In what sense is your conspiracy theory a theory?

Dignifying most conspiracy beliefs with the label “theory” is almost criminal, since this leads to the subsequent devaluation of scientific theories by making them seem like peers. They’re not. Scientific theories, such as relativity, evolution, and the Big Bang, provide the best explanation for the entire body of existing evidence and are falsifiable. Scientists gain maximal glory by altering existing theories or creating new ones – not by parroting existing paradigms.

In contrast, many conspiracy adepts will not engage in debate that will allow falsification. This means that their beliefs are hardly hypotheses either. They are, most often, items of faith.

The Lost Temptation of …

Spoiler alert! With the help of some comments on another blog, I’ve single-handedly figured out how Lost will unfold. Here’s what and why:

Teaching human evolution: where’s the controversy?

Last night, at the monthly meeting of the Washington Association of Professional Anthropologists, a panel addressed “Teaching Evolution in Science Classrooms.” Despite the bland title, the discussion focused on dealing with the controversies over teaching this topic.

Perhaps the biggest revelation that I experienced during the proceeding was that controversies over teaching evolution rarely erupt in the classroom.

Contentment is a pernicious motivational trick

What effect does fulfillment have on us? Far from making us eternally appreciative, a moment of true contentment makes us restless and decreases our satisfaction with the rest of our lives. At best, it’s a pernicious motivational trick that we play on ourselves.

Busking in New Orleans

I just saw Purton Hupp down in New Orleans, and he gave me the inside scoop on the rules regarding busking there. Apparently, he learned them the hard way, as usual. In short, you can busk just about anywhere  in the French Quarter – except Jackson Square – until something like 11 pm. You can busk along the Moonwalk by the mighty Mississip, too. Buskers do not need a permit.

But the rules are different around Jackson Square.

Why breasts are fascinating

Have you ever wondered why women’s breasts are so fascinating? If so, here’s your answer: they’re like buttocks with eyes.

Now here’s your explanation. The first part basically recapitulates a common hypothesis: