A Dummy Repeat: Bad Science Again

Calcite in the wild

Although we regularly find repeated examples of dumbassery on websites or among a stable of writers, today's the first time we've been able to name and shame an individual a second time (it will definitely not be the last). The honor goes to Demand Media's Joseph West, who first appeared yesterday. He's back again today, pumping out more misinformation in his never-ending quest for filthy lucre. 

Joe's topic today is "What Is the Purpose of Crushed Limestone?" in an article written for SFGate.com's gardening section. He started off with a bang, including a nice little error in his introduction:

"Limestone is a common sedimentary rock found all over the world. The primary constituent of limestone is calcite, and the primary mineral in calcite is calcium..." Oh, crap, someone else who skipped Rocks for Jocks 101. Joe, you dumbass, calcium is not a mineral, calcium is a chemical element! Calcite is a mineral, also known as calcium carbonate (CaCO3). You only get to call calcium a "mineral" if you're discussing nutrition; when it comes to limestone you're in the field of geology. Two days in a row makes Joseph West the first repeat Dumbass of the Day, and gives the Demand Media people three DoDs in a row. Way to go, dumbasses!

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