controversies

Geologists Revolt Over Proposal to Change California State Rock

Max Read · 07/14/10 02:14AM

Geologists "have taken to Twitter" over a proposal to remove serpentine as California's state rock because it can contain asbestos. We're on the geologists' side, because asbestos-containing minerals seem like totally appropriate symbols of California. [NYT]

Nutty Professor, or Pianist Envy Gone Wild?

Hamilton Nolan · 06/01/10 10:09AM

University of Miami music professor Doug Bickel (pictured) was either, A) forced out because he's a sexual-harassing, weed-smoking maniac, or B) resigned after pressure from a jealous homophobic fellow pianist. Doug Bickel is either A) awesome or B) fucked up.

Panic Is Perfectly Rational

Hamilton Nolan · 05/11/10 11:06AM

Walking away from your hopelessly underwater mortgage: everyone's doing it! But a new study says that these "strategic" defaults ("strategic"= commonsensical) are driven by anger and fear, not rational calculation. Well. There are plenty of reasons to be angry.