Think

I saw this the other day on Facebook, and I couldn't help but pass the message on.  This is the kind of message that I think is worth passing along, and I can only imagine if everyone could embrace this idea what a difference it might make in the world.  Although it might kill the comedy industry.  Still, ...I believe that thinking before we speak is pretty important, and I will admit that I don't always do so--especially when I'm with friends.

Maybe it's time to change that--for all of us.

So before you speak--THINK!

To help with this idea of thinking before we speak--or at least thinking before we write, I found this lovely article which relates some of the most common writing mistakes that many people make in their blogs and comments.  Feel free to take a look at it; though, the section on semicolons has a tiny error with regard to when you use it.  You can find all the good stuff about semicolon usage on its Wikipedia page.

Also, to remind us all about a lot:

Thank you, Hyperbole and a Half!  And thank you, Dana for introducing me to this!

This next article gives us another view on privately-funded science--that of improved communication.  It is something that Bob Lalasz sees as part of the cons of private philanthropy.  According to his article, a lot of the scientific community have felt more comfortable only talking to those in their own specializations--or those who have the ability to understand the more obtuse theories, math, and language of their science.

Getting money from people requires you to couch your science in a way that those people are going to be able to understand--or at the very least understand its practical applications.  And that, Bob says, is good, not only for people wishing to donate money to scientific causes, but to all of us--as it means that the science community as a whole will need to give those of us who aren't as well-versed in all the scientific mumbo-jumbo a real understanding of what, and why, they need money for their work.

This could, in theory, jumpstart a greater interest in science and scientific discoveries, and also get people excited about science again.  In his eyes, at least, this is a win for science and the world as a whole.

And with that in mind, I leave you with a little song to brighten up your day.  I've had it in my head since John and I went to San Diego a few weekends ago, and it's just stuck with me.  And, of course, it always makes me smile.  I hope you'll feel the same.


And here's a little something for all you Firefly fans before I flit away for today....