About this blog

"Meme": (rhymes with "cream") A theoretical "unit of communicable information". Individually, memes are traditions, beliefs, techniques, jokes, or anything else that can be transmitted from one mind to another. Together, memes constitute cultures.

"Screen": a) A selectively permeable barrier, or a filter. b) To investigate with the aim of identifying a particular feature or problem. Also: c) the face of your computer monitor - why not?

- MemeScreen's Purpose -

I have subtitled this blog "discerning reality in the age of information", but I hasten to add that I do not presume to be telling you what is and isn't 'real": what I really mean this to imply is that I am attempting to improve my own view of reality by way of authoring this blog. For example, doing so compels me to think about, and investigate, popular beliefs and ideas more deeply than I might otherwise; and by openly sharing my findings and personal opinions on these, I also allow others to offer perspectives that I might not have considered otherwise. In other words, I am not so much trying to impress upon you my opinions, as I am trying to enlist your help in formulating, refining, and informing them.

That said, I would like to encourage critical thinking and to promote a science- and reason-based world-view, as I am currently convinced of the nobility of this goal. I would also like to entertain my readers, and to provide them with a useful resource which they might then use to combat popular misconceptions.

- The Author's Pledge -

I will try to post at least one entry per calendar month. I will post a courteous response to any comments or inquiries that warrant one. I will pay close attention to any constructive criticism. I will attempt to be accurate in my writing (both in terms of content and meaning); and as transparent and intellectually honest in my conduct as possible. MemeScreen is nonprofit and will forever remain ad-free.

- A Word On Links -

I generally use links in three different ways. Here is an example and brief explanation of each.

1. If a link is tightly encased in "quotation marks", is a disambiguation link, which will most often lead to something like a Wikipedia page that explains in greater detail any potentially ambiguous words or concepts I am referring to.
2. If I put a link at the end of a statement, a succession of statements, or a quote, it is a supportive link meant to back-up or justify a claim that I am making, or to site the source of the information or quote I am referring to.
3. I will also draw your attention to any especially worthwhile link by saying something like "check out this video!", or by giving some other hint as to it's contents. The bigger the fuss I make about them, the more you should consider clicking on them. These will tend to lead you to things like relevant YouTube clips, TED talks, newspaper articles, etc. 

- Dear Reader -

Thank you for visiting my blog. Let's stay in touch - see the sidebar for options. If you see a word you want to know more about, try highlighting it with your cursor and clicking the "Learn More" bubble that pops up. If you feel MemeScreen could be better please feel free to suggest possible improvements. I wish you good health and happiness whoever you are, and wherever in the world you may be.


MemeScreen is dedicated to my dear sister, who has just as much curiosity, but perhaps not as much free time as I'm afraid I do.

Yours Sincerely,

N. Harland Bird