Category Archives: Science

Celebrating Pi Day

Posted on March 14, 2021 by N.S. Palmer

Today, March 14, is “Pi Day.” The date matches the first three digits of pi, 3.14. On the Nerd Calendar, Pi Day is even more important than Festivus or G.H. Hardy‘s birthday. Pi is the ratio between a circle’s circumference … Continue reading →

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Drug Policy: Good Is Better Than Perfect

Posted on February 23, 2021 by N.S. Palmer

American laws about recreational drug use are a mess. Americans rot in prison for using or selling marijuana, which is relatively harmless. They rot in prison for selling cocaine and heroin, which aren’t harmless but harm mainly heavy users, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Political Science, Psychology, Science, Society | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Don’t “Other” Other People

Posted on January 10, 2021 by N.S. Palmer

Most people aren’t familiar with the idea of “othering,” but they are familiar with what it is. They’ve seen it. They’ve done it to other people, and they’ve had it done to them. To “other” a group of people is … Continue reading →

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You Have Been Deceived

Posted on August 16, 2020 by N.S. Palmer

You have been deceived. There’s no shame in that. You might even take it as an indirect compliment. Fake psychics love to have scientists “test” their powers because scientists are easy to fool. Scientists work with observable facts, so they … Continue reading →

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Things to Know and See

Posted on July 16, 2020 by N.S. Palmer

In the famous words of Emil Faber, “knowledge is good.” That’s because it helps us to live successfully and happily. It’s no guarantee. And it’s not always what we want to hear. But in general, it’s better to know the truth … Continue reading →

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The Costs of Forbidden Thoughts

Posted on June 4, 2020 by N.S. Palmer

“Truth has nothing to fear from open discussion and debate: in fact, they are its closest allies.” Continue reading →

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Free Yourself and Live

Posted on May 17, 2020 by N.S. Palmer

“You have at least nine months. Perhaps as much as eighteen.” “The first doctor gave me from one to two years.” “I hope he’s right. What are you going to do?” “Well, I have no family. I haven’t taken a … Continue reading →

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How to Beat the Social-Isolation Blues

Posted on May 9, 2020 by N.S. Palmer

Are you discouraged? Depressed? Fearful? Confused? Unmotivated? Then I’ve got a cure for you. It’s guaranteed. It costs nothing. And it will pay dividends for the rest of your life. You need to know three things. The first two are … Continue reading →

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Ramanujan and Me

Posted on April 25, 2020 by N.S. Palmer

Tomorrow, April 26, is notable for two reasons. First, it’s my birthday. I’ll be 39. Again. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Second, it’s 100 years since the death of Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of the greatest mathematical geniuses … Continue reading →

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What I Think Happened with Covid-19

Posted on April 24, 2020 by N.S. Palmer

After over a month of lockdown in most American states, people are starting to ask questions about it. Why did this happen? How did it happen? Was it really necessary? Here’s how the situation looks to me. This is not … Continue reading →

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