Fri Sep 20 11:45:42 UTC 2024: ## Coyne’s Blog: War in the Middle East, SNL’s 50th, and the Politics of Cat Videos
Jerry Coyne’s blog, “Why Evolution is True,” covers a wide range of topics, from science and politics to pop culture and cats. This week, the blog focused on the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the upcoming 50th season of Saturday Night Live, and a critical analysis of Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.
**War Looms in the Middle East:** Coyne expresses concern over the impending war between Israel and Hezbollah, noting the increased military activity on both sides. He criticizes Hezbollah’s attacks on Israeli civilian targets, calling them war crimes, while also highlighting the United Nations’ inaction.
**SNL Turns 50:** Coyne reminisces about the first season of SNL, highlighting the iconic cast members like John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Dan Aykroyd, who, he argues, have yet to be surpassed.
**Kamala Harris and the Straight Shooter Dilemma:** Coyne analyzes two New York Times op-eds offering advice to Vice President Harris on how to win the presidency. Both articles suggest she needs to be more direct and answer questions directly, instead of relying on anecdotes and vague promises. Coyne criticizes the Times for their perceived bias in favor of Harris, worrying it might inadvertently help Donald Trump win the election.
**Politics, Science, and Social Media:** Coyne examines the political landscape through a scientific lens, discussing the impact of social media on political discourse and the blurring of lines between science and politics. He criticizes scientific journals like “Nature” and “Scientific American” for endorsing political candidates, arguing it weakens public confidence in science.
**The Cat’s Meow:** Coyne shares a video of a cat with a camera strapped to its back, highlighting the unexpected vocalization of the cat when interacting with other felines. This observation challenges the long-held belief that cats only meow to humans.
**The Week in Review:** The blog also features a collection of interesting links, including a humorous tweet about the hypocrisy of the Iranian regime offering medical care to Hezbollah operatives while blinding peaceful protestors, and a reminder that passports can now be renewed online.
Overall, Coyne’s blog provides a thought-provoking mix of observations on current events, cultural analysis, and a dash of feline humor. It serves as a platform for Coyne to share his unique perspective on a diverse range of topics, prompting readers to engage in critical thinking and discussion.
First Piper 