Reply #47: Quibble away

[Maple]

See...here's the problem. It doesn't matter which is 'more accurate' scientifically. What matters is the meaning of the phrase to the general public.

'Global warming' sounds good to people living in cold places.

And a cold spell means people scoff at the warming idea.

'Climate change', however the phrase came about, was much more useful.

Scientists aren't nearly as practical as they need to be. And while they were quibbling over wording...people were ignoring the problem itself.

People aren't IN science classes anymore...the number of students taking it up has been dropping for years. So first of all you have to get actual 'bums in seats' ....and then for gawds sake don't turn them off by laying restrictions on everything. Encourage questioning.

To toss in another quotation, I believe it was Shaw who said 'why is it that in school, only the teachers get to ask questions?'

I made crop circles when I was a kid, so I know the story...however you can't 'guarantee' that all the crop circles in the world, some very elaborate and quickly done, are made the same way....so let people question. What does it hurt?

It may even get them interested in other things...more scientific things in your view.

As to robotics...you are way behind on that subject, so we'll leave that till another time.