2024

It is important to read and consider the views of those who think differently from you. I read a variety of news sources, for example, from all sides of politics. The same is true in other…

A response to a friend who insisted: 1. All early COVID-19 vaccines were mRNA based 2. COVID-19 vaccines did not help, and killed or harmed millions Some initial observations: Nothing on social media, including this, should…

Imagine that over the last twenty years China has been sponsoring drug cartels in the Northern quarter of Mexico. With that support, those cartels have grown into a single empire which is well-armed and relentless in…

Some thoughts on justice, and especially the claim that retribution has no purpose beyond mere revenge: Cesare Beccaria is often regarded as the founder of modern rational theories of justice. It is an amusing conceit to…

The paper Beyond Correctional Quackery by Latessa et al, is itself a perfect example of correctional quackery. How do I detest thee? Let me count the ways… The paper starts with a description of a skit…

Just a quick note in relation to XY chromosome athletes competing in women’s divisions in the Olympics. Some of these athletes, including Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, have what is known as AIS (5-alpha-reductase deficiency). In many…

Imagine the following scenario: Someone you know and like, perhaps a Facebook friend, asks you to sign a petition to ban the rhino horn trade in South Africa. Your friend tells you that South Africa is…

Over the last few weeks I have seen several social media posts from apparently well-meaning Christians beginning with the words “Scientists can’t explain …” Usually the posts claim that some feature of natural history cannot be…

A little summary of the role and status of local government in Australia, for anyone who is curious or confused: “Sovereign citizens” claim that local councils have no legal authority because they are not mentioned in…

Israel: What do we need to do or give you to help you become a peaceful, prosperous neighbour? PA: Land. Israel: You already have Judea and Samaria, the heartland of the Jewish people. PA: We want…

I have seen a version of this before, but it is worth re-viewing: We have been lied to. This is the message that went across the Arab world suddenly after October 7th events and the war…

If you have half an hour to spare, or even if you don’t, watch this video. It answers a whole range of questions about the Middle East, including why Israel cannot stop its response to Hamas’…

This not only sounds nasty, it really could be. A man on an international flight dies from what sounds like some form of hemorrhagic fever. Blood droplets circulate throughout the cabin. Passengers on the same flight…

If you are sceptical or concerned about the positive value of vaccines, and COVID vaccines in particular, read this article from wng.org. It is not too long, and effectively counters some of the most common misinformation…

You are never alone when you pray.