Lawrence Pape

Re.:  viewer's comment -- "I can't imagine how you could improve the show." I like the show too! But, the more I listen to the experts musing about dark matter and dark energy and the fate of the universe, I question even their most basic assumption that the universe is expanding. Hubble's red-shift doppler-effect observations and causal correlation with expansion may not be a valid explanation. It's just an assumption and there may be multiple phenomena involved. What if, as light travels great distances through a filter like dark matter (or atmosphere or gravity or even a head wind), light temperature shifts red like our sun's light does at sunset? There is a critical difference between a Hypotheses and a Theory. This show, and shows like Ancient Aliens, should avoid the apophenic tendency to see connections and patterns that are not really there; and they should stop presenting hypotheses as scientific theories. A Hypothesis is usually tentative and either --  • a suggested explanation for an observable phenomenon; or • a reasoned prediction of a possible causal correlation among multiple phenomena; or • an assumption, something proposed for the sake of argument so that it can be tested to see if it might be true. A Theory is a -- • tested, • well-substantiated and unifying • explanation for a set of verified and proven facts.

All episodes are fun and thought provoking. My favorite so far is "Adam Ruins Everything -- Emily Ruins Everything". Finally, I learned something about our polarized politics and my losing arguments on the home front ... the "Backfire Effect". Thanks for that segment and for introducing Dr. Lewandowsky's research and recommendations. We are in the grip of misinformation ... a deadly peril confronting our nation. This show's formula may not be the remedy, but it is an effective intervention. We need to come to terms with the realities of our misconceptions, emotional/cognitive processes, biases, beliefs, and filters. We also need to realize how we are being misled and manipulated by political spin and marketing lies.