Hear Skepticism in Podcast
Last June, I know I blogged about Skeptic.com, the Skeptics Society website containing educational articles and ideas regarding controversial issues, revolutionary ideas, extraordinary claims and simple promotion of science. I’ve always been a fan of the site that’s why I always go back for more and more readings.
And though their official podcast, Skepticality, has already been around since 2005, I’ve only recently became hooked on it. Also, it helped that I have a phone that can play mp3 files, so that I can listen to the podcasts even when I’m away from the computer.
Hosts of the show are Derek Colanduno and Swoopy. I find them both funny without having to try too hard to bring life to the show. Well, actually, they don’t have to try too much because of the lineup of the guests in their show can really make you listen: Sam Harris (author of The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and Future of Reason and Letter to a Christian Nation), Philip Zimbardo (author of the book, The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil, a book in which he tells findings from an experiment done in ’70s, the Stanford Prison Experiment, which is one of the most important experiments done in the history of social sciences and one that cannot be repeated today because of the horrific results), and, of course, Michael Shermer (director of Skeptic Society and author of the book Why Darwin Matters: The Case Against Intelligent Design).
My favorite’s got to be the May 29th episode, a Visit To The Trenches of Nontheism: Continue reading ‘Hear Skepticism in Podcast’
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Face Transplant
I can’t imagine going through Isabelle’s experience — living with a mutilated face for more than two years and then having someone else’s face (a suicide victim) for the rest of her life.
Science and Discovery Center at Mall Of Asia
SM Mall of Asia’s Science and Discovery Center will be open to the public on mid October, but a friend of mine invited me to have a look at the Philippines first after the Planetarium project of the late President Marcos at Rizal Park. Here are two of the pics:
More pictures at Sonnie’s Porch
The 1.2-hectare Luneta Boardwalk Platform facing Manila Bay behind the Quirino Grandstand is currently a 24-hour beehive of activities as hundreds of construction workers strive to finish the first phase of Ocean Park Manila in time for the upcoming Christmas season.
As many Manilenyos know by now, Ocean Park Manila will be a state-of-the-art complex consisting of an oceanarium, a Marine Discovery Park, promenade areas, a boardwalk and a themed and landscaped pavilion. Swimming and snorkeling facilities for visitors are also included in the project.
The oceanarium, the park’s premier attraction, is designed as a unique and world-class educational and entertainment facility dedicated to showcase the rich and diverse marine life of the Philippine aquatic environment. It will boast a transparent acrylic-made tunnel to provide visitors the experience of walking underwater and viewing sea creatures.
Click here to read complete entry.
Is it too late?
Just the other day, online news sources reported that a new species of fruit bat was discovered from the lowland forests of Mt. Siburan in Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental. Similarly, not three months ago, a team of biologists went on an expedition to Mt. Mantalingahan in Southern Palawan where they discovered new species of animals and plants, including a shrew, a terrestrial orchid, and a parrot finch. Don’t you find it remarkable that there are still new species discoveries in this country even at this day and age?
Read more from Samu’t Saring Buhay…
Pascal’s Wager
Pascal’s Wager refers to the philosophical defense for the existence of God. This philosophical assertion was named after the great philosopher and mathematician, Blaise Pascal. Blaise Pascal was a genius of many interests and achievements. He was a true polymath. Among his significant contributions was the development of the very first analog computer. Some consider Pascal to be the father of modern-day computer science. Pascal’s genius was beyond the reach of most people of his time. Even today, there are few giant intellects that are comparable to Pascal. However, Pascal was not omniscient. He never claimed any knowledge of absolute truth. However, his defense regarding the existence of God was convincing for most people. Even some theologians quote Pascal when it comes to rational proof about God’s existence.
As the name suggests, Pascal’s wager was stated in the form of wager or bet. The Pascal’s Wager can be roughly summarized as follow: “If there is a God and you believe in him, you have gained everything. However, if there is no God and you believe in him, you have lost nothing.” Conversely, this statement can be re-stated in this form: “If there is no God and you don’t believe, you have gained nothing. However, if there is a God and you do not believe, you have lost everything.” At first glance, Pascal’s Wager seems very convincing. However, it has some logical flaws.
Alex Acuna: On saving endangered wildlife and nature conservation
Local conservationist, Alex Acuña, recounts his endeavor to rescue an endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) that was accidentally caught by a local fisher somewhere in Polillo Strait in Quezon Province, but had attempted to sell the animal at the town market instead of returning it to the sea. Alex also speaks of his previous involvement to save threatened species and their habitats, as well as his realization of the difficulties and challenges to conservation and environmental work in the country.
Read more from Samu’t Saring Buhay…
Bahay Kubo Research: An Initiative for Science
One sees the lack of scientific tradition in our country, and asks why. The reason is that we have not actively pursued the establishment of a network of Filipinos who are united to make a stand for science. There is a lack of scientific awareness among the general public, a lack of role models that the youth can emulate and identify with. If asked to name any scientific icon in Philippine history, would there be any name that immediately comes to mind? Do we know how many scientists we have in the country and all over the world? Do we have any ideas of what scientific achievements they have amassed in their respective fields? The answer is NO. We don’t have an inkling of how the Filipino potential in the field of S&T is being harnessed, nationally and globally.
The Night Manila Rattled and Rolled
I was roused from sleep by the sound of creaking wood, as well as by the gentle yet highly unusual swaying of the bedroom. It felt as if I were aboard an ageing wooden boat. The thought of my father who was buried only a day or two immediately came to mind. I suspected that he might have returned to haunt us. But why in such horrific manner?
Suddenly my eldest brother, Junior, came to turn on the light in the bedroom. And with alarming urgency, he ushered me and my visiting cousins out of the bedroom and into the living room. It was then I realized that this was something beyond some ghostly visitation.
Through the huge windows of the living room, what greeted me was an eerie sight: In the middle of the night, the whole neighborhood was up with their lights on; silently looking out their windows as if expecting a major parade about to pass.
And then suddenly, another tremor shook the earth. But this time, there were screams that echoed from every direction. We stood there terrified; others cried while crouched in a corner. My religious aunt repeatedly shrilled that the world was about to meet its apocalyptic end; heightening the already distressful situation. She finally stopped when Tia Inez hurled a rubber slipper at the back of her head.
Laser printers pose health risk
A study found out that emissions from office laser printers can be as unhealthy as cigarette smoke. Smoking ban in some country are already taking its effects but it seems that people has new reason to worry.
The average printer releases toner particles that can get deep into the lungs and cause respiratory problems and cardiovascular trouble, according to Morawska’s team, part of the International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, and specialists in atmospheric particles. CNET news
The researchers tested 62 laser printer models and found that 17 of them were “high emitters” of toner particles. Although these particles have not had examined for chemical contents but these were considered carcinogens [agents causing cancer].
