Monthly Archives: March 2015

GITMO At the National Cathedral

So I visited D.C.’s National Cathedral this weekend–I’ll have more pictures later in the week. But on the way to the downstairs bathrooms I noticed this: Wasn’t quite sure what to make of this, but apparently it hails from a … Continue reading

Posted in DC, Torture | Comments Off on GITMO At the National Cathedral

The Trouble With Tenure

A short while ago, I saw some Twitter ire (such as it is) directed at tenure by biologists. I understand where it comes from: right now, the biology job market is really tight, and there are structural barriers making far … Continue reading

Posted in Education | 1 Comment

Link 3/23/15

Links for you. Science: Five Things you live with as a Taxonomist! (excellent, accessible to non-specialists) A Tech Column on Wearable Gadgets Draws Fire as ‘Pseudoscience’ The New York Times and fear mongering about the Apple Watch and wearable tech … Continue reading

Posted in Lotsa Links | 1 Comment

Every Gun Has A History

Other than to remind readers that guns make everyone stupid, noted without further comment:

Posted in BANG! BANG! | 2 Comments

Cost-Cutting Versus the Mad Biologist’s Fundamental Political Theorem: The D.C. Metro Edition

D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser (for whom I voted) is one of the most confusing politicians I’ve ever seen. While I’m a D.C. native, I spent much of my life in the Northeast where there was a very simple political deal: … Continue reading

Posted in DC, Transportation | Comments Off on Cost-Cutting Versus the Mad Biologist’s Fundamental Political Theorem: The D.C. Metro Edition

Links 3/22/15

Links for you. Science: To Apply or Not to Apply: A Survey Analysis of Grant Writing Costs and Benefits “In general I think these literatures have too much focus on data analysis and not enough on data collection.” Genes linked … Continue reading

Posted in Lotsa Links | Comments Off on Links 3/22/15

Shield Maiden

Observed at Logan Circle, D.C.:

Posted in DC | 1 Comment

A Modest Economic Stimulus Proposal: Viking Marauders

“Fuck a helicopter drop! Let’s just pillage and loot!” (from here) One of the more frustrating things–especially, if let’s say, you want to fix all the broken things–is the belief that the federal government operationally can run out of money. … Continue reading

Posted in Economics | 3 Comments

Links 3/21/15

Links for you. Science: The Irrationality of Alcoholics Anonymous: Its faith-based 12-step program dominates treatment in the United States. But researchers have debunked central tenets of AA doctrine and found dozens of other treatments more effective. Data science done well … Continue reading

Posted in Lotsa Links | 1 Comment

Why I Fear D.C.’s Leadership Is Not Up to the Task

First, some context: At least, when it comes to transportation, the kids are alright. At the same time in D.C., it looks like the city’s streetcar program is in trouble. It might not even happen, never mind expand and grow. … Continue reading

Posted in DC, Transportation | Comments Off on Why I Fear D.C.’s Leadership Is Not Up to the Task