest brave foray into antievolutionary ignorance by–as much as I hate to admit it–a fellow surgeon named Dr. Michael Egnor, I need to do something […]

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Medicine

Paintings by Species

For the last 50 years, zoo animals around the world have been tricked into painting. In many cases, the “art” has fetched big bucks: up to $25,000 for Chimp and Orangutan work. It’s time for a comprehensive art show to compare styles: Maggie, Sea Lion, Pittsburgh Zoo Congo, Chimpanzee, London (1950’s) “Make Me Fly” by […]

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News of the Weird Politics Religion Skepticism/critical thinking

Some woo I can almost support

Apparently, our President brings “bad energy” wherever he goes, requiring some strong woo to cleanse the area after he leaves: Maya leaders are to perform a special cleaning ceremony at ancient ruins to clear bad energy after a visit by President Bush. Mr Bush is due at the Mayan ruins of Iximche in Guatemala as […]

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Bioethics Complementary and alternative medicine Medicine Quackery

Studying homeopathy in Third World countries

I’m on the record multiple times as saying that I reject the entire concept and nomenclature of “alternative medicine” as being distinct from “conventional” medicine as a false dichotomy, when in reality there should be just “medicine.” Moreover, this “medicine” remaining should, whenever possible, be based on sound scientific and clinical trial evidence. In essence, […]

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News of the Weird Politics Religion

Now here’s a candidate who could really sink his teeth into the job

With nearly 20 months to go before the election itself and 10 months before even the first primaries, I’m already bored with the Presidential election of 2008. None of the current candidates does anything for me. One’s a total lightweight who’s in no way ready to be President, and I utterly loathe two others. My […]