Thursday, November 3, 2011

Signs of intelligent life.


Well. One sign. Better than nothing.

If you're like me, you're getting desperate to find any sign of intelligent life on Earth these days. I'm not even going to recite the list of signs to the contrary, it really is depressing.

But I keep searching. One of the places I regularly search is the "Green Blogs" over on the NYT; they have a team of reporters who normally have not-stupid things to say about the world struggle to come to grips with the fact that Nature still exists, and we really do have to pay attention to that.

Today, alas, I was not impressed there, and left a rude comment in reply (which I'll be interested to see if they actually post... so far; nope.)

My rude comment:

“ 'What they point out is, hey — it’s not just temperature driving the change,” Dr. Van Buskirk said.'



"What an insight! By golly! It's just possible that living organisms, in multiple ecosystems, across continents, might, possibly, respond to more than ONE parameter at a time! Who'da thunk! 

:-)

"ok, I'm pretty sure (ohpleasegod!) that Dr. Van B wasn't ever that silly. What I AM a little perplexed about is how a bit of "science reporting" in the NYT could even come close to suggesting that. 

Yes, I understand that Fox Views will report that way- but must we all be dragged down to nursery school level?"

Obnoxious of me, I realize. But. We do need to struggle to keep our intellectual socks pulled up at least part way.

So it was a great joy to me to find Gail Collins' column today. I've referenced her work here before, and can only recommend again; when you need, desperately, a little whiff of sanity, somewhere in the world, try Gail.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Freakin' LOVE this post Greenpa!!!

Rev. Peter Doodes said...

A short conversation between two people I overheard in my village:

1. "Cold isn't it?"
2. "Yes, it's the weather you know."

Obviously they are related to Dr. VB

Michelle said...

Intellectual socks... thank you for a serious belly laugh! You're right, of course, yet you're clever at the same time. Woo hoo!

Jason said...

Like Michelle said, I laughed out loud about your quest to find intelligent life. I don't think it's a lack of intelligence rather, lazy thinking - people aren't challenged to intellectual highs any more because they don't read ... that dreaded four letter word.

I stumbled upon your blog today when I Googled for the meaning of the acronym "THWASPCO". I like your thoughts about the environment especially how you related it to the "civilized" world - which one is that you ask?

Lot's of money is wasted on massive city infrastructure and seems that one begets the other, then the other, then the other & circle back and maintain the other etc.

I have recently downsized financially and it feels great. All of the foolish accouterments gained over the years can collect dust elsewhere.

To coin an old 70's phrase, thanks for sharing.