It's a Christmas miracle!

May you be touched by His noodly appendage this holiday season.

A Memo For McLeroy

I am shocked and appalled to learn that Don McLeroy, chairman of the Texas State Board of Eduction, had the nerve to write a letter to the editor in response to this recent column.

My focus is on the empirical evidence and the scientific interpretations of that evidence. In science class, there is no place for dogma and “sacred cows;” no subject should be “untouchable” as to its scientific merits or shortcomings. My motivation is good science and a well-trained, scientifically literate student.

What can stop science is an irrefutable preconception. Anytime you attempt to limit possible explanations in science, it is then that you get your science stopper. In science class, it is important to remember that the consensus of a conviction does not determine whether it is true or false. In science class, you teach science.

This is highly inappropriate. I believe this is an offense that calls for termination or, at the very least, reassignment of responsibilities.

Be careful of what you say, McLeroy, especially in science. You work for the State Board of Education, and whatever the company line is, that's what you must follow. As you know, we have a longstanding policy that this is a subject upon which the agency must remain neutral. You are hereby directed to not communicate in writing or otherwise with anyone outside the agency in any way that might compromise the transparency and/or integrity of the upcoming TEKS development and revision process.

I can't get no sleep

I haven't been sleeping well lately, and last night I didn't get to sleep at all. But no worries. I've always been a bit of a night owl. I'll probably crash sometime later today. Since I haven't posted anything in quite a while, enjoy this music video, "Insomnia" by Faithless.



I feel better already.