Michael Mann is one of the most famous and most referenced scientists on Climate Change. He is the creator of the famous Hockey Stick graph, a graph that the writers at the Competitive Enterprise Institute and the National Review used to specifically denigrate by accusing Penn State (at the time wrapped up in the child-abuse coverup business) of covering up research fraud by Dr. Mann. Mann filed a defamation lawsuit against them both and:
Both National Review and the CEI attempted to have the case thrown out. They argued that it met the SLAPP definition of an attempt to silence critics and that Mann’s case fell far short of the standards of defamation of a public figure. Now, a judge has denied both of these attempts, allowing the defamation trial to move forward.
HaHA! Maybe these guys start getting the idea that they can’t just say anything about anyone with impunity.
Britain’s PM is trying to take on the online porn industry by having everyone with a connection to the internet say if they want access to pornography via that connection.
A joint British and American “task force” will be created to tackle obscene websites, while Google and other search engine providers will be required to draw up a “blacklist” of the most depraved and illegal search terms, the Prime Minister will announce.
The initiatives will also include new measures to stop children accidentally stumbling across explicit but legal pornographic images in public places, according to well-placed sources. The six biggest companies providing access to wireless internet in cafés and railway stations have all signed a deal to block legal pornography where children could view it. The roll-out of “family friendly Wi-Fi” is expected to begin from the end of August.
I guess this is OK, but this seems like more theater than anything else. Especially since all of this is supposed to be in response to the availability of child porn. No doubt that child porn should be removed from the planet — but before they do that, let’s get rid of the child pornographers. In any event, my understanding is that the worst of this stuff exists in places Google and other search engines can’t see, so I have no idea how well this will work.
Did you know that there is a remake of COSMOS in process? This time starring Professional Badass Astronomer Neil DeGrasse Tyson — a peak at the trailer:
I LOVED the original Cosmos with Carl Sagan and made a point to try to be in front of a TV to watch it every time it was broadcast. I have high hopes for this one!
What interests you today?