1. 2011
    Nov
    10

    Facts and the Penn State scandal

    Posted by David Zaslavsky on — Edited

    Many of this blog’s readers will know by now about the sex abuse allegations involving a former football coach at Penn State (where I’m a student). If you haven’t heard about it, take a look at this excellent summary of the allegations. You can also read the grand jury report, which first made this whole thing public, at that page, or via the New York Times.

    What I find most, um, “interesting” about this is how many of the reactions to the scandal don’t tell you to do just that.

    I don’t often talk about ethical issues because they’re messy business, and this story, in particular the role that Joe Paterno plays in it, is a perfect example of why. Paterno is the heart and soul of Penn State. He’s been working at the school for 61 years, helping it grow academically and athletically every step of the way. You can’t argue with the fact that he has done a tremendous amount of good for the university, and the students and alumni are definitely justified in loving him for it. Heck, even though I’m not a football fan in the slightest …

  2. 2009
    Aug
    21

    Survey wtf?

    Posted by David Zaslavsky on

    How’s this for a survey question:

    Please indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements on a scale from (1) strongly disagree ro (9) strongly agree.

     

    I have a pet.

    1 - Strongly Disagree23456789 - Strongly Agree

    Do I strongly not have a pet, or only halfheartedly not have a pet? Does that mean I halfheartedly do have a pet?

    I’m putting 5. Schrödinger’s cat.

  4. 2009
    May
    18

    No parents on Facebook?

    Posted by David Zaslavsky on

    I just wonder what happens when all the kids who have joined "no parents on Facebook" groups become parents themselves? Are they going to voluntarily drop off the face of Facebook?

    Probably not... can't wait to catch them on it, though. ROFL

  5. 2008
    Oct
    16

    the news is stupid

    Posted by David Zaslavsky on

    So apparently all the news/fake news/crap on TV now is about this random plumber dude who said some random stuff to some random presidential candidate. Who I'm not going to give the distinction of naming.

    AAAAAHHHH who cares?! About all I can get out of this is the fact that the people reporting on world events are the kind of morons who will wake up one day and say "hey, let's sensationalize something totally useless today"

    grrrr