Articles written by: Daniel Bastian

Review: Physics in Minutes

Review: Physics in Minutes

Perfect for lavatories and coffee tables, Physics in Minutes offers up accessible descriptions of the physical principles which govern the Universe and everything within it.

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‘Sovereign Citizens’ and the Oregon Standoff

‘Sovereign Citizens’ and the Oregon Standoff

A Rachel Maddow segment from last year provides important context for and traces the historical threads that underlie the current standoff in Burns, Oregon.

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Trump Surfaces in Islamist Recruitment Film

Trump Surfaces in Islamist Recruitment Film

Donald Trump’s anti-Muslim hostility is being used for recruitment purposes by Al-Shabab, an Al-Qaeda-aligned Islamist group.

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On School Shootings and School Prayer

On School Shootings and School Prayer

Debunking witless memes is a thankless job, but someone’s got to do it.

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A Tale of Two Interviews: Megan Phelps-Roper and Paul Bloom

A Tale of Two Interviews: Megan Phelps-Roper and Paul Bloom

I highlight two recent podcasts from the Sam Harris catalog: an inspirational chat with an ex-Westboro member, and an unpacking of a psychologist’s controversial take on empathy.

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No, Obama Did Not “Threaten” Christians at DNC Gala

No, Obama Did Not “Threaten” Christians at DNC Gala

Obama’s remarks at a recent LGBT event have ruffled the feathers of the usual suspects, who responded by stoking conservative prejudices with a cargo container of hyperbole.

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Review: Hatchet, The River

Review: Hatchet, The River

A review double feature of Gary Paulsen’s survivalist series for young readers.

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Review: Why Does the World Exist?

Review: Why Does the World Exist?

In this wondrously metaphysical memoir, Jim Holt takes us from Nothingness to Being, and back again.

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On Selective Literalism and Gay Marriage

On Selective Literalism and Gay Marriage

A brief lesson in epistemology illustrates how biblical literalism at best provides non-answers and at worst is self-defeating.

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Review: The City and the Stars

Review: The City and the Stars

Arthur C. Clarke’s visionary tale of the distant future shines a light on humanity’s relationship with technology as a guarded society rediscovers its place in the universe.

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EPA Places Ban on Minor Greenhouse Gas

Wednesday June 8, 2011 brought temperatures to 94 F and a smog alert for central Ohio. The sun is reflected in the Scioto River looking east toward downtown Columbus, Ohio. (Dispatch photo by Craig Holman,  (ABOARD WBNS CHOPPER 10)    columbus skyline

The EPA finalized new requirements this week limiting the use of HFCs, a class of synthetic chemicals that contributes to climate change.

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A Mathematical Approach to Countering Resistant Bacteria

A Mathematical Approach to Countering Resistant Bacteria

A new study proposes a mathematical model for reversing drug resistance in bacteria.

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