Comments on: Acid rain in Hawaii

By: Ken Tanaka

Ken Tanaka — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:58:23 +0000

I’m so tired of reading comments on blog site by people who absolutely, positively don’t get the point. Hey, Eddie, can you say ‘Satire?’

Here’s a clue: “Most buildings in Hawaii are immune to the effects of acid rain because of a thick coating of pigeon excrement.”

Here’s another: “Water from the heavens may be good for replenishing Hawaii’s water tables, and maintaining the brown discoloration of the Ala Wai Canal.”

OK, you now have two clues. That’s two more than when you began reading.

By: Annie Kaleikini

Annie Kaleikini — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:39:57 +0000

Very funny. This year has been a tough year for potholes. Of, a good year if you’re keeping pothole scores. I’ve never seen so many wide and deep potholes as I have this year. It’s the rain, poor construction, and poor maintenance.

By: Eddie LeBon

Eddie LeBon — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:31:15 +0000

If you want your readers to take you seriously, write a scientific report about acid rain in Hawaii (and about the allegations of acid rain recently contributing to increasing potholes in Hawaii) and show us the data. Don’t forget to apply the scientific principle (form a hypothesis and then try to destroy it — all good and true scientists try to destroy their own hypotheses and put their egos aside). Also, in the name of Edward Tufte, do not use a Powerpoint or Apple Keynote format, and don’t forget to cite your sources. I’m so weary of reading blogs (or listening to amateurs talk in person) from people who make assertions anecdotally without having facts to back up their statements. For example, people in Hawaii who on occasion alleged that O’ahu experiences “vog” and that “vog” leads to all sorts of ailments allegedly such as worsening respiratory conditions or sinus problems … but there is no such scientific classification of what “vog” by professionals who would qualified to make such definitions (e.g., NOAA). Thus if vog can’t be measured with sensors and observational instrumentation, then data can not be collected. If there is no data, then all the urban myths and anecdotes are just a bunch of nonsensical cackling by amateurs not worthy of anyone’s time.

Editor’s Note – Hello? Humor. Satire. Do you seriously think that anyone thinks that acid rain causes potholes in Hawaii? Go to Long’s and buy some Head On, apply direct to where it hurts. Your common sense.