Michael Yon makes some observations about two pundits debating Iraq.

This morning I watched the television screen in Mosul as Kagan and Rosen debated Iraq, hosted by Jim Lehrer. Kagan’s statements were entirely consistent with what I see and hear unfolding here. By comparison, Rosen came across as a new Baghdad Bob. While he might be articulate, well dressed and highly credentialed, Rosen’s characterizations of the situation were at best inconsistent with ground-based realities, and at worst completely false . Kagan is worth listening to. Nir Rosen is not.

Being as they are experts, they have access to the truth, and therefore, should agree. Im confused. Someone help me out. How can experts disagree about the truth?

Just came across this study showing that ignorant people have a tendency to discount people with more knowledge.

AIDS remains a devastating public health crisis in the most heavily affected areas of sub-Saharan Africa. But the far-reaching revisions amount to at least a partial acknowledgment of criticisms long leveled by outside researchers who disputed the U.N. portrayal of an ever-expanding global epidemic. … “There was a tendency toward alarmism, and that fit perhaps a certain fundraising agenda,” said Helen Epstein, author of “The Invisible Cure: Africa, the West, and the Fight Against AIDS.” “I hope these new numbers will help refocus the response in a more pragmatic way.”

Keep in mind that it was experts advocating for a more alarmist position that now has been revised. Go experts there infinite knowledge makes me secure in living my life in accordance with their recommendations.

Oh by the way, the counter argument that there were other experts arguing the opposite side does not restore experts status as the arbiter of determining how an issue should be resolved. If anything, the fact that there is disagreement between experts on an issue supports my position. Experts are just people with a very refined opinion.

This is story right here is grade A humor.

He had hoped that his 11m reinforced yacht would be able to get all the way to Europe due to lighter ice conditions observed in recent years, thought to be a result of global warming.

But after making his way through the Chukchi, East Siberian and Laptev Seas, Flanagan has been forced to a halt by heavy ice at the most difficult point in the route, the Vilkitsky Strait.

Jesus thats funny. No doubt experts were sure the ice would be gone this time of year.

Apparently there was race between a Model T and a Hummer.