Grant Morrison @ Disinfocon

[hooplala]

Planting with only one breed wouldn't be very scientific, would it?

people = irrational monkeys.

That argument holds no water with me, and being that you are a scientist I find it very disappointing that you would choose to hold it when it comes to scientific matters.

[Mesozoic Mister Nigel]

Check out the potato famine.

We didn't learn anything from it, at all.

[hooplala]

Check out the potato famine.

We didn't learn anything from it, at all.

Who is we?

And, it would seem to me that a statement like that should be backed up in some manner.

[Kai]

Planting with only one breed wouldn't be very scientific, would it?

people = irrational monkeys.

That argument holds no water with me, and being that you are a scientist I find it very disappointing that you would choose to hold it when it comes to scientific matters.

It holds plenty of water with me. Consider this: CO2 is a clear thermoinsulator, as can be seen from the atmosphere of Venus. Human activities are pouring more CO2 into the atmosphere now than has been in a very long time. Fact: we could mitigate the effects by developing technology to clean up excess CO2 and regulate use of carbon-oxidizing fuels. Or at least turn this boat around at some point.

Are people doing this? NOOOOOOOOOOO. Despite all evidence to support above scientifically rational moves.

Science is great but application often breaks down because humans are irrational monkeys. Just because something can work, doesn't mean it will.

[Mesozoic Mister Nigel]

Check out the potato famine.

We didn't learn anything from it, at all.

Who is we?

And, it would seem to me that a statement like that should be backed up in some manner.

Here,

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=monoculture

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=potato+famine

This is kind of elementary stuff.

You can also learn more about the risks of monoculture by looking up "coffee rust disease" and "banana extinction".

These, of course, are separate issues from soil-stripping farming methods.

[hooplala]

Planting with only one breed wouldn't be very scientific, would it?

people = irrational monkeys.

That argument holds no water with me, and being that you are a scientist I find it very disappointing that you would choose to hold it when it comes to scientific matters.

It holds plenty of water with me. Consider this: CO2 is a clear thermoinsulator, as can be seen from the atmosphere of Venus. Human activities are pouring more CO2 into the atmosphere now than has been in a very long time. Fact: we could mitigate the effects by developing technology to clean up excess CO2 and regulate use of carbon-oxidizing fuels. Or at least turn this boat around at some point.

Are people doing this? NOOOOOOOOOOO. Despite all evidence to support above scientifically rational moves.

Science is great but application often breaks down because humans are irrational monkeys. Just because something can work, doesn't mean it will.

So one example proves that we are irrational monkeys?  Very scientific.

OK, I'm dropping out of this conversation at this point.  And I think I will drop out of all conversations in the future once I see any variation of the "Humans are irrational monkeys" argument.  Apparently everyone here now believes it is the perfect trump card.

[Mesozoic Mister Nigel]

How about "Humans do irrational things with little respect for damaging long-term consequences when faced with short-term personal profit"?

That's pretty much the short story behind monoculture, as well as a lot of other really stupid moves in human history.

[Kai]

How about "Humans do irrational things with little respect for damaging long-term consequences when faced with short-term personal profit"?

That's pretty much the short story behind monoculture, as well as a lot of other really stupid moves in human history.

Bing-o.

[Eater of Clowns]

Planting with only one breed wouldn't be very scientific, would it?

No, it's incredibly short sighted and stupid.

Farming science is pretty limited.  There are too many variables and not enough time to accurately test them (once per year - the planting season).  Taking into account soil loss, soil nutrients, weather patterns, pest activity, etc, all of which is only predictable on a limited basis.  This isn't even mentioning previous patterns of weather that are now changing due to global warming/climate change/global weirding whatever you want to call it.  What works once isn't guaranteed to work again.

Farming is also a business.  What makes sense and is responsible is disregarded in favor of what's profitable - vast monocultures of corn in the US, etc. 

[Mesozoic Mister Nigel]

Planting with only one breed wouldn't be very scientific, would it?

How many strains of Roundup Ready soybeans does Monsanto offer?

[Doktor Howl]

Planting with only one breed wouldn't be very scientific, would it?

people = irrational monkeys.

That argument holds no water with me, and being that you are a scientist I find it very disappointing that you would choose to hold it when it comes to scientific matters.

There is nothing unscientific about the fact that people in groups are irrational.

[Doktor Howl]

OK, I'm dropping out of this conversation at this point.  

Oh, for fuck's sake.

[Elder Iptuous]

Okay, this pisses me the fuck off.

what does?

[Doktor Howl]

Okay, this pisses me the fuck off.

what does?

Good conversation going.  One side flounces the thread when faced with an inconvenient fact.  Usually seems to be the same side.

I am never debating with a libertarian again, except in the rawest form of trolling.  Period.

[Doktor Howl]

First Ratatosk runs off because we aren't smart enough for him or some shit, then Hoops does this.