QBall QBall:
$1:
"While some of these findings will raise a smile, it suggests that school children aren't tuned into our scientific heroes in the same way that they might be to sporting or music legends," said Dr. Pam Waddell of Birmingham Science City.
Um, that's because music and sports have a more personal impact to us than some egghead who created or discovered something that many use but few understand. Music and sports stars usually reveal they are flawed and are only human. Scientists rarely do.
Really? A basketball or baseball player who get paid millions has less impact on your life, compared to say, a microwave oven? Or velcro? How about airbags or antilock brakes? Can a 3 pointer save your life? Why does society revere people who entertain us over people who make out lives better?
Like Bart says, our priorities are ass-backwards. Dean Kamen, Ed Witten, Marc Tilden - these are a few of the people I hold in high regard. I can't actually name any sports people (outside of F1) off the top of my head.
If you think scientists can't have personal scandals, just read a climate change thread around here once in a while.