Skeptical Kiwi

"If we teach only the findings and products of science - no matter how useful and even inspiring they may be - without communicating its critical method, how can the average person possibly distinguish science from pseudoscience?" "The method of science, as stodgy and grumpy as it may seem, is far more important than the findings of science" - (Carl Sagan, 1995). This is wonderfully articulated. Carl Sagan has a definite way with words, a true communicator of science. For the thinking and intuitive person, this may make sense. But, it may be a bit too deep and "thinky" for the average person, as just expressed by my coworker. The average person just wants to watch TV, go home to their partner/spouse/family/pet and eat their dinner. Maybe this is the reason that psychics and homeopaths make so much money. Is it true that the average person doesn't really care enough? To me, this means that science communication is more important than ever. As sci...

Vaping http://vaping360.com/cloud-chasing-101/ Most people now know that smoking is pretty bad for you. The science has been clear on that for quite some time now (Eysenck, 2000; Ambrose & Barua, 2004). What with the emphysema, cancers, heart disease and all of that stuff. E-cigarettes (ECs) and vaping is an alternative that has been around since 2004, and have shown to be a significant decrease in health risks and a proven cessation method. Vaping at a glance Vaping, for those unfamiliar with the practice, isn't smoke. A user inhales vapour through a device that produces the vapour. It's an aerosol created by heating up the e-liquid inside the device. The e-liquid is much safer than tobacco smoking, with a much smaller list of chemicals, mainly a mixture of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol, flavourings and the optional nicotine. The nicotine can be added anywhere from 0mg up to 18mg (DIY juices can be higher). There is a myriad of flavours to choose fro...