Links for you. Science:
A ‘hidden epidemic’ in the US has ballooned into a public-health fiasco — and no solutions are in sight
On justification of postdoctoral salary (my thoughts here)
When the End of Human Civilization Is Your Day Job: Among many climate scientists, gloom has set in. Things are worse than we think, but they can’t really talk about it.
Six Things Everyone Should Know About Quantum Physics
Can high intelligence be a burden rather than a boon?
Other:
This 1970s high school history book taught the most insane things about slavery
Bringing Broken-Windows Policing to Wall Street
A SERIES OF EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS
Donald Trump Belongs on the Stage (No, REALLY)
A 40 Hour Work Week In The United States Actually Lasts 47 Hours
Why I’m Done Defending Women’s Sports
Bernie Sanders Speaks: In his most revealing interview, the socialist presidential candidate sets out his vision for America.
The Seattle Times On Single-Family Zoning: Inflammatory and Factually Inaccurate
Jeb and the Nation of Takers
21 Questions For Donald Trump
As the South Looks Backward: I grew up in the South and spent years battling my own racism. As the flag comes down, here’s what I learned.
What #gamergate actually believes
Down the Rabbit Hole
GREECE: WRONG DIAGNOSIS, WRONG MEDICINE, LED TO PATIENT GETTING SICKER. LET’S NOW PRAY FOR AFTER LIFE.
Tinkering with health care or why Republicans should have been joining in the celebration today
America is ready for socialism! Massive majorities back Bernie Sanders on the issues — and disdain Donald Trump
Jeb Bush, Americans Already Work Longer Hours. See These Charts.
mikethemadbiologist
A few comments on Richardson’s Esquire article:
1. “A paranoid is a man with all the facts at his disposal.” – William S. Burroughs
2. I’m not quite as pessimistic as Franzen with his cancer analogy. Stage 3 seems more apt than terminal. If we treat it we might survive – perhaps not, but we might. If we don’t treat it then presumably we’re done.
3. I like what I’ve read on Dark Mountain. It is dark but I don’t find it depressing. (I think the outlook is consistent with dealing with stage 3 cancer.) I particularly liked Dougald Hine’s essay, “What do you do after you stop pretending?” – http://dark-mountain.net/blog/what-do-you-do-after-you-stop-pretending/ Eschew false hope and embrace genuine hope. Don’t obsess over preserving civilization in its current form. Instead, focus on holding open a space in your heart for the things that make life worth living.
4. I’m a pessimist by nature. (I enjoy being pleasantly surprised.) Pessimism needn’t be cause for despair. It should be motivation for action. If you believe that progress is not a given that should motivate you to work like a dog for positive outcomes because if you don’t then failure and death are your reward and that would suck – http://press.princeton.edu/titles/8307.html
5. Think globally and act locally: If you live in Massachusetts call your Stat Rep and your State Senator and them to support Sen. Mike Barrett’s proposed carbon tax – http://www.wbur.org/2015/03/12/massachusetts-carbon-tax-proposal