I hate it when the popular press leaps on a “new scientific discovery,” and it turns out that the research hasn’t even been published yet. Such is the case with this research on brain patterns in political partisans (update: it’s also in the NYT — thanks for pointing that out, Coturnix). Drew Westen claims that members of both parties turn off the rational parts of their brains when presented with contradictions in their candidate’s reasoning. Can we believe Westen? Not when according to his own website, the article’s still being revised.

Why bother with all the talk about how to revise the peer review process, when the popular press touts “discoveries” before they’re even reviewed?

I’d nominate this Stephen Colbert parody of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech for best satire of the year. Unfortunately I can’t get it to play on my Mac. Fortunately I have TiVo. But in case you can, and you don’t, I’ve provided the link for you.

Update: Now I’ve gotten it to play on a Mac, just not my Mac. I suspect it will play fine for most people.

You probably spotted this web site years ago, but it’s new to me. Hilarious “demotivational” posters and other gear.