Step away from the sushi.

Sushi DNA Tests Reveal Fraud

by Aaron Rowe
Wired - November 20, 2009

A biologist walks into a sushi bar and orders some tuna. What does he get? Escolar, a nasty fish with buttery flesh that can cause bizarre episodes of diarrhea, accompanied by a waxy intestinal discharge.

It’s not a joke. It happened five times to the same scientists during a brief research project. The results of that study were published Wednesday in PLOS One.

“A piece of tuna sushi has the potential to be an endangered species, a fraud or a health hazard,” wrote the authors. “All three of these cases were uncovered in this study.”

[Read more.]

KU Student article: "Don't 'believe' in evolution"

Folmsbee: Don't 'believe' in evolution

By Sai Folmsbee

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Next Tuesday is the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin’s revolutionary book “On the Origin of Species.” This will celebrate 150 years of dynamic scientific research following Darwin’s original theory, improving our understanding of the role of evolution in creating the diversity of life on earth.

It also reflects the concurrent dissatisfaction and controversy that has accompanied Darwin’s theory throughout history. Although many still dispute evolution as either factually incorrect or morally reprehensible for religious reasons, Darwin’s theory of evolution is purely a scientific proposition, entirely exclusive and non-intrusive upon religious ideas.

This month, however, the Christian ministry Living Waters, headed by Ray Comfort, has promised to distribute more than 100,000 “altered” copies of the book to college campuses around the country. Each of these reprinted editions will contain a 50-page introduction promoting intelligent design and refuting the theory of evolution explained by Darwin. This introduction attacks the modern evidence for evolution beyond the scope of Darwin’s investigations, such as genetics and transitional fossils, but then descends into a full-fledged attack on Darwin’s character.

[Read more.]

Video of KCFS/KCAU event Nov. 6 now ONLINE!

Apparently, someone did a head count and counted 93 people! That's about 20 more than our maximum estimate. Guests included students from Metro, Johnson County and Longview Community Colleges, members of GKCAU, humanists, KCFS members and others.

Thanks to C. J. Janovy of the Pitch, who blogged about our event beforehand, and KCAU's Lynne Schultz for sending out the announcement to her lists.

We enjoyed three great talks that evening by Paul Decelles, professor of biology at JCCC; Josh Rosenau, now a public information director at the National Center for Science Education (http://www.ncseweb.org); and David Burress, retired KU economics professor. Here's where you can enjoy them, too:

Video files and website (http://www.aukc.org) news:

AU's video files of the event are uploaded to their website at http://www.aukc.org/Multimedia.shtml.

There is a link to it from the main navigation menu (http://www.aukc.org).

Even more pix from 10th Anniversary celebration

Lois and Steve Lopes

Keith and Ruth Miller (Ian was there, too, but where?)

KCFS folk: Chris Haufler, Cheryl Shepherd Adams, Doug Phenix, Matt Buechner, Charlotte McDonald, Kristen (Brumm) Christmas, Jack Krebs

New KCFS Board member Gene Garman from Pittsburg. Long-time defender of church-state separation and author of "America's Real Religion." It's on Amazon.com

Josh Rosenau, now public information director for the National Center for Science Education, was our honored guest.

Harry McDonald presented a special KCFS award to Josh in recognition of his work defending the teaching of mainstream science in public schools. KCFS members Steve Lopes, Jack Krebs and Liz Craig also received awards.

Jeremy Mohn, biology teacher and blogger ("An Evolving Creation"), treated guests to a tune by They Might Be Giants.

Alex is a sociologist/anthropologist from the University of Birmingham in England. He's in Kansas to study our strange brand of politics. He brought his wife and his daughter, Ciara, to the celebration. 

A historical display of posters, books, pamphlets, news stories and other memorabilia from KCFS' 10-year journey greeted guests as they arrived at the KU Natural History Museum. In other words, we dug around in our basements and dragged some of our "collections" to the museum. It was fun to see where we've been. A long, strange trip, indeed.

More Pix from 10th Anniversary

   Making the scene

Food was great, courtesy KU catering service. Harry welcomes guests.

Current KBOE members Janet Waugh and Sue Storm, retired KBOE member Bill Wagnon, Cathy Mallula and polar bear.

Attorney Pedro Irigonegaray and Janet

Treasurer Keith Miller (left) reports our bank account is in good shape to start the new year.

Four Presidents - 1999-2009

Here's a good picture of all four KCFS Presidents at the 10th Anniversary celebration, sent by Steve Lopes. He also sent it to the LJWorld. It may appear in the Society section (Society section???) this weekend. Keep a lookout.

From left to right: Jack Krebs, Liz Craig, current President Harry McDonald, founding President Steve Lopes

Pictures from the Weekend

Pictures from Saturday. Except for a few cell phone pics, I did not get any Friday evening AU pics so if any one has any I'd appreciate getting copies.

Here are a couple of Josh, Sat afternoon. We spent a couple of delightful hours shooting pictures in the Baker Wetlands in Lawrence.




















Digital predator and prey.















Harry at the museum





















Jeremy doing his There Be Giants song




















Jack, Liz, Harry, Steve














Harry and Liz

Presidents of KCFS from Left to Right
Jack Krebs, Liz Craig, Harry McDonald
Steve Lopes. 10th Anniversary Nov. 7, 2009

posting pictures

Hey Mousie,

How do you post pictures?

KCFS: Celebrating 10 Years

Last night, at the KU Natural History Museum, KCFS members and friends celebrated 10 years of advocacy for sound science education. Food, drink and good fellowship abounded, and after the election of new officers and Board members, President Harry McDonald surprised several long-time Board members with special citations for their contributions over the past decade.

Honored guest Josh Rosenau, former KU grad student and now a public information director for the National Center for Science Education, spoke briefly of the ongoing work to ensure quality science education in U.S. public schools. Other guests included current KBOE members Janet Waugh and Sue Storm and retired KBOE member Bill Wagnon.

Guests enjoyed a song from They Might Be Giants sung by biology teacher and blogger Jeremy Mohn (Stand Up For Real Science blog) as they munched tasty food provided by the KU catering service.

KCFS Board members displayed prized historical possessions, including books by some pro-science friends we have made over the past 10 years, as well as news clippings, posters and other reminders of the long, long road we've traveled since 1999.

Door prizes included a copy of the 1999 "creationist" science standards; the book, "Not in Our Classrooms," co-authored by NCSE's Genie Scott; a copy of Richard Dawkins' book, "The Ancestor's Tale," and perhaps most prized of all, a bumper sticker from legendary folk singer Pete Seeger reading, "Gravity is just a theory."

It was a great evening. Lots of photos were taken, and as I receive them, I'll post them here.

More KCFS photos

June 2005 - Lawrence KS - Kansas Citizens for Science post "trial" gathering.

The 3 Amigos! - Pedro, Harry, Jack

Last night's event at JCCC

The speaker event (see press release below) was a smash hit! The room at JCCC was supposed to hold 75 people, but before the program started, volunteers had to bring out more chairs. Moderator Harry McDonald estimated there were about 90 people there.

The crowd was respectful and seemed very interested in the topics.  Paul Decelles, professor of biology at JCCC (photo at left), explained some common myths about science; Josh Rosenau, public information person from the National Center for Science Education (www.ncseweb.org), described the evolution of anti-science activities; and retired KU economics professor David Burress gave a breakdown of different population groups that favor or oppose science.

Thanks to everyone who helped get the word out and everyone who attended. It was a fascinating evening.

KCFS' next event, on December 3 at JCCC, which is billed as a Year of Science event, (http://www.yearofscience2009.org/home/), will be a kind of scientific game show loosely based on "Family Feud." More details as I get them.