Correct Terminology

Is the String Theory, really a theory?  I thought that an idea was a hypothesis, until it was supported by independently corroborated empirical data, not just mathematical exploration that determines plausibility.

I may be wrong.  Is it correct to use the term "theory" in mathematics when describing a hypothesis that is supported by calculations but not necessarily empirical data.

 Is it correct to use this one term in so many ways, when agenda driven anti-rationalists chose to use the term "out of context".  It is hard to define a term when it has so many uses within the scientific community, that don't all meet the same criteria.  Can we really claim that a term is co-opted by the opposition when we ourselves are not entirely self consistent?

How do we resolve this?  Can we define terms more clearly,and somehow enforce their use?

I think it will take a concerted effort for all involved to use the most appropriate terms that are not only precise, but are accurate.

Politics in Scouting

It's always disappointing when adults go in to a youth movement as a volunteer and there motives are not for benefit of the youth members, and only for there own personal political gain.

In general of the leaders and volunteers who live and work for the youth, do a fantastic job.  Even those who don't do a fantastic job still do it for right reasons.  It is the very small minority who act as if the only way to advance or further there own political agendas is to step on and destroy anything and everything in their way.

From what I can see these people have a short lived career when they reach that top goal, because the wake of destruction that they create on the way up does not go un-noticed.  Sure it gets overlooked in the short term because we "need someone to take over" or "they have showed great ambition, so they should be good at the job".  Unfortunately it can take a long time for the right political circumstances to take place.  In the long run, you still need to work with the people around you.  If you manage to get 99% of the people under your control, offside, don't expect a smooth ride.  Being a volunteer organisation, it can be very easy for a volunteer to say "I'm not being paid for this c*&p, i'm out of here" and before too long your once thriving group, district, movement, that you soooo wanted to have control over, is no longer.

I hope all the effort is worth the damage.

Camping and Cubs

We have just received the district and branch plans for the camps (at least for the next couple of months). We have so much going on.  Cuboree (Scout patrol leaders, new scouts and linking cubs), District cubs camp, we have a sleepover at our groups hall (with good weather they will be in tents) and I'm sure there will be something I have missed.
As one of the most common problems with scouting, is finding willing volunteers to help run activities.  Camps especially so.  So when the whole district wants to run a camp, its great.  There are people who have done it before, and new people.  There is usually the planning and other major parts to the camp already sorted out, and for the rest of us, just turn up and pitch in.
It's a great learning experience on how to and how not to do things.

Now if I can only get all of the cubs to come (not just the same ones who love to go camping).

Maybe can get some of the new parents to volunteer as well.

It will be an interesting few couple of weeks.

Podcasts

I have just added a list of some of the podcasts that I try to keep up with.  So much great science and critical thinking.  They are all fantastic I just wish I had more time to listen to more.

Enjoy

Skeptic Meetup

A great evening talking about all things skeptical (and outdoor activities and scouting) at the last Perth Skeptic Meetup.
I am organising another meeting this month.  It is at High Wycombe Tavern on Sunday January 30th.
Come and join us for woodfired pizza's, frank discussion.

Cub scouts and Placebo Bands

The Cubs had the end of year meeting, where we made Christmas decorations, present name tags, and everyone (including parents and leaders), got a PLACEBO BAND as gift from me.

Surprisingly, when I was demonstrating how the All Natural Placebonic Frequencies, imbedded in the hologram would improve the subjects balance, flexibility, and endurance, they didn't believe me!

A smart bunch those 8 and 9 year olds.

All were keen to get mum and dad (and grandparents) to try the PLACEBO BANDs and "help" them.

A great end to a great scouting year.

Con Trail

Oh no contrail, chemtrail, cottontail, etc.

or Could it be the moisture being condensed from the air at the wingtips of a plane?