Comments on: The way of Paine – my story about a scientific dynasty

By: Old Geezer

Old Geezer — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 03:44:39 +0000

Not to belabor the point, but I guess you would support me if I was caught dumping my used motor oil down the storm drain because the outlet pipe is just a few metres wide? Purposely screwing with nature on a small scale is still screwing with nature.

By: Ed Yong

Ed Yong — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 20:08:43 +0000

“Destroyed the ecological balance of…”? It’s an 8-metre stretch of beach. Please.

By: Old Geezer

Old Geezer — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 20:03:09 +0000

I am intrigued by your viewpoint. If it had been BP or ESSO who had (perhaps by spilling some vile chemical) destroyed the ecological balance of Makah Bay, that entity would have been vilified and seen as a destroyer of the ecology. Bob, however, is a hero because he has gone on to ever greater studies. I’m guessing Dow would still be seen as a murderer and polluter even if it went on to discover the one universal cure for cancer.

By: Adam Calhoun

Adam Calhoun — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 01:03:55 +0000

This was one of the best pieces of writing I’ve read in a very, very long time. Now I just want to bury myself in his science…

By: John Platt

John Platt — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 02:08:53 +0000

That is a fantastic article, Ed. Great work, and congratulations.

By: W.Benson

W.Benson — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 01:21:03 +0000

The chart shows Bob’s own students. No University of Washington grad student, ecology or marine, escaped Bob’s constructive influence as a mentor, teacher, or just from conversations over a beer.