Comments by OrbitalMike

1. The End of Theory: The Data Deluge Makes the Scientific Method Obsolete

Comment #200047 by OrbitalMike on June 26, 2008 at 5:15 pm

The use of statistics to describe the data is meaningless unless the underlining model of the statistical method is defined. Gaussian distributions will only get you so far. Log-Log correlations may hint at an underlying reason and model where a straight linear model might give you unrecognizable garbage. Mr Anderson seems to have never had to do anything in science except write gushing reviews of information sciences, ala Google. Maybe he should consider taking some elementary statistics (yes, even 6-sigma crap) before he spouts off again on the utility of petabytes of data.
He could also use some rudimentary (remedial) courses in a real physical science. He seems to think that "Science" should return to the days of just collecting and classifying data and specimens without any regard for understanding what the data means.

2. Saudi Marriage Officiant : 'It Is Allowed To Marry A Girl At The Age Of One'.

Comment #199446 by OrbitalMike on June 25, 2008 at 7:12 pm

Shit for brains. That's all that needs to be said about Dr. Ahmad Al-Mub'i and his prophet Mohammed: shit for brains.

3. Scientists rally against creationist 'superstition'

Comment #187033 by OrbitalMike on June 1, 2008 at 6:53 am

Growing up in the Seattle area in the US, I was not exposed to many people who believed in creationism, despite going to Catholic schools for 12 years. Imagine my surprise finding large numbers of creationists in the wider populace when I went to University. I, at first, did not accept the surveys that showed a large segment of the US still retained a belief in creationism, and I suspect that many academics also did not accept those surveys. Now we fight against this encroaching ID/creationism in many states.
My message: Do not ignore such polls or statistics. Fight back early and hard. I had sensed a certain smugness previously on this board regarding the extent of creo-madness in the US, but beware that such creo-madness may sneak up on you in Britain and other progressive societies.

4. Edgar Mitchell ushers in the Next Epoch in Evolution

Comment #183301 by OrbitalMike on May 21, 2008 at 7:27 pm

Oh, and Rational_G,
Edgar Mitchell was LMP. The Lunar Module Pilot did not actually fly the Lunar Module, that was the job of the Mission Commander, Al Shepard, who was definitely Numero Uno when it came to hotshot, greatest pilot astronauts.

5. Edgar Mitchell ushers in the Next Epoch in Evolution

Comment #183298 by OrbitalMike on May 21, 2008 at 7:21 pm

@emmet -

You may be right. That's why I prefaced my comments with the admission that it was an unscientific survey / observation, no random sampling, all aerospace, etc.. I'm surrounded by engineers at work and at most social engagements surrounding work. Many of my neighbors and people in my community are also engineers. The thing is, this was true when I was at Boeing and now at GE Aviation.

6. Teenager faces prosecution for calling Scientology 'cult'

Comment #183159 by OrbitalMike on May 21, 2008 at 1:19 pm

Re: my previous

What would the penalties, actions be against a US citizen that defied the City of London Police for refusing to remove a truthful sign?

7. Teenager faces prosecution for calling Scientology 'cult'

Comment #183157 by OrbitalMike on May 21, 2008 at 1:14 pm

Can this be considered a valid sample of what happens when freedom of speech starts getting limited? Of course, here in the States we have the fenced off "Free Speech Zones" where protesters are herded into and can be guaranteed to be ignored by the mass media. As PZ Myers says in Pharyngula, "The Birth pangs of a police state"

This makes me want to go to London during the next Anonymous demonstration and hold up a version of that sign. Mine will say what most in here have stated: "Scientology IS a Religion and a CULT"
If many RDFers can join in these protests, al holding the same sign, what could the City of London Police do? (Mass arrests? Would look embarrassing for London and Co$)

8. Edgar Mitchell ushers in the Next Epoch in Evolution

Comment #183039 by OrbitalMike on May 21, 2008 at 9:08 am

Astronaut Mitchell is a long time practitioner of woo:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Mitchell

Mitchell's interests include consciousness and paranormal phenomena. During the Apollo 14 flight he conducted private ESP experiments with his friends on Earth. In early 1973, he founded the nonprofit Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) to conduct and sponsor research into areas that mainstream science has ignored, including psychic events.

On a related note, I work in aerospace as an engineer, but trained as a scientist. My unscientific survey / observations indicate that while most scientists tend to lean toward unbelief, most engineers tend to lean towards belief. Edgar Mitchell fits right into that characterization, and so do many of the other astronauts, as well as a large percentage of military pilots. I wonder why that is. Has anyone done any research on this?

9. Saudi Arabia Leader Calls for Interfaith Dialogue

Comment #151138 by OrbitalMike on March 28, 2008 at 7:37 am

I have no respect for ANY religion. I will respect people, if they deserve it, but that does not automatically mean that I respect their opinions or beliefs. I will respect an individuals right to have those beliefs and opinions, their right to express those beliefs and opinions, but I will NEVER respect those beliefs and opinions.

10. Saudi Arabia Leader Calls for Interfaith Dialogue

Comment #150943 by OrbitalMike on March 27, 2008 at 5:59 pm

... the rise of atheism in the world - a frightening phenomenon that all religions must confront and vanquish."

Abdullah's message of tolerance comes at a time of religious tensions caused by the re-igniting of a two-year-old controversy over Danish cartoons deemed by Muslims to be insulting.

Danish newspapers reprinted the controversial cartoon of the Muslim prophet Mohammed last month in defiance of Islamic extremism and to defend freedom of expression.

The republication of the cartoon in at least 17 newspapers took place a day after a Danish official foiled an alleged plot to assassinate Kurt Westergaard, the cartoonist who drew the Mohammed caricatures.

In response, Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, in a recent audio message, warned of a "severe" reaction for Europe's publication of the cartoons.

There is only one way for me to respond to this:

thanks to zombietime.com for the link

11. Oklahoma: One Step from Doom

Comment #141400 by OrbitalMike on March 10, 2008 at 11:02 am

You mean Dover, Pennsylvania, bentleyd

12. Sharia fiasco

Comment #125005 by OrbitalMike on February 10, 2008 at 4:42 pm

Dr. Rowan Williams. ....

For some strange reason, I keep wanting to call him Archbishop Bean, but then that would be insulting to Mr. Rowan Atkinson.

But then, the Black Adder WAS Archbishop of Canterbury for a while ...

13. Conservative Rabbis to Vote on Resolution Criticizing Pope's Revision of Prayer

Comment #125003 by OrbitalMike on February 10, 2008 at 4:35 pm

There are more substantial arguments over the meaning of Star Trek episodes than there is over the wording of a pleading to the imaginary sky-fairy.

14. Battle of the Chambersburg billboards

Comment #124777 by OrbitalMike on February 10, 2008 at 8:02 am

Just posted this at the link given in #7 by Geoff

I don't get the connection between being an anti-theist / atheist and being anti-American. Most of us atheist Americans support the US Constitution. Some of us are conservative, some of us are liberal, some are Republican, some are Democrat, some are Green, others are Libertarian. We atheist Americans are AMERICANS. But because we support the first secular, national government this planet has seen, and pledge ourselves to maintain its secular nature, we are labeled as anti-American? On the contrary. Those that demand the inclusion of religion in any aspect of our government are really anti-American. They are against the US Constitution. They are against the ideas upon which this great nation was founded!

15. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116655 by OrbitalMike on January 27, 2008 at 1:13 am

JuxtaMonkey, et. al., I, too, had my negative comments erased, and all I said was the video was just nonsense. They also erased every comment I made throughout their site.

16. Canadian fossil makes waves in Huckabee's presidential run

Comment #112265 by OrbitalMike on January 16, 2008 at 4:40 pm

Folks,

Don't you get it? This has just multiplied the "much needed gaps" by 2!!!

"We are all star stuff."

17. Huckabee Wants A 'Faith-based' Constitution

Comment #112225 by OrbitalMike on January 16, 2008 at 3:34 pm

Double Bass,

Unfortunately a new amendment to the Constitution could overturn the Establishment Clause spelled out in the First Amendment.

Time to exercise the other half of my dual citizenship?? Anyone need an aerospace engineer?

18. Huckabee Wants A 'Faith-based' Constitution

Comment #112117 by OrbitalMike on January 16, 2008 at 11:01 am

Paula,
That's a GREAT point!! I hadn't thought of that due to my visceral reaction to anything Huck-a-buck says.

19. Huckabee Wants A 'Faith-based' Constitution

Comment #112034 by OrbitalMike on January 16, 2008 at 8:28 am

Hey Gang, the attempt to amend the Constitution to include Jebus and doG has occured many times (if Wikipedia is to be believed)

from the 1950's

Section 1: This nation devoutly recognizes the authority and law of Jesus Christ, Savior and Ruler of nations, through whom are bestowed the blessings of Almighty God.

Section 2: This amendment shall not be interpreted so as to result in the establishment of any particular ecclesiastical organization, or in the abridgment of the rights of religious freedom, or freedom of speech and press, or of peaceful assemblage.

Section 3: Congress shall have power, in such cases as it may deem proper, to provide a suitable oath or affirmation for citizens whose religious scruples prevent them from giving unqualified allegiance to the Constitution as herein amended.

from 1863 to amend the Preamble

We, the people of the United States recognizing the being and attributes of Almighty God, the Divine Authority of the Holy Scriptures, the law of God as the paramount rule, and Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior and Lord of all, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and to our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

from 1864 also to amend the Preamble

We, the people of the United States, humbly acknowledging Almighty God as the source of all authority and power in civil government, the Lord Jesus Christ as the Ruler among the nations, His revealed will as the supreme law of the land, in order to constitute a Christian government, and in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the inalienable rights and the blessings of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to ourselves and our posterity, and all the people, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

and apparently many more proposed to Congress but never passed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Amendment

Considering the need for a large portion of Congress to approve it and propose it to the states and the need for 2/3 of the states to ratify it, the chances of its adoption are slim.

20. US 'doomed' if creationist president elected: scientists

Comment #109206 by OrbitalMike on January 8, 2008 at 3:09 pm

al-rawandi,
I was so focused on my desire to get the US back to the Moon, that I voted for the "space cadet".

Like I said, never again.

21. US 'doomed' if creationist president elected: scientists

Comment #108866 by OrbitalMike on January 7, 2008 at 6:45 pm

We're DOOMED!

We're DOOOMED!!!

I'm DOOMED since I actually voted for the current President. And only because of his space policy.
(and because the other option, Sen. Kerry, was odious in his own way. - better the devil you know ...)

But NEVER AGAIN. I will fight against this Hick-a-bee. And I'm fighting against the related lunacy of House Resolution 888.

22. Stop House Resolution 888

Comment #108859 by OrbitalMike on January 7, 2008 at 6:34 pm

Now add the possibility of a creationist President (Huckabee, hickabee, whatever) and this H Res 888 becomes very dangerous.

23. Borders Tags Atheist Book with 'O Come All Ye Faithless' Cards

Comment #100347 by OrbitalMike on December 18, 2007 at 2:09 pm

"... I would have hoped that, in a society in which we are seeking to show respect to all people and beliefs, we might have grown out of this kind of nonsense."

This irritates me to no end. I completely support the notion of respecting all people, but I will NEVER respect superstitious, bronze age beliefs.

Tradition: Just Because You've Always Done It That Way Doesn't Mean It's Not Incredibly Stupid.

24. Borders Tags Atheist Book with 'O Come All Ye Faithless' Cards

Comment #100325 by OrbitalMike on December 18, 2007 at 1:49 pm

Oh boo hoo. Poor Christians act as if Borders is feeding them to the lions.

NO ONE expects the Spanish Inquisition!

25. Synthetic DNA on the Brink of Yielding New Life Forms

Comment #100270 by OrbitalMike on December 18, 2007 at 12:48 pm

Awesome! Absolutely, mindblowingly awesome!

This indeed provokes inspiration and awe.

Of course, get ready for the faith-heads to yell and scream and demand laws to prohibit this research.

Andrew Light, an environmental ethicist at the University of Washington in Seattle, said synthetic biology poses a conundrum because of its double-edged ability to both wreak biological havoc and perhaps wean civilization from dirty 20th-century technologies and petroleum-based fuels.

"For the environmental community, I think this is going to be a really hard choice," Light said.

It seems to me that many already perceive this as the biological equivalent of the first nuclear reactor.

26. Rock of Ages, Ages of Rock

Comment #90914 by OrbitalMike on November 26, 2007 at 4:40 pm

What I find distressing is that these people are taking some of the limited slots and funding for graduate students, thereby denying some promising potential PhD candidates a chance.

27. Stretching the Search for Signs of Life

Comment #79450 by OrbitalMike on October 17, 2007 at 9:31 am

Foxfire said

The search for extraterrestrial intelligence has lived on the kindness of strangers since Congress canceled a NASA-sponsored search using existing radio telescopes in 1993, only a year after it had begun.

Gee, that was when Newt Gingrich's "moral majority" effort took over Congress and the Whitehouse. I will not offer my opinion about how U.S. government support of things scientific have gone downhill ever since ;-)

Having lived through this, and taking a very strong interest in it, I must inform you that you are mistaken. Newt's Congress came into office in 1995 (after the 1994 election). The Congress in 1993 was a majority Democrat House and Senate. Also, Democrat Bill Clinton was President from 1993 through 2000.

The attack on science by the US government has been led by both American political parties. William Proxmire, Democrat from Wisconsin, had previously led efforts to kill SETI and other science projects.

Other than that, I can only be grateful to Mr Allen for funding this project and other "out there" projects like Space Ship One.

28. There Go The Dinosaurs

Comment #74425 by OrbitalMike on September 28, 2007 at 6:38 pm

I wish I could laugh about this, but when 8 year olds and the like are given these, it can lead to nasty thoughts of hell and damnation.

The following led to many nightmares when I read this at a young age:
http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0001/0001_01.asp

29. A problem for Israel's farmers: The seven-year hitch

Comment #73753 by OrbitalMike on September 26, 2007 at 4:32 am

Glad to see that Israel is not a full blown theocracy (yet). I just hope that the USA doesn't become one.

30. There Go The Dinosaurs

Comment #73752 by OrbitalMike on September 26, 2007 at 4:30 am

When I was 10 in the early 70's, my barber used to have a rack of Chick Tracks in his shop. Since I was bored waiting my turn, I read a few. They scared the shit out of me! The images from these tracks still pop up at times and make me shudder. I wish I could sue for all the pain and suffering they caused.

31. The Miracle Workers

Comment #73662 by OrbitalMike on September 25, 2007 at 7:02 pm

I concur with irate_atheist, Mr Jefferson, Build Up That Wall!

This item appeared a month ago (or so) in Time Magazine. It just irritates the shit out of me. We have an Evangelical President on the right and a moderate, liberal Christians on the left.

The right wing nuts are at least honest in their profession of faith. These democrats on the left are just plainly pandering to what will win votes. Both sides are just plain shit heads.

32. A problem for Israel's farmers: The seven-year hitch

Comment #73659 by OrbitalMike on September 25, 2007 at 6:37 pm

@SilentMike

On what day of the week can I get a Ham sandwich in Israel?

:)

This religious crap is just barking mad

33. Religious education

Comment #71344 by OrbitalMike on September 18, 2007 at 1:29 pm

The 2 + 2 = 5 teaching may be nearer than you want.

Sorry to be pedantic (and somewhat off topic), but in my line of work, 2+2 really does equal 5. Of course, as with anything, you must question what it is that you're adding. In my case, 2dB + 2dB = 5dB (Sound Pressure Level re: 20 microPascals). Since the decibel scale is logarithmic, sums don't appear to follow the normal rules. The real sum turns out to be 2*(3.17e-5 Pa)=(6.34e-5 Pa) In fact, 0dB + 0dB = 3dB in acoustics.

Anyway, sorry for the diversion, but I get annoyed with that reference!

As to the article, I am glad that I had a Catholic education in the US which exposed me to most of the nonsense of the theistic point of view. Unfortunately for the Church, I was also taught to question the assumptions and to look for proofs.

34. Ancient Protein Tells a Story of Changing Functions

Comment #64918 by OrbitalMike on August 22, 2007 at 11:27 am

I am in the middle of reading Dennett's Darwin's Dangerous Idea. As far as I could tell, he does NOT accept the idea that if you rewind the tape of evolution and run it again, that Homo Sapiens would pop out in the end. Chapter 10, Bully for Brontosaurus, section 4, Tinker to Evers to Chance,.