How To Want To Change Your Mind

This is what I try to do, and everyone should do, when they debate or discuss a subject

Is Nuclear Power Safe?

Tested for radiation (Reuters)

The BBC produced a documentary called “Is Nuclear Power Safe?” which aired on september 15. In the documentary they examine nuclear safety and consequences of accidents in light of the events at Fukushima.

Jim Al-Khalili, a professor of nuclear physics, handles the presentation and narration of the documentary. And states his case that nuclear energy is a lot safer than most people think. And that radiation from fallout isn’t as bad as generally believed.

And during this documentary he seems to give very reasonable explanations and evidence that support this:

The Tobacco “Scepticism” Template

I was already aware that current tactics of climate change deniers are very similar to what the pro tobacco lobby used during their campaign of obfuscation. But just how similar I didn’t realize till I saw the following on ClimateCrocks:

I was going to wait on this, but it’s too important. The point has often been made that the climate denial industry is based on the disinformation techniques pioneered and developed by the Tobacco industry – Naomi Oreskes does it elsewhere on this page. There’s a lot of footage here of tobacco flacks presenting to media and congress.

The parallels between “there is still debate about the link between smoking and cancer” and “there is still debate about the link between CO2 and global climate” are obvious.

See if you can pick out the specific techniques – and see if you can listen to this whole film without getting nauseous as I did.

For me it is just mind boggling how similar the arguments and tactics are. Which scares me to no end as these tactics were effective in delaying action for decades, decades we don’t have…

The Marriage Of Skepticism And Wonder

To me Carl Sagan was an unknown, as I grew up in a non-English speaking country, but I’ve grown quite fond of his writings and video productions when I discovered them online. And recently I found an essay of him on scepticism:

At the heart of science is an essential balance between two seemingly contradictory attitudes–an openness to new ideas, no matter how bizarre or counterintuitive, and the most ruthlessly skeptical scrutiny of all ideas, old and new. This is how deep truths are winnowed from deep nonsense. The collective enterprise of creative thinking and skeptical thinking, working together, keeps the field on track. Those two seemingly contradictory attitudes are, though, in some tension.

The video rendition of this essay made by C0nc0rdance is a joy to watch:

Kindred Spirit Review

What is Kindred Spirit you might ask, well here is their own explanation:

First published in 1987 Kindred Spirit is the ultimate global guide to positive change. Available bi-monthly each issue covers a range of diverse subjects such as spiritual growth, personal development, complementary therapies, travel, health and much more.

And their latest release contains informative topics like:

 What will 2012 mean for your finances? Will our banking system collapse? Should you be investing in gold rather than currency? We answer these fascinating questions. Cleansing your energy body: Have you done the work you need to do? It’s not too late to start clearing your energies The Astrology of 2012: What this date will mean for each of the Sun Signs. Treatment Reviews: The Balance Procedure; Cellular Radiance Treatment; Energy Healing with Paul Blackmore; Psychic Insights with Deb Hawken; plus how to clear the Akashic Records stored in our cellular memory.

Akashic what? And what’s up with the fondness of 2012? Which might be a tad embarrassing when the world still exists after 2012.

Now I cannot take a magazine like this seriously, and neither could the YouTube user Ainulindale21. His review of this magazine is worth a watch if you need a laugh this Tuesday afternoon.