Matt Young
@opticist.bsky.social
opticist, sometime photographer, evolutionist (yes, that is a word), author of books and articles, retired physics professor, atheist (or at least strong agnostic), contributor to The Panda's Thumb, victim advocate, nudnik
My book report on Mitch Cruzan's book "Looking down the Tree," about human origins, on Panda's Thumb here: pandasthumb.org/archives/202... You may also find Prof Cruzan's preview to his book here: pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
November 9, 2025 at 4:10 AM
My book report on Mitch Cruzan's book "Looking down the Tree," about human origins, on Panda's Thumb here: pandasthumb.org/archives/202... You may also find Prof Cruzan's preview to his book here: pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
Reposted by Matt Young
Paul Braterman (@paulbraterman.bsky.social) illuminatingly discusses "Evolution and Creationism in the Age of Trump" for 3 Quarks Daily.
Evolution and Creationism in the age of Trump - 3 Quarks Daily
by Paul Braterman
3quarksdaily.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Paul Braterman (@paulbraterman.bsky.social) illuminatingly discusses "Evolution and Creationism in the Age of Trump" for 3 Quarks Daily.
From Bosley Crowther's 1964 review of Seven Days in May, which was shown on TCM tonight: "The idea [of a military coup] may seem a bit far‐fetched. Coups d’etat happen elsewhere, not here." What might he write today?
GOD BLESS AMERICA; ‘Seven Days in May’ a Stirring Film (Published 1964)
www.nytimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:10 AM
From Bosley Crowther's 1964 review of Seven Days in May, which was shown on TCM tonight: "The idea [of a military coup] may seem a bit far‐fetched. Coups d’etat happen elsewhere, not here." What might he write today?
I just ran an appreciation of Veritasium's video, Something Weird Happens When You Simulate Lifeless Molecules, on The Panda's Thumb, here: pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
What's weird is that you get (simulated) life.
What's weird is that you get (simulated) life.
November 3, 2025 at 10:50 PM
I just ran an appreciation of Veritasium's video, Something Weird Happens When You Simulate Lifeless Molecules, on The Panda's Thumb, here: pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
What's weird is that you get (simulated) life.
What's weird is that you get (simulated) life.
Reposted by Matt Young
We're celebrating a birthday today! Happy 80th to NCSE's first executive director, Eugenie Scott! 🧁
https://ncse.ngo/happy-80th-birthday-genie
https://ncse.ngo/happy-80th-birthday-genie
Happy 80th birthday, Genie! | National Center for Science Education
ncse.ngo
October 24, 2025 at 4:56 PM
We're celebrating a birthday today! Happy 80th to NCSE's first executive director, Eugenie Scott! 🧁
https://ncse.ngo/happy-80th-birthday-genie
https://ncse.ngo/happy-80th-birthday-genie
Joe Felsenstein just posted this link pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
to a YouTube video featuring Jason (The Failures of Mathematical Anti-Evolutionism) Rosenhouse, a math professor at James Madison University. Felsenstein calls it, "A demolition of creationist information theory."
to a YouTube video featuring Jason (The Failures of Mathematical Anti-Evolutionism) Rosenhouse, a math professor at James Madison University. Felsenstein calls it, "A demolition of creationist information theory."
Mathematician Debunks Creationist Information Theory
YouTube video by Phil Halper (aka Skydivephil)
youtu.be
October 16, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Joe Felsenstein just posted this link pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
to a YouTube video featuring Jason (The Failures of Mathematical Anti-Evolutionism) Rosenhouse, a math professor at James Madison University. Felsenstein calls it, "A demolition of creationist information theory."
to a YouTube video featuring Jason (The Failures of Mathematical Anti-Evolutionism) Rosenhouse, a math professor at James Madison University. Felsenstein calls it, "A demolition of creationist information theory."
From one of our Panda's Thumb Photography Contests a year or so ago, an Honorable Mention, "Aragonite Frostwork," by Alan Rice, posted the other day on PT.
pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
October 15, 2025 at 3:48 PM
From one of our Panda's Thumb Photography Contests a year or so ago, an Honorable Mention, "Aragonite Frostwork," by Alan Rice, posted the other day on PT.
pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
Reposted by Matt Young
Lexicographic enshrinement for Eugenie C. Scott's coinage "Gish Gallop"! @eugeniescott.bsky.social
Gish gallop
Gish gallop (sometimes gish gallop or Gish/gish galloping) refers to a rhetorical technique or strategy by which a debater puts forth too many false arguments for their opponent to be able to refute i...
www.merriam-webster.com
October 11, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Lexicographic enshrinement for Eugenie C. Scott's coinage "Gish Gallop"! @eugeniescott.bsky.social
Just ran on Panda's Thumb: "Building Bridges [between Science and Religion] That Can Bear Scientific Scrutiny," by Jamie Jensen, a biology prof at BYU and self-described member of a "conservative Christian religion." Lots of good insight, good comments.
pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
October 10, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Just ran on Panda's Thumb: "Building Bridges [between Science and Religion] That Can Bear Scientific Scrutiny," by Jamie Jensen, a biology prof at BYU and self-described member of a "conservative Christian religion." Lots of good insight, good comments.
pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
The Colorado Sun this morning. No further comment necessary:
Former Republican election official buys Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems coloradosun.com/2025/10/09/d...
Former Republican election official buys Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems coloradosun.com/2025/10/09/d...
Former Republican election official buys Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems
The newly formed company, Liberty Vote, also vowed to follow the executive order Trump signed last spring seeking sweeping changes to election policies that multiple judges have put on hold for violat...
coloradosun.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:44 PM
The Colorado Sun this morning. No further comment necessary:
Former Republican election official buys Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems coloradosun.com/2025/10/09/d...
Former Republican election official buys Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems coloradosun.com/2025/10/09/d...
2 good articles in Haaretz this morning. Not a peace plan but another cease fire....
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
A rushed Gaza cease-fire under Trump's pressure leaves the toughest questions unanswered
The Cease-fire Halts the War and Frees Hostages, Yet With No Roadmap for Gaza's Future – Its Borders, Leadership or Reconstruction – It Risks Becoming Another Short-lived Lull in a Conflict With No En...
www.haaretz.com
October 9, 2025 at 9:34 PM
2 good articles in Haaretz this morning. Not a peace plan but another cease fire....
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Another perceptive article by Mike Littwin, in which he notes inter alia that concentrating on health insurance alone may be too slim a reed: A shutdown is dangerous, but for the Trump opposition, it's the only way coloradosun.com/2025/10/05/l...
Littwin: A shutdown is dangerous, but for the Trump opposition, it's the only way
Trump threatens to attack blue states and cities if the shutdown continues. Of course, he was assaulting them before the shutdown.
coloradosun.com
October 6, 2025 at 3:25 AM
Another perceptive article by Mike Littwin, in which he notes inter alia that concentrating on health insurance alone may be too slim a reed: A shutdown is dangerous, but for the Trump opposition, it's the only way coloradosun.com/2025/10/05/l...
Another photograph on Panda's Thumb, a sun dog (parhelion) by my cousin Nicky Turner, taken on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, near her house on the western coast of Italy. (Caused by hexagonal ice crystals; see Greenler, Rainbows, Halos, and Glories, Chap. 2.)
pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
September 29, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Another photograph on Panda's Thumb, a sun dog (parhelion) by my cousin Nicky Turner, taken on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, near her house on the western coast of Italy. (Caused by hexagonal ice crystals; see Greenler, Rainbows, Halos, and Glories, Chap. 2.)
pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
pandasthumb.org/archives/202...
Reposted by Matt Young
Agree.
The current SCOTUS—openly corrupt (Thomas, Alito), nakedly unrepresentative (last Dem to appoint a Chief Justice=Harry Truman; GOP-appointed majority for 55+ years), cowering to Trump (John "Roger Taney" Roberts)—has failed to stand up for rule of law.
Needs to be central issue.
The current SCOTUS—openly corrupt (Thomas, Alito), nakedly unrepresentative (last Dem to appoint a Chief Justice=Harry Truman; GOP-appointed majority for 55+ years), cowering to Trump (John "Roger Taney" Roberts)—has failed to stand up for rule of law.
Needs to be central issue.
If rebalancing and reforming this MAGA #SCOTUS is not at the top of the agenda of every Democratic candidates running for federal offices (including the big one) - not sure what are we even doing.
And it needs to be more than an issue page - they need to be campaigning on it.
And it needs to be more than an issue page - they need to be campaigning on it.
the question to ask the republican majority on the court is “what CAN’T trump do?”
September 26, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Agree.
The current SCOTUS—openly corrupt (Thomas, Alito), nakedly unrepresentative (last Dem to appoint a Chief Justice=Harry Truman; GOP-appointed majority for 55+ years), cowering to Trump (John "Roger Taney" Roberts)—has failed to stand up for rule of law.
Needs to be central issue.
The current SCOTUS—openly corrupt (Thomas, Alito), nakedly unrepresentative (last Dem to appoint a Chief Justice=Harry Truman; GOP-appointed majority for 55+ years), cowering to Trump (John "Roger Taney" Roberts)—has failed to stand up for rule of law.
Needs to be central issue.
Researchers are relieved at Trump’s likely pick for National Cancer Institute | Science | AAAS www.science.org/content/arti...
Researchers are relieved at Trump’s likely pick for National Cancer Institute
Harvard physician-scientist Anthony Letai is poised to head world’s largest cancer research agency
www.science.org
September 26, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Researchers are relieved at Trump’s likely pick for National Cancer Institute | Science | AAAS www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Matt Young
Edward J. Larson offers a characteristically insightful review of a new history of the "intelligent design" movement.
The Flickering Flame of Intelligent Design - Christianity Today
A new study asks why the ID movement hasn’t left a more enduring mark on scientific or religious thought.
www.christianitytoday.com
September 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Edward J. Larson offers a characteristically insightful review of a new history of the "intelligent design" movement.
Reposted by Matt Young
To summarize: a study showing an autism odds ratio of 1.6-4.1 for Tylenol use in pregnancy finally explains why autism rates have gone from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 31.
September 22, 2025 at 11:45 PM
To summarize: a study showing an autism odds ratio of 1.6-4.1 for Tylenol use in pregnancy finally explains why autism rates have gone from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 31.
This afternoon, on the eve of the New Year, we went to see Hamilton. Damme if it did not turn out to be a Disney property! Got home and read
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/22/b...
No idea what Kimmel may have given up, but good to see everyone backpedaling. Maybe freedom of speech hangs on after all.…
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/22/b...
No idea what Kimmel may have given up, but good to see everyone backpedaling. Maybe freedom of speech hangs on after all.…
Jimmy Kimmel’s Show to Return to ABC on Tuesday Night
www.nytimes.com
September 23, 2025 at 1:51 AM
This afternoon, on the eve of the New Year, we went to see Hamilton. Damme if it did not turn out to be a Disney property! Got home and read
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/22/b...
No idea what Kimmel may have given up, but good to see everyone backpedaling. Maybe freedom of speech hangs on after all.…
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/22/b...
No idea what Kimmel may have given up, but good to see everyone backpedaling. Maybe freedom of speech hangs on after all.…
If you do not read the Colo Sun, you might consider it. Here is a story about council member Emily Tracy, who had the temerity to quote Charlie Kirk accurately.
Carman: The First Amendment is on life support in Cañon City coloradosun.com/2025/09/21/c...
Carman: The First Amendment is on life support in Cañon City coloradosun.com/2025/09/21/c...
Carman: The First Amendment is on life support in Cañon City
Cañon City councilwoman Emily Tracy has been fearless in standing up for her right to free speech after posting about Charlie Kirk
coloradosun.com
September 21, 2025 at 3:38 PM
If you do not read the Colo Sun, you might consider it. Here is a story about council member Emily Tracy, who had the temerity to quote Charlie Kirk accurately.
Carman: The First Amendment is on life support in Cañon City coloradosun.com/2025/09/21/c...
Carman: The First Amendment is on life support in Cañon City coloradosun.com/2025/09/21/c...
Of course they did! What did you expect? How did Hollywood react to McCarthy? Ought to be powerful enough to stand up to Trump, yet they give cowardice a bad name.
www.thenation.com/article/soci...
www.thenation.com/article/soci...
Jimmy Kimmel’s Bosses Sold Us All Out
Mainstream media is complicit in the biggest attack on free speech since the McCarthy era. Kimmel’s suspension is just the latest proof.
www.thenation.com
September 18, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Of course they did! What did you expect? How did Hollywood react to McCarthy? Ought to be powerful enough to stand up to Trump, yet they give cowardice a bad name.
www.thenation.com/article/soci...
www.thenation.com/article/soci...
Reposted by Matt Young
Full McCarthy? Vance et al. may make McCarthy look positively benign. Another splendid column by Mike Littwin:
"After Charlie Kirk’s death, Trump and his MAGA team go full McCarthy." coloradosun.com/2025/09/17/c...
"After Charlie Kirk’s death, Trump and his MAGA team go full McCarthy." coloradosun.com/2025/09/17/c...
Littwin: After Charlie Kirk’s death, Trump and his MAGA team go full McCarthy
Don’t expect the post-Charlie Kirk witch hunt to end any time soon. The inquisition has already come to Colorado.
coloradosun.com
September 17, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Full McCarthy? Vance et al. may make McCarthy look positively benign. Another splendid column by Mike Littwin:
"After Charlie Kirk’s death, Trump and his MAGA team go full McCarthy." coloradosun.com/2025/09/17/c...
"After Charlie Kirk’s death, Trump and his MAGA team go full McCarthy." coloradosun.com/2025/09/17/c...
Reposted by Matt Young
In case there is any doubt
September 15, 2025 at 12:12 AM
In case there is any doubt
Mike Littwin, Colorado Sun columinst: "Charlie Kirk’s assassination looks like a watershed moment. I fear where we’re headed next." So do I. coloradosun.com/2025/09/14/c...
Littwin: Charlie Kirk’s assassination looks like a watershed moment. I fear where we’re headed next.
At Evergreen High School, another tragic Colorado school shooting and another reminder of how little progress we’ve made since Columbine.
coloradosun.com
September 14, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Mike Littwin, Colorado Sun columinst: "Charlie Kirk’s assassination looks like a watershed moment. I fear where we’re headed next." So do I. coloradosun.com/2025/09/14/c...
Reposted by Matt Young
VAERS data are being weaponized for anti-vax propaganda. It’s a biased data source that is helpful for early detection of potential safety issues, but it can’t prove an adverse event was caused by a vaccine. VAERS signals must be confirmed in a population cohort such as Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD)
Trump officials to link covid shots to child deaths, alarming career scientists: Reminder: Misrepresenting VAERS reports is an old anti-vaccine trope. Secretary Kennedy's team is trying to hide the lack of good data behind denying people covid-19 vaccines. wapo.st/47IvcNM
Trump officials to link covid shots to child deaths, alarming career scientists
The move to link coronavirus vaccines to 25 child deaths has alarmed career scientists who say the shots have been extensively studied.
wapo.st
September 14, 2025 at 2:49 AM
VAERS data are being weaponized for anti-vax propaganda. It’s a biased data source that is helpful for early detection of potential safety issues, but it can’t prove an adverse event was caused by a vaccine. VAERS signals must be confirmed in a population cohort such as Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD)