Somewhere in the Universe....

Perhaps we needed myths to make sense of the world around us since we knew so little about anything. We are the very lucky ones to live in an age where science has revealed wonders about ourselves and the universe.... and, happily, the process continues.

December seems to be a month that most humans hold ceremonies and celebrate stuff and deities that give meaning to their lives. In this light, I wish everyone a great holiday season. I wish humans transcend their myths & superstition, and to open up their minds to exploration, to a great journey through life without the need to supernatural attributions. I wish for a better world where every person could achieve their own bliss and realize their potential.

Our earth is our only home. Humanity came so close to extinction but we made it so far. We're the only species that has the ability for so much good and so much evil. It should be our choice to support the conditions of the good life and take care of each other and our home.

Happy and healthy season and may the next trip around the sun be one of excitement and personal fulfillment.

Education Means Critical Thinking. Knowledge is Power.

The Millennial Generation May Produce a New Realignment in the US

It's been an interesting semester with lots of work in the end, as per usual, but now it's over. I had a good experience over all. I like teaching, and, I dare say, most of my students seem to enjoy my classes. I encourage critical thinking and thoughtful discussion--something of a rarity in colleges today. Accumulating information without putting it into proper context is good for passing exams but it doesn't necessarily promote an understanding. Connecting the dots is often a skill that's lacking among Americans but also among too many college students. Of course, it's the subject matter that allows for such a conversation.

My subject is Political Science so I talk about political theories, ideologies, the information (?!) media, American political institutions, etc. But, I'm a science fan too. I'm a scientist in that I accept the scientific way as the most powerful tool we have for knowledge! The scientific method is a specific process, a methodology, of analyzing evidence, forming theories that explain & predict, and always keeping the door open to revision--when better data or a theory are available.

The process is very important and much is invested in it. The process of finding and analyzing evidence and then puting it in order. The conclusion comes later. It is not the other way around it as many people seem to be doing. That is, they first form a "conclusion" which is something they like, and then they try to find any piece of supporting evidence to their thesis. Any contradictory evidence that falls outside their narrow frame (of mind) is discarded! Obviously, this is not an appropriate for knowing stuff; it may be good for escaping reality and/or feeling better for a while, but it is not a tool for learning.

I can't tell you how many times I had to explain--which is good, because at least we are talking about it--what a scientific theory is about. Such a theory is not a hunch, a guess, an opinion! The theory of evolution is perhaps controversial in the minds of the ignorant, but it is one of the strongest scientific theories we have. Modern genetics and technology have confirmed its tenets and have piled on more supporting data upon the tons of evidence we have from fossils, and other observations. Unfortunately, more Americans (US) believe in creation than evolution! In other words, more people believe that human beings were made in their present form rather recently than humanoids having evolved over hundreds of thousands of years! And, this in a society that has been at the forefront of technology, science, and freedom of information!

I like Richard Dawkins's explanation: "We have two theories, A and B, both trying to explain the same phenomenon. Theory A fails in some particular. Theory B must be right, even if theory A is supported by loads of evidence and theory B is supported by no evidence at all...

Nevertheless, if you can find one phenomenon, call it X, for which, as far as you can see, theory A cannot provide an explanation, you therefore conclude theory B must be right....

What kind of logic is that?"

If you want to understand the physical world, logic is imperative. But, I think, you have to have some courage to face reality even it is unpleasant. You develop courage by having confidence in yourself and your ability to think & analyze. I believe good thinkers are leaders too. Hopefully, we teachers and the schools can facilitate such rational, creative thinking and by doing so to develop leaders. Those who don't know (either by choice or not) tend to be followers and more likely to be manipulated by the simplistic arguments of demagogues who want to be leaders of a flock of sheep.

The old & the new

A Nice Way to Move About......(with fewer emmissions!)

Well, I didn't have this in mind, but I'd prefer this sight to a Hummer that burns a ton of oil every mile and takes 15 normal car lengths in my city!

I don't know how this would work in big congested cities, but I think it's a great idea, if it is taken seriously and the infrastructure is made to support such a change. I'm talking about bicycles for the urbanites! European cities have been trying this for a while already. London just announced that it will provide 6,000 free bikes for rent for a small fee so people could easily & efficiently move about their city. To encourage Londoners and visitors to the city to actually use the bikes, they have planned to first establish a series of bike lanes and bike paths that will easily link up many of London's most popular spots.

"The cycle hire scheme in Paris has proved a huge success, and I have now instructed Transport for London to work with the London boroughs and interested parties to develop and implement a bike hire scheme in central London, accessible to all Londoners," London mayor, Ken Livingstone said in a press release.

New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg is seriously looking into this as well. I hope it goes through, but knowing the city, some major changes need to take place to make this a safe alternative.

Now, here's another pet peeve of mine: unnecessary monsters on the road! What's up with those people who probably have some kind of a psychological complex to drive those humangous SUVs... I know, it's more of a statement that a utility. Those "Sport Utility Vehicles" also happen to give you very poor gas mileage. You know, that kind of a fossil fuel God put in the soil of countries that don't like us! The kind of fuel we spend fortunes at the pump and to maintain a military presence overseas to make sure we get it... Ah, also throw in the thousands of American soldiers' lives lost in the process of acquiring such fuel for those people who say they support our troops.

Those magnetic stickers many SUV owners have placed on their cars say, Support the Troops. OK, I often asked, what does such a statement mean? How does an American exactly support the soldiers fighting for our freedoms and lifestyle? There seems to me that it's not sacrifice at all if you say, I do so because I can afford it! Those magnetic ribbons do something for sure. They are an irritation, and they dmost likely support some guy in China who makes those plastic stickers.

I think people should pay a premium based on their impact on the environment and all the other resources, especially when certain behaviors & symbols are not of necessity but of showing off!

Again, Mr. Livingston has a bright idea: Drivers of 4x4s, high-powered sports cars, and other high-emission vehicles will have to pay $49 a day to enter central London! This is (only) tripple the current charge. But, wait, most governments would stop here, not this mayor. He said that fuel-efficient vehicles will get a free ride! Wow, now, that's a thought!

I thought I had finished this post until I read this Alternet article You've got to be kidding, and I got more infurated. General Motors calls this new trend (?) intelligent indulgence! I'm not making this up. GM is pushing hybrid monsters as a public relations move and to give some kind of a fig-leaf excuse to people to keep buying unnecessarily huge vehicles. I don't know how many people would buy into the idea that a innefficient & gas-guzzler car is OK because it's a hybrid... I'm all for better fuel-efficient standards but I believe this is ridiculous. From a 10 MPG to 13.5, or whatever little more it is, it still doesn't make any sense to me. All to drive from the supermarket to the movie theater to a few blocks around the house. By the way, 98% of the "off road vehicles" never leave the paved roads!

Lucky Children, Lucky Parents! A Great Way to Start 2008

I don't have children of my own, but I get elated when friends (or people I know) become parents and they're so happy. Being a parent and raising kids is a part of a meaningful life. I won't pretend to know how a mother or a father feels, but I do understand the emotional & physical exertion, the fireworks of mind and body that take place when a newborn arrives.

My blog friend Doctor just got a brand new daughter on Jan. 2nd, 2008! Mother and baby are doing fine. The father is in stable condition, and will recover into good blogform soon. Reports indicate that his other daughter is happy to have a sister to boss around!

My thoughts, heartfelt & warmest wishes, and loud cheers from across the pond over to Greece and to Doc's family. I'll raise a glass (or two) to celebrate the event as well.

I feel a little more confident about the future of humanity when I see that good people having kids. Genetics do play an important role, but it is the immediate environment that's crucial in a person's makeup. The parents influence their kids tremedously. Of course, the greater community and the conditions there are vital too, but those conditions can't be controlled by the parents. Therefore, good parenting is even more imperative.

Most of us, I suspect, have had good parents. I'm not talking about an ideal situation, but about the opportunity we all had to be born, grow up, and be provided with instruction/direction and the necessities of life. Being loved is a need every child needs to experience. Security, survival, shelter, and a sense of belonging are what parents can provide--when they can. I think much of the world's problems can be traced to the experiences a human being has during childhood.

I wish more kids in the world today were as lucky as Doc's daughters!

Cheers!



Update, Jan. 4, '08:

This is a great short video that should be watched by all those parents who don't realize the responsibility they have towards their children. Lead by example, because the kids are watching, and learning....