Quantum Diaries - Follow physicists from around the world as they live the World Year of Physics

This Week Archive

Quantum Diarists weigh in on Intelligent Design
Just when it seemed that the Intelligent Design debate couldn't get much bigger, President Bush stated that "both sides ought to be properly taught," suggesting that Intelligent Design should be included alongside evolution in biology classes. Quantum Diarist Peter Steinberg writes that Intelligent Design is a threat to the scientific method. "It's an enormous leap between an open-minded, critical scientific debate, and boldly asserting 'if we don't understand it yet, it might as well be divine intervention.'"

Gordon Watts wonders how a non-scientist manages to make sense of the debate, which has vociferous advocates on both sides. "If you didn't know what to trust off the top of your head and you started reading all these blogs both pro-ID and anti-ID could you tell?"

Congratulations are in order
If all went as planned, Marcello Pavan is now a married man. "If any guy you know tells you that he is not nervous, that the wedding is totally cool and everything is under control, the man is a big fat liar," he wrote. But we have faith in you, Marcello.

Sophie Trincaz-Duvoid announces that she is expecting a baby at the end of September. Best wishes, Sophie!

Finally, Tommaso Dorigo reports that his diet was a success. OK, so it's not a major life event like getting married or having a baby, but it's still an accomplishment that required dedication, perseverance, and a good plan. For those who want to follow in his footsteps, he shares the secrets of his 1200-calorie diet on his blog.