Bad science, promises and activism
Do Dogs Like to Be Hugged?
The Internet can be a rich source of half-baked information, and the latest is a report that dogs hate to be hugged. This turns out to be based on some speculation by a single retired researcher, who looked at a bunch of online photos of dogs being hugged and concluded that most of them looked unhappy. Rachel Feltman, writing in The Washington Post, interviewed the author, Stanley Coren, who described his work as “a set of casual observations.”
“The trick might be that the word ‘data’ appears,” he said. “If you use science words, people are impressed.” The lesson here is that we should be less impressed — and perhaps that we should hug each other instead of our dogs.
Mariners headed for World Series Win
John Stanton, a billionaire tech businessman and part owner of the Mariners, a will take over as CEO and chairman of the board of the 17 team owners, all of whom are now local folks. Nintendo is selling its shares to them. “The goal of this ownership team is to win a World Series here in Seattle,” Stanton said, “and have a parade and celebration for that event.” Fans will definitely want to hold him to that promise.
The Shame of Dennis Hastert
Dennis Hastert, the former speaker of the House who rose in state and national politics after working as a high school wrestling coach, got what he deserved for sexually abusing his students. He will spend 15 months in prison, and live out his days in shame and humiliation. By all accounts, everyone but his victims thought he was a great guy and never suspected he was capable of such crimes. That is a more common phenomenon than most of us care to recognize. The best that can be said about this awful drama is that it represents some measure of vindication for victims who have suffered in silence for many decades and may embolden others to speak their truth.
Nosy Neighbors are a Good Thing
The Eastside Neighborhood Association had a lively meeting last week to talk about neighborhood burglaries and car prowls, and the now-infamous suspected drug house on Central Street. Olympia police Lt. Paul Lower noted that while crime is no higher in this neighborhood, “You guys are our best neighborhood when it comes to communication.” He also noted that the best crime deterrent is a nosy neighbor. Helpful neighbors are also effective — like Brian Brannies, president of the neighborhood association, who offered to install lights on his neighbors’ homes if they’re not comfortable climbing ladders.
This story was originally published May 1, 2016 at 6:22 PM with the headline "Bad science, promises and activism."