Transmissions 
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Chronomike = 20070930
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Transmission # = 4132267766052187867
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James Watson a Crotchety Bastard
I went and saw James Watson (of "and Crick" infamy) speak this week at Pacific Science Center to promote his new book, "Avoid Boring People" (link intentionally withheld). It turns out that this Nobel Prize winning scientific icon responsible for one of the most significant findings of the last century is an antisemitic, sexist, crotchety old bastard. Generally, I'm a fan of giving anyone who's Watson's age (79) a wider latitude to be as opinionated as he wants without judging harshly, but even if many of the statements I share of his below were meant humorously, it is irresponsible of such an icon as he to promote these views and paint such a dreary picture of the scientific community when people come to see him to be inspired toward science.
Antisemitic: He said that he hated Jews as a kid. He also said when asked what he thought of the movie about himself that he wished he hadn't been played by a Jew.
Sexist: He said that women as a whole prefer the softer social sciences because they themselves are more social. He did know one good woman scientist who worked hard "like a man" 80 hours a week. Good scientists [who are men], however, shouldn't have kids over five years old at home because their wives will inevitably make them come home from their work and help. Some "girly men" in the sciences aren't willing to win, so they don't get ahead competitively.
Crotchety: He said that the social sciences aren't really sciences at all. He said that the main reason there aren't more scientists is that they don't get paid enough, and what motivation is there other than money? There certainly aren't any motivating women in the sciences.
Bastard: He said that Rosalind Franklin (who took the first "photo" of DNA which Watson and Crick used to confirm their double-helix theory) was mean, anti-social, and generally disliked by everyone. Because she couldn't move through the social circle of male scientists, she deserved not to have her name on the groundbreaking paper.
James Watson is from a different era of science in America. He was also clearly trying to avoid boring people with his talk. Nevertheless, I would like to see people like him who clearly care about their disciplines (he ranted for awhile about the national shift away from science, and how presidential scientific advisers are not respected like the once were) to try to push their disciplines toward the ideal by inspiring young people. The message needs to be that this is how science was, but this is how it can be if you work hard. I'd like his next book to be called, "Avoid Offending People."
Transmitted by Michael Bowers
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Transmission # = 897291414856957486
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Retro, Pinker, Watson
Here are three events related to my work that you won't want to miss:
Science with a Twist: Retro Science
Thursday, September 20, 2007
6:00-9:00 p.m., Laser show at 8:30 p.m.
Pacific Science Center
It's an '80s party and you're invited! Remember those family trips to the Science Center? And the awesome toys you played with as a kid? Explore these and more as you listen to some classic tunes. After happy hour catch our Radical '80s Laser Show in the Seattle Laser Dome. Don't forget the leg warmers, parachute pants, and big hair - a prize will be awarded for the best '80s outfit! You must be 21 or older to attend, ID required.
Science: Steven Pinker on 'The Stuff of Thought'
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
7:30pm
Town Hall's Great Hall, enter on 8th Avenue
Steven Pinker is a Harvard psychology professor and popular science writer well known for his work on how children acquire language (The Language Instinct, How the Mind Works and The Blank Slate). Pinker believes the human mind evolved by natural selection just like other body parts, and that language reflects innate brain structure. In his new book, The Stuff of Thought, Pinker explores the concepts of metaphor, causality, naming, swearing, and politeness as tools that humans use to organize the flow of raw information. Presented as part of the Seattle Science Lecture Series with University Book Store. Tickets are $5 at the door only. Town Hall members receive priority seating.
Lecture: An Evening with James Watson
Thursday, September 27, 2007
7:00 PM
Pacific Science Center
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from one of the brilliant minds of our time. James Watson is best known for being one of the discoverers of the DNA molecule, who later was awarded the Nobel Prize for the discovery. Whether you are planning a career in science or just want to meet and hear from a science pioneer of our time, this is an evening that’s sure to delight. This event is free for Pacific Science Center members, $5 for the general public.
Transmitted by Michael Bowers
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Transmission # = 3170442078911190511
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Two Words, Seven Recommendations
What's the word for those janky rumblings in my belly after I eat milk products?
Here are seven things I'd recommend from recent experience:
- Listen to KT Tunstall
- Go fishing
- Eat Nepali food with your hands
- Break your elbow
- Watch a meteor shower at 4am in a farmer's driveway
- Create new songs in Apple's GarageBand
- Try to create a map of the United States from memory
Transmitted by Michael Bowers
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