by Carl Howard | Nov 30, 2013 | Blog Topics
In an age where languages can be incredibly complex and rich with nuances, Toki Pona offers a refreshing dive into the minimalist side of communication. Developed by Sonja Lang, Toki Pona is a constructed language that embraces simplicity and clarity, encapsulating...
by Carl Howard | Nov 28, 2013 | Atrocities and Oppression, Biases and Fallacies, History, Race
There’s been some news coverage about the Dutch tradition of Zwarte Piet or Black Pete. As part if the annual Feast of St Nicholas celebrations, Santa is accompanied by a servant (whose appearance is of pagan origin). Basically lots of people put on blackface. ...
by Carl Howard | Nov 25, 2013 | Biases and Fallacies, Blog Topics, Charity and Philanthropy, Feminism and LGBT, Race, Science and Skepticism, Society
Some recent events got me thinking about the troubles with the idea of being reasonable. Of course, I’m all for the practice of reason. The problem is using it as a label in argument, especially when it’s done with rhetorical flourish. A great background post to this...
by Carl Howard | Nov 19, 2013 | Charity and Philanthropy, Medicine, Resources, Food and Environment
This post was originally published by Mango Salute at http://mangosalute.com/salutetheday/world-toilet-day-confronting-important-unmentionables Whenever you turn on the TV or even check your postbox, you will encounter dozens of charities and causes competing...
by Carl Howard | Nov 14, 2013 | Charity and Philanthropy, History, Interesting Stuff, Resources, Food and Environment, Science and Skepticism, Society
Every year, Edge.org publishes responses of about 100-150 scientists, philosophers, public intellectuals (and alas some, cranks) to a single question. It’s generally an interesting read, previous posts are about the 2011 question (What is the most important invention...
by Carl Howard | Nov 11, 2013 | Atrocities and Oppression, History, Mind, Psychology and Consciousness
Young members of the Khmer Rouge, Tuol Sleng Museum, Phnom Penh It’s a cliche that various horrible events from the 20th century have changed the popular understanding of human behaviour — but it’s true. It particularly hit me in the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum looking...
