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September 23, 2006
Science bash
by Sylvia S Tognetti
I had my doubts about this grand social experiment. What to make of a couple of DC socialite bloggers hosting a birthday bash for Chris Mooney and Matthew Nisbet at a swanky place called "The Science Club"? But being an inquiring mind, I couldn't resist the opportunity for some participant observation along with an equally adventurous friend. OK so, we may have altered the outcome with our presence - and were probably the only baby-boomers in the whole place. But it allowed me to meet Dr. Nisbet, and to wish both him and Chris a happy birthday. And there were actually a few other people who actually work in other areas of science policy. and yes, Big Head Rob really has a big head. It was also a good excuse for a stroll into town on a cool evening. So I pronounce it a success, but I have no idea if there is a consensus on that, and I really don't want to know nor do I care whether KAC ever found out if Mooney is "spongeworthy."
As for where are the science gossip bloggers - when I first had the idea to create a site called The Post-Normal Times, - which was before I had even learned what a blog is, it seemed like it would just have to include a gossip column. If for no other reason than to discuss how science policy really gets made. But the common wisdom is, the same way as any other policy - like sausage - you don't want to know that either. Off the record, if you ask someone who actually works on science and policy, a likely straight-faced reply is, "I didn't know there was any such thing as a policy based on science."
At least not under this administration. If you aren't convinced, read Chris's book, The Republican War on Science
Posted by Sylvia S Tognetti at September 23, 2006 8:30 PM
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