Ha Ha

Yesterday’s PZ Cuttlefish was an April Fool’s Prank.  And as much as I’d like to say I didn’t fall for it that would be lying.  I had doubts and was skeptical, but they had a really well-executed trick going. 

I will admit to feeling conflicted about it.  I would have missed the Cuttlefish (I’ve grown attached).  I comment on his blog far more than I do Pharyngula and would have missed the link in the online community.  However, I was excited to possibly be on the blogroll of Dr. Myers. 

I feel kind of dumb for falling for it, although I’m clinging to that 10% of me that didn’t quite buy it. 

I’m still rereading lots of Cuttlefish poetry this weekend.  And I’m glad that there are two people out there instead of one super being capable of everything from biology to poetry.  I was starting to feel lazy.   

April Fools? PZ Cuttlefish? Digital Myers?

So, I think my mind is a little warped at the moment.  Two of my favorite people and internet bloggers made announcements today.  Since it is April Fool’s Day, I’m disbelieving.  Are PZ Myers and the Digital Cuttlefish really the same person?

It makes sense, maybe. 

I don’t know how to react. 

Part of me wants to smile and squee like a girl because that means I’ve had email communication with Dr. Myers and I’ve made it onto his blogroll.  PZ Myers is one of my favorite professors of all time (I might have stayed in Biology if I’d had a prof like him as an undergrad).  He really is one of those awesome people you sometimes meet on planet Earth.

The other part of me feels somewhat let down, like I lost a link in the online community.  That’s not true, of course.  It’s just that two links are now one link, and that’s no different than before-not really.  I did like the anonymity of Cuttlefish.  I also liked how cozy his blog felt.  I enjoy Pharyngula, but it’s easy to feel lost in the crowd over there.    

Regardless of how this plays out, it’s entertaining.  And it gives me a reason to reread all the Cuttlefish poems.  And still get the Omnibus.

Oh Look, Another Example of Poor Critical Thinking Skills

The whole creationism/intelligent design thing really pisses me off.  If you wanna believe it, go ahead.  But do not, DO NOT, try to get this stuff passed off as science.  Anyone who has any ability to distinguish between bunk and relevant resources should know better.

One of Ken Ham's buddies will be in Minnesota promoting falsehoods today. 

Thanks to PZ Myers for the info on this topic. 

Lapsing Academia and Woo

PZ Myers posted about bouts of failure in the academic world.  I know that universities and other institutes of higher learning require money to function.  Doesn't everything?  But this selling out to homeopathy and other woo is rather ridiculous. 

My dream job is in an academic library.  I just hope I don't end up at a university that promotes learning through osmosis or astral travel.

Critical Thinking Example

OK.  I know I’ve posted today.  However, Dr. PZ Myers, a biologist at the University of Minnesota-Morris, has just posted a wonderful shredding critique of a supposedly scientific article.  He points out all the red flags and eviscerates chastises the author.  Dr. Myers even makes a point of finding out the author’s affiliations and how the paper got published in the first place.  This is a wonderful example of critical thinking when it comes to resources.  It’d be lovely if every undergraduate student could learn from just this one example.