Author Archives: Stentor

So Long

Posted on July 31, 2006 by Stentor

Well, just as I’ve finally managed to post something of substance, it seems July is over. And I’m about to commence moving from New South Wales to Arizona, so posting at debitage will be light for the next couple weeks … Continue reading →

Posted in Site and Admin Stuff | 1 Comment

The Unfairness Of Yucca Mountain

Posted on July 28, 2006 by Stentor

The proposal for a national nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain is back in the news, as the Department of Energy moves forward with plans, people turn their attention to nuclear power as an alternative to increasingly expensive oil, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Environmental issues | 31 Comments

Climate Change Is Morally Repugnant

Posted on July 27, 2006 by Stentor

I’m a pretty sorry excuse for a blogger, since I’m only just now getting around to commenting on a much-blogged article by Daniel Gilbert about climate change. Gilbert argues that people aren’t concerned about climate change, because people all have … Continue reading →

Posted in Environmental issues | 9 Comments

Chimaeras and Environmentalism

Posted on July 22, 2006 by Stentor

David Barash thinks that creating human-ape hybrids would be a great way to strike a blow for truth and reason. His main motivation is to disprove creationism — though how designing a new creature will prove evolution escapes me. More … Continue reading →

Posted in Environmental issues | 11 Comments

Let DC Vote

Posted on July 18, 2006 by Stentor

This is one of the world’s comparatively minor injustices, but nevertheless one that it’s useful to be reminded of from time to time, since there’s no excuse for it: Residents of Washington, DC have no representation in Congress. All they … Continue reading →

Posted in Elections and politics | 18 Comments

Australia To Be World's Top Horse And Buggy Exporter

Posted on July 17, 2006 by Stentor

I guess you have to give John Howard credit for being honest. The Aussie PM is excited about the prospect of Australia becoming an “energy superpower” by expanding its share of the fossil fuel market. Howard rejects not only the … Continue reading →

Posted in Environmental issues | 4 Comments

Can *Beta* Males Be (Pro)Feminists?

Posted on July 16, 2006 by Stentor

Over at Pandagon, there’s a good discussion of whether “alpha males” — men who strongly exhibit stereotypically masculine characteristics, like assertiveness, self-control, extroversion, leadership, risk-taking, not-taking-shit-from-anyone — can be (pro)feminists. The conclusion, with which I agree, seems to be a … Continue reading →

Posted in Feminism, sexism, etc | 34 Comments

Can an animal rights activist accept medical treatment invented through animal testing?

Posted on July 11, 2006 by Stentor

In the comments to a recent post, Jenn asks: And I’m still curious to know how many animal rights activsts refuse medical treatment for themselves or someone they love based on its history in animal experimentation? I have no idea … Continue reading →

Posted in Environmental issues | 37 Comments

If a tree burns in the woods and there's nobody to hear it …

Posted on July 9, 2006 by Stentor

Let’s go back to writing about something I actually know something about. The headlines say climate change causes wildfires. And indeed, a new study (pdf) found a strong correlation between the increase during the 1980s in the number and length … Continue reading →

Posted in Environmental issues | 3 Comments

The Real You vs A New Creation

Posted on July 8, 2006 by Stentor

In describing his efforts at recognizing privilege and becoming a better (pro)feminist, Malachi at Feminist Allies writes: A major part of the problem is that I *do* have a lot (some say an excess) of self-confidence, a forceful personality, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Feminism, sexism, etc | 9 Comments