I’ve been busy with talks and discussions with Indian evolutionary biologists (the community is small, but a few decades ago it was nonexistent). The good news is that the professors and students are smart and doing cutting-edge work, which bodes well for evolutionary biology in India–so long as the present government, which appears to be cutting way back on science, doesn’t keep up that trend.
Much “scientific” support appears to be woo-laden and heavy with confirmation bias designed to support the ruling ideology. Remind me to tell you about the “five benefits” institutes devoted to showing that products of cows achieve miracle cures (one link is here). Even the program’s name belies the confirmation bias that permeates this ideology-driven “research”: “Scientific Validation And Research On ‘Panchgavya’ (concoction of cow dung, cow urine, milk, curd and ghee).” Those are the five miracle products of cows, which, of course, are considered sacred by Hindus and now are achieving the benefit of scientific validation.
I haven’t written much as the wireless was out in my hotel for a day and a half, which was annoying. I’m writing this on the wireless at the Bangalore airport, waiting for my flight to Trivandrum, which is delayed half an hour.
Everything has gone smoothly so far except for the two Disco Evenings of Nightmare (I had one on Xmas eve in Bangalore)–and it’s been a wonderful trip. Kudos to my hosts Shashi, Vidya, Amitabh, and Ray for being so hospitable.
I have many photos to show, but no time right now to put them up–besides, it’s 9 pm in Chicago. Some include the unique food of Karnataka, the state in which Bangalore resides.
As I must depart, enjoy a photo (taken with this computer) of my sitting next to a Buddhist monk using a smartphone. I’m tired as I was up at 5 a.m.
Tired? And up at 5.00 AM? Very bad for your telomeres
Hang in there. Maybe sleep will come on the plane.
It’s going down to -5 tonight in Chicago, so welcome back.
I don’t know how you can keep up such a punishing schedule. I get a little depressed if I travel too fast but perhaps that’s from the inevitable migraine increase. Hope you get time to relax soon.
Hmmm. Seems to me bullsh*t is sacred in American politics, too. Safe travels, Jerry!
One wonders about the Disco Nightmares. But safe and happy travels!
🤣 Now I’m imagining disco nightmares and they are pretty funny though annoying, as they ARE nightmares!
I can’t say I’ve had much experience with ghee, but as a kid I was very much exposed, and at times immersed in the first four products, in descending order from Jerry’s list.
No way to prove this, but I think the microbial bath contributed to my more-than-adequate immune system as an adult.
Of course, this assumes one makes it to adulthood…
Ghee is not a miracle, but for those who haven’t had it, the first taste may seem so. The French got clarified butter right, but they just didn’t take it to the next step. Or if they did (maybe some deserts?) they never embraced the beauty that is ghee.
India must have great expanses of unexplored areas teaming with evolutionary marvels. Or at least teaming with marvels that haven’t been thoroughly appreciated. You observed that a few decades ago, there were no evolutionary biologists that you knew of and now there is a movement of sorts and they’re smart. (You said they’re smart, so that means they’re smart.) That gives me hope. And I also hope contributions to field biology and saving species like the tiger are influenced by these smart, ambitious biologists that India seems to be fostering despite the government’s apathy.
deserts…oh boy….the grit. And why the two separate posts? argh! I give up. Sleepy time.
I take the last paragraph as a Moment of Zen
I didn’t know that Hindus practiced the same or idiocy seen among Muslims, with conferences on “scientific miracles” in the Quran. Camel urine is also touted for its many benefits. Why is it always pee? With the Hindu fundamentalist government in power, science is bound for degradation in India. Another benefit of religion!
Indian govenment is rife with woo, unfortunately.
Along with shunning meat and eggs during pregnancy, “Pregnant women should detach themselves from desire, anger, attachment, hatred and lust,” reads the booklet, released last week by the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy, a part of the government’s ministry that promotes traditional and alternative medicine.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/20/indian-government-pregnant-women-meat-eggs-lustful-thoughts-sex
I’m waiting with bated breath to hear more of the Disco Evenings of Nightmare. Wha’ happened?
The worst auto correct ever, is what.
From your header, I take it rumors to the contrary have been greatly exaggerated?