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Shawn Lawrence Otto

Shawn Lawrence Otto is the author of the blog Neorenaissance. Follow Shawn on Twitter: @shawnotto.

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Articles by this author:

oak and elm intertwined
Minnesota Blog Cabin

Finding cinematic inspiration in Northern Minnesota

Neorenaissance
By Shawn Lawrence Otto | 11/19/12

In the other side of his bifurcated life, the author muses on the mysteries of coincidence and the siren call of the movies.

Space photo courtesy of NASA
Minnesota Blog Cabin

Obama and Romney spar over climate, other science in online debate

Neorenaissance
By Shawn Lawrence Otto | 09/06/12

The candidates for president have very different views on the big science issues.

Minnesota Blog Cabin

The vulnerable heart of machismo

Neorenaissance
By Shawn Lawrence Otto | 05/17/12

Shawn Otto reviews 'Cures for Hunger,' a new memoir of growing up out from Minneapolis-based Milkweed Editions.

Minnesota Blog Cabin

Shocking new oil propaganda plan to fool Americans

Neorenaissance
By Shawn Lawrence Otto | 05/09/12

If anyone doubts there is a well-coordinated, well-funded assault on science in America that is designed to fool people, look no further than this plan.

Chinese astrophysicist and humanitarian Fang Lizhi
Minnesota Blog Cabin

Science: a force for freedom and human rights

Neorenaissance
By Shawn Lawrence Otto | 04/20/12

Like democracy, science is inherently antiauthoritarian, a top-wing activity.

Minnesota Blog Cabin

New poll: Even religious voters overwhelmingly want candidates to debate science

Neorenaissance
By Shawn Lawrence Otto | 04/04/12

Every major policy challenge the United States is facing today is either wholly or partly driven by science.

Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC
Minnesota Blog Cabin

Cherry blossoms, ice boxes, BMWs, and climate change

Neorenaissance
By Shawn Lawrence Otto | 03/19/12

The unseasonably warm temperatures in Minnesota and across the nation make some of the scientific data on climate change concrete for non-scientists.

The hockey stick and the climate wars book cover
Minnesota Blog Cabin

The hockey stick and the climate wars

Neorenaissance
By Shawn Lawrence Otto | 02/28/12

The 'hockey stick' graph has become one of the most iconic and politically charged images in the history of science.

Minnesota Blog Cabin

Neorenaissance: Climate denial bombshell

By Shawn Lawrence Otto | 02/15/12

An unauthorized release of secret internal documents revealed the finances and truly Machiavellian strategy of the Heartland Institute.

Minnesota Blog Cabin

Neorenaissance: Science loses status as a climate arbiter in Durban

By Shawn Lawrence Otto | 12/13/11
The mood in Durban appeared mixed at the close of the climate summit around 5AM local time Sunday morning after a marathon all-night session that ran a day and a half over schedule.  The final agreement represents a compromise on several fronts t