In a world ridden with woo, it can be hard to discern between something that is of genuine concern and something harmless that people oppose due to a faulty understanding of the world. However, to disregard any criticisms of any given thing just because the woo-minded oppose it is to endorse a stubbornly contrary sort of dogma.

One example of something that is often criticized for unscientific (or, at least, not verified) reasons is Monsanto, the global agricultural corporation.

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I’ve done a terrible thing. I’ve turned my son into a Pluto apologist, one who’s not happy with Neil deGrasse Tyson. And the thing is, my son is only four. He never knew of a planet named Pluto until this past weekend. I’m working on remedying the situation, but trying to explain to a young and angry child that Tyson did not lose Pluto is no small feat.

But in moments like these, it’s hard not to stop and take note of how different the world is for him than it was when I was a kid. And I’m still young enough to be of a generation that was afforded the luxury of one uphill trip and one downhill trip when commuting to school, and that path was mostly cleared of snow. 

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I’ve mostly taken the past month or so off from traveling in order to spend more quality time with my cats, but yesterday, as I was cutting out paper glasses to stick to Fry’s face, I realized that I should probably head back out on the road. Here’s my upcoming schedule!

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• Chinese retiree leads crusade against fake products – “Here’s a bottle of walnut oil. The label says it fights against aging, it will help you lose weight, it will protect you against radiation and it will cure cancer. Bulls**t.” Transcript and audio of the Marketplace piece at the link, audio’s only ~4 minutes long so take a listen.
• Indiana lawmaker calls Girl Scouts a “radicalized organization” – “A lawmaker has sent a letter to fellow Republican members of the Indiana House saying he will not support a resolution celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts because he believes it is a “radicalized organization” that supports abortion and promotes homosexuality.” From Elaine (a proud former Girl Scout).
• The 8 stupidest defenses against accusations of sexism – My personal favorite is the dictionary defense. Thanks to all the readers who sent this in.
• Boyfriend went vegan PETA ad – Don’t all headdesk at once, we’ll cause an earthquake. (No gore, but a couple people in their underwear.) From Ashley.

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This is huge news, you guys. Huge! It was announced back in September but somehow I completely missed it. You see, one scientist by the name of fernieboy100, published his research in the venerable journal YouTube, showing without a doubt that the Bible is true and science is false because the Earth is most definitely not rotating.

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The rumors are true. Teen Skepchick is looking for writers. Are you interested? We can’t pay you, unless you consider good times and being surrounded by lots of smart young people to be pay. WHICH I DO. In that case, you’ll be a metaphorical bajillionaire in no time.

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Dear Surly Amy,

i met this guy over the internet about 2 months ago. we have gotten very serious. iv’e sent him photos. he has sent me photos. we have fallen so much in-love. i guess i should cut to the chase. that’s not me in the photo. ive been dishonest about what i look like. he wants to see me. we have always discussed that looks don’t matter. i don’t know how to break it to him. also, he has mentioned me to his family and has showed the photos to them as well. so that’s a huge problem. ill not only be a fake to him, but to his family as well, making him look like a fool. i don’t know what to do or what to say i think about it all the time. i cry about it all the time. it hurts so bad. i really don’t know how to break it to him. i don’t like the way i look, and that’s why i was dishonest. i need help in letting him know that, that is not me. anything you can do to help me, would be greatly appreciated. thanks for your time. please help.

~karen

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Hello! It’s time for another edition of In Case You Missed It! Are you as excited as I am. Yeah, I know you are…

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