Newsbud: "Asian States Play the Murder Card; Is the War Card Next?"

North Korea and the recent assassination of Kim Jong Nam has caused tension in Asia. North Korea continues to enhance its nuclear weapons program. Nam was once assumed to be Western connected and had the protection of China. North Korea's sudden revival of missile launches is a reaction to US military action in various areas of the globe. Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Yemen have been attacked by the United States. This has made authoritarian regimes more eager to get nuclear weapons. China does not want to see North Korea become a nuclear power,because that could mean a potential rival. The United States would further damage its strength if it attempted an invasion considering other conflicts are still ongoing. There is now talk of US and North Korean officials starting a dialogue. The instability in Afghanistan is causing India, Pakistan, China, and Russia to have tension. The Taliban has never been eliminated and there may have to be a peace settlement with the group. China has an alliance with Pakistan, which causes poor relations with India. Chances of Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif reaching a consensus are limited as long as Afghanistan remains a failed state. India may try to wedge China away from Pakistan, but this only becomes more of a detriment. The Shewan Shrine attack has only complicated matters. The string of terrorist attacks have only gotten worse in Pakistan, which demonstrates radical political Islamism  is only growing. Asia could be heading to a major military conflict. This most be prevented at all costs through skillful diplomacy and negotiation.      

Fredrick Douglass on Progress

Richard Dawkins Conversation with Neil deGrasse Tyson at Hayden Planetarium

Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Richard Dawkins in this video filmed in 2015. It is the first time Dawkins has visited Tyson in his office. The interview explores the ideas of science and discusses the nature of biology and astronomy. Tyson comes to the conclusion that the human brain is not wired for logic. This may explain why some have struggle with mathematics. It requires a methodology and reasoning. The problem with a lack of logic is that society may not know basic science. This becomes a problem when it enters an academic milieu. Intelligent design or denial of climate change are problems facing academic and educational areas. Beliefs are different from facts. Facts can be proven through research. Beliefs are the product of human thought alone. Homeopathy and astrology are subjects that lack factual basis. However, there are many followers. While there is limited evidence that these subjects, why is it so hard for people to believe in biological evolution? People still have the need to have a sense of wonder and mystery. The religious claim that seeing as we do not understand the totality of existence that is therefore proof of a higher power. This is not evidence, but just not wanting to know. Science does not destroy the mystery and marvel of the universe, it enhances it. Science communication is more important than ever. People must be knowledgeable about this subject to function in a modern society. Religion can have a place in society as long as it does not try to wage war on logic and facts. This is the problem today; science attempting to keep religious  fundamentalism out of academic settings.