Bloomburg Democrat - ARCHIVES

A Non-Platonic Relationship

Wow! The recent work of David Reich of the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Mass. on the relationships of the primate genomes and the possibility that humans and chimpanees "knew" each other in a Biblical sense for a couple of million years is interesting.
This information might shed light on the rather obtuse statement in Genesis about the relationship between the "Sons of God and the daughters of men".

Genesis 6 - When the men began to increase on earth and the daughters were born to them, the divine beings saw how beautiful the daughters of men were and took wives from among those that pleased them.
The Jewish Study Bible, Tanakh Translation pg. 21

It is interesting that the X chromosome is the site of this divergence of man and chimpanzee.
This information seems to indicate that some of us are farther from the tree than others. If you like to climb trees, don't take that personal. If you have a lot of hair on your back, don't take that personal. If you crave bananas, don't take that personal. If you see a chimpanzee and think to yourself, I love that beautiful girl, take it personal.
cd-editor

A Voice Of Concern

I am sending this information to alert you to the possible danger of using the sugar substitute Xylitol.
Xylitol is a 5-carbon sugar alcohol (a pentitol). It has recently been introduced into the United States and is most commonly found in baked goods, desserts, toothpaste, other oral care products, and sugar-free gum and candies.
This substitute sugar has been found to cause hypoglycemia and liver failure in dogs.
There is no proof of danger to humans at this time, but I would caution my family members to consider not giving this product to your children. There is enough evidence in animals to indicate that this alcohol sugar could effect enzyme levels and therefore produce symptoms after heavy or long term ingestion.
cd-editor

Don't Eat Your Spinach, Junior!

Say folks, this is not rocket science.
Your spinach has do-do on it.
How did this happen?
Some animal pooped on your spinach.
What animal?
Well, how many cows or deer have you seen in the thousands of acres of spinach in California?
The little pooper doesn't moo, he speaks Spanish.
This little animal's problem is that he has no place to poop but in your spinach patch. After pooping, he has no place to wash his hands with soap and warm water. He has to walk too far to get to a Porta-John and still meet his quota of bagging your poopie spinach.
How did this one little pooper with an E. coli bubbling gut contaminate all that spinach?
Well, who wants to poop out in the open?
The only place to not moon the rest of the little poopers is in an irrigation ditch; hence flood the spinach with E. coli brown water.
If you think this is a problem isolated to spinach patches, I suggest you go to your local Wal-Mart and investigate the sinks directly under the signs that tell associates to wash their hands with soap and warm water. Often there is no soap and I have yet felt any warm water.
No matter how this administration tries to cover up this problem, just remember it is not rocket science. It's sanitation.
Oh, by the way, I just planted three rows of spinach in my garden this week and I will be selling poop-free spinach at $2 a leaf.
cd-editor

Genetics And Behavior

The first three articles in the science section of today's New York Times are worth your time to read.
They give more insight into Steven Pinker's book - The Blank Slate.
The question of how much we can change who we are and how we act is becoming more problematic.
It appears that the best answer is to marry up.
The problem with this is that we leave that decision to luck in most cases.
cd-editor

Can A U.S. Senator Be Removed For Stupidity?

Is there any provision in the U.S. Constitution to remove a senator for being stupid?
The Honorable James Inhofe (R-OK) has been quoted as saying that global warming is a "hoax".
This is a statement that makes President Bush's view, "The jury is still out" sound down-right intellectual.
If the voters of Oklahoma return this man to the senate, I suggest we put the fence on the Red River instead of the Rio Grande.
cd-editor

Bush's Successful War

No it's not the war in Iraq!
No it's not the war against terrorism!
No it's not the war against global warming!
No it's not the war against the budget deficit!
No it's not the war against poverty!

DRUMROLL!

It's the war against science!!!!!

The March 13th issue of The New Yorker has an essay by Michael Specter, Political Science, the Bush administration's war on science.

If you take the time to read this article, I suggest you have a barf bag handy.
At the very least you will gag and I suspect it will cause you to vomit.
The President's plan for science in America has been given to him by God and as you know God doesn't like science.
The President's stand on "Intelligent Design" is small potatoes compared to his gutting of the basic sciences.
I guess this is the fruits of electing a president that is hard core stupid.
I am afraid that God is not helping America, if he is George Bush's God.

cd-editor

Are Poor Kids Genetically Inferior?

Are poor kids genetically inferior or is it just less opportunity?

Share of U.S. students scoring above 1420 on the SAT in 2003, by family income quintile: highest income - 46%; lowest income - 4%
Share of students with a BA by age 24 since 1988 by socioeconomic quartile:
highest income - 46%; lowest income - 8%

I think we are going to get more information on this subject.
The president of the up-scale liberal arts college, Amherst, is putting his money where is mouth is. He is raising 500 million dollars to provide 120 new slots for underprivileged students. This type of social experimentation should shed some more light on the subject.
Of course, a lot will depend on the perimeters he sets on selection of these students.
My guess is that if the pool was large enough and all encompassing, we would see that genetics plays a large roll in intelligence.
The failure of our system is in that we waste a lot of brain power by not providing an education for people at all levels of their ability.
I understand "all" is not possible, but I am sure we need to do better.
As the ad seen on black college funding, "a mind is a terrible thing to waste".
cd-editor

Fake Aggie At NASA

The NASA employee that tried to limit the views of Dr. James E. Hansen on global warming is a pre-gradit Aggie.
It seems that George Carlton Deutsch III did not graduate from Texas A & M as he stated in his resume. It was just another Aggie Joke.
The Bush Administration is a national joke.
Even allowing a journalism major to critique a scientist of Dr. Hansen statue is Bushneque.
I may have to resign from the Former Students Association. First Gov. Rick Perry and now George Deutsch are proof that Biology 101 at A&M is a joke. But it could be that Biology 101 is the reason he failed to graduate.
You know this could get worse - we have three more years of Bushtakes to endure.
cd-editor

Japanese Beauty

There is a new fabulous attraction in Bloomburg.
The Daniels' household has a new Japanese Beauty toilet.
For the small sum of $1.50 you can come and try out this Beauty.
It has a warm seat, butt washer, twat washer, various temperatures and water pressures.
I am here to tell you that once you try this Beauty you will beg for a return visit,
The $1.50 introductory price if good for the first try only. The repeat cost is $4.00 a usage. You will gladly pay this charge and feel well rewarded.
Reservations are a must because we don't want you to have to stand in line for over thirty minutes.
Yearly rate are available on request.
A complimentary glass of champagne comes with the introductory sitting(sparkling grapejuice label for Mormons).
Additional beverages at reasonable cost.
cd-editor

God vs. Plan B

Making the morning after contraceptive available over-the-counter has been denoted as Plan B.
The scientific studies conducted by the FDA have come to the conclusion that this is a safe method of correcting a perceived mistake. That mistake is that the couple did not prepare before intercourse to prevent the chance of an unwanted pregnancy.
The plan was rejected by the top officials of Health and Human Services, even before the scientific evidence was compiled. One might consider that highly unusual until you consider that fact that God rejected the idea.
Am I saying this came down directly from God? Yes!
When George Bush appointed Michael O. Leavitt, a Mormon, to head up HHS. we all knew that this would allow God to intervene in governmental policy.
Mormons don't believe that there should be a division between church and state.
Leavitt is (I don't want to use the word pro-life. everyone is pro-life) pro-unwanted pregnancy. God has revealed to him and President Bush, that life begins with the thought of sex, therefore it is a sin to prevent the little male wigglers from even getting near the female egg. Boy, that is a male-centric thought, if I ever had one. All you virile men in the audience must admit that sound copacetic. That could be the ultimate male-control thought.
There is one danger here; if God decides to inforce the sin of thought, the male species will be in deep purgatory.
I guess that is the reason Christians like to read the scriptures selectively.
I guess the next step for the Bush Administration will be to make Pat Robertson the Secretary of Religious Reason.
cd-editor

Chronic Stress And Illness

The December issue of Scientific American has a very interesting article starting on page 92 about the effects of chronic stress on health.
I quote:
Unfortunately, our body's response, though adaptive for an acute physical stressor, is pathogenic for prolonged psychosocial stress. Chronic increase in cardiovascular tone brings stress-induced hypertension. The constant mobilization of energy increases the risk or severity of diseases such as type 2 (adult onset) diabetes. The prolonged inhibition of digestion, growth, tissue repair, and reproduction increases the risks of various gastrointestinal disorders, impaired growth in children, failure to ovulate in females, and erectile dysfunction in males....

It appears to me. this failure to adapt to chronic stress is another indication that the evolution of mankind is still an on-going process.
Lower members of the animal kingdom are not confronted with 30 year mortgages.

What single item would you think causes the most serious health risk in the citizens of the United States?
If you guessed proverty, you are correct.
The lack of health care in the poor is not the problem; it is the stress of trying to overcome lack of social support, no outlets for frustration and the feeling that there is no way out of this situation.
Under the Bush administration, the health of American citizens has actually digressed due to the effects of increased poverty.
Zion is Zion because there are no poor.
cd-editor

Fisher DeBerry's Statement

If you heard Coach Fisher DeBerry yesterday during his news conference, I guess you understand why all the pseudo-intellectuals are up in arms today. If you missed his news conference, you can read what he said in the Colorado Springs Gazette(gazette.com)
It amazes me why people doubt the fact that blacks tend to be better athletes than whites. Undoubtly they did not play with black kids when they were children. Also they haven't seen the rosters of all major sports.
Jimmy, the Greek, Snyder got into trouble a few years ago when he said essentially the same thing - blacks have better muscle structure for athletics.
If you don't think genes are important in areas of athletics, just look at the animal kingdom.
Of course, my making that statement makes everyone nervous because it tend to show that we humans are nothing more than glorified monkeys.
I guess being a veterinarian I accept that breeding good mommys to good daddys makes exceptional off-spring.
Think - Top Deck, Man O War, Tim Tam, Poco Bueno ......., Their children are fast and special in anyone's book.
We need to accept the fact that we humans make up a large gene pool and that leads to a lot of diversity.
cd-editor

If You Love Science

If you love science, I am sure that you can't wait to visit the Creation Museum in Petersburg, KY.
It is a museum dedicated to the true facts concerning the creation of this world and all it's animals.
There are animated dinosaurs and all kinds of neat exhibits.
There is even one showing little dinosaurs on the Ark.
The Director of the museum informs us that T. rex was in the Garden of Eden but of course was a vegetarian. In fact, I understand that his job was to eat all the evil apples so that Eve couldn't mess up things.
Since he missed a few, I guess that is the reason that God bumped them all off.
I have chartered a 48 passenger bus so that we can go to the Grand Opening.
Just send me a check, made out to Brother Daniels for $1499.99 and I will reserve you a seat on the bus.
Of course you know that I am not making a penny on this charter. However, I would appreciate a small love offering for my Christian efforts.
If more than 48 readers want to attend, I will of course charter another bus at the same group rate.
This trip is organized by the Church of God in Science of Bloomburg, Texas.
All food, lodging and tickets to the museum will be extra; but that is necessary to keep all the poor riff - raft off the bus.
We will make stops in several places in Louisiana (Dirt, Downsville) to pick up the faithful.
Oh, I was about to forget the best part. President Bush will be traveling with us. He will be honored by receiving a Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of Intelligent Design at the museum's grand opening.
cd-editor

Evolution 201

I am not going into great depth here; but I will try to explan how most living organisms are similar.
Approximately 600 million years ago a pattern of a few hundred DNA strands appeared that can explain most life on the earth. (random selection)
It is by these few hundred strands turning on and off switches and the combination of these variables that produce the variety of the species.
Embryological development in most animal species has the same pattern.
In early cell division, it is impossible to tell if this individual will be a rat, a dog, or a human. It is only when the switches are turned off and on and the different combinations appear that make us different from Mr. Muggs.
The fact that all mammalian nervous tissue is ectodermal is due to the unique process where the outer layer of developing cells turn in upon itself and becomes internalized.
This pattern of evolution is testable.
This does not say that the theory of evolution is set in stone, but as it stands the test of time, it will be adapted as models that can be proved or disproved by scientific query and not just wishful thinking as is the case of intelligent design.
cd-editor

Evolution 101

Intelligent Design is in the news again.

A school board in Dover, PA has decided that the science students need to be taught the "theory" of intelligent design. The problem is that there is no theory of intellligent design.

For our scientifically challenged readers, lets examine what makes evolution a theory. What makes evolution a scientific explanation of the origin of man is that it makes testable predictions. Theories are of value when they make non-obvious predictions that are confirmed by scientific evidence.

One such test:

A harmful mutation is unlikely to persist if it is serious enough to reduce an individual's odds of leaving descendents by an amount that is greater than the number one divided by the population of the species.

This test has held true for all genetic variations in all species tested. It is one reason that there are more species of mice than dogs and more species of dogs than apes.

Important points to remember:

Natural selection is passive. If there were such a thing as intelligent design it would have to be active by definition. Why would an intelligent designer make all the genetic mistakes that cause the demise or just junk DNA in all species?

I am sure you have heard the idiom, "God don't make no trash." Or if you don't like that one, "God is perfect". Why would a perfect being waste his time making mistakes? Nature is not perfect, therefore there are many mistakes.

Another important point:

Organisms' genetic material does not seek an end. This is a simple explanation of why there is genetic suicide. For example, the passing of lethal factors is self-limiting.

This is really not so hard if you are willing to have an open mind and not allow your opinion to be hijacked by myths that were used by a pastoral tribe that was trying to deal with its mortality.

It is important to leave the area of science to testable theories and leave the area of religion to the metaphysical.

Evolution 201 will be discussed in the next column on the subject.

cd-editor

Republican Scientific Authority

The Republican Senator James M. Inhofe of Oklahoma is the pundit of scientific knowledge in the Republican Party concerning global warming.
I am sure, wait a minute, I retract that surety that some of you good Republicans have some misgivings about have him as you senior statesman in making decisions on global warming.
In my research, I find no evidence that he has even a cursory knowledge of environmental science.
I don't think that his 1973 BA in Economics from the University of Tulsa should allow him to ridicule the opinions of the worlds leading global scientists on the subject of hydrocarbon pollution and global warming.
Yet go to his web site and he will tell you just how much he knows about the subject.
I suspect he knows about as much as George Bush knows about re-building a safe and viable New Orleans.
Come on people, get the religious mud out of you eyes and lets make some sound decisions concerning the direction of this country.
America needs sound minds leading this country; not individuals that think that God is directing their actions and the term "God Bless America" makes everything right.
cd-editor

Bonding With Oxytocin

The October 2005 issue of Scientific American has a very interesting article on bonding. Bonding is the process by which individuals aquire affection, loyality and moral duty to each other.
This act of bondng is indispensible for the development of a civilization that requires long term naturing of it's young.
The concept of falling in love has more to do with lust than with bonding.
The brain hormone dopamine, produced by the hypothalamus is a trigger that releases testosterone, the hormone that keys the attractions of puberty. The dopamine - testosterone combination is what drives sexual desire.
Oxytocin has been found to be the key bonding hormone.
In women, oxytocin produces, fallopian tube motility, stimulates birth contractions of the uterus, lactation and bonding to the infant. The effects on the body are physiological and the last effect, bonding is psychological.
In men and women, oxytocin increases during sexual intercourse and surges at orgasm. This increase must cause synaptic changes in the brain that initiates pair bonding. This is an evolutionary adaptation that has made long term care of infants possible.
This process may also explain the importance of monogamy.
If individuals have mulitple sex partners there may be a bonding conflict that makes for unstable relationships.
This begs the answer to the question if premarital sex effects the bonding of married partners.
This could explain the breakdown of societies that have more freedom in sexual expression.
Polygyny in a society also seems to weaken the male - female bond.
Charles Darwin made the statement, "He who understands baboon would do more towards metaphysics than Locke."

cd-editor

I Knew It, I Knew It

Researchers Say Human Brain Is Still Evolving - New York Times

The reason that this country is in such a mess is because the Republicans have little dinky brains!

Seriously this will cause an uproar that will shake the world of science.
I had an article in the Bloomburg Democrat a couple of months ago about the high incidence of Nobel Laureates of the Ashkenazic Jewish family.
This may be a part of the explanation of that puzzle.
cd-editor

These Folks Are Not Far From The Tree

Kansas moves to stem role of evolution in teaching - Yahoo! News

Notice in the second paragraph, "..can undermine religious teachings about the origins of life on the earth."
What have religious teaching to do with the education of our citizens about the origins of life on the earth?
What have religious teachings to do with facts and truth?
What have religious teachings to do with any evidence of the origin or mankind?
What have religious stories from a primitive tribe in Western Asia have to do with reality?

These conservative school board members have lost their way - actually I think that they never had the way to lose.
Ignorance is not an excuse to inflict your beliefs on others.
Lets leave the spiritual to those areas of the spirit and the science to the area of facts and theories.
cd-editor

Cloning Fido

Tom has made some interesting observations concerning the South Koreans cloning a dog.
To put his observations as a shallow question, does this cloned dog have a spirit?
This is an interesting question because this dog was made from a single sex, female cell.
I am not sure that you can call this activity conception - No egg-sperm combination.
Would this chimera be considered one of God's creations?
There is an Italian doctor that says that he has two pregnant patients that are carrying cloned infants. If this is fact, do we call this doctor a God?
The religionists are saying that this cloning is against God's will. If that is correct does this mean that God will not let these cloned beings have his spirit or if they have a spirit is it from God?
Will these souls be allowed to enter the Kingdom of God?
Interesting thoughts Tom, but scary if you think that some church has in the past had the complete gospel.
cd-editor

Drugs In Livestock

Citing Human Threat, U.S. Bans a Poultry Drug - New York Times

Corporation farming requires the use of hugh amounts of antibiotics to make the confinement method of production economically possible.
We have know for a hundred years that putting large numbers of animals together increases the risk of infection. The easiest way to combat that problem is to feed antibiotics.
We also know that exposing bacteria to sub-lethal doses of antibiotics is the cause or resistance in those organisms.
We all like our 99cent McNuggets more than we fear a flesh-eating staphlococcus.
The time may come when this is reversed. That time will be when a bad bug becomes resistant to all antibiotics and starts eating people alive, as seen in horror movies.
Because of the political clout of large corporations, we have allowed this feeding of antibiotics to continue. Our veterinary colleges that receive funding from big business have put this debate on the back burner.
The demise of the family farm is also a results of this corporate mentality that has infected America's food supply.
cd-editor

Cris Buttars Is Not Long Out Of The Tree

Salt Lake Tribune - Opinion

Lets hope that Buttars does not make Utah schools the Butt of Evolutionary jokes.
Religion will never successfully threaten science.
Science is not always right, but it is always searching for the truth.
Sadly, not the same thing can be said about religion.
Thought: Is politics a form of religion?
cd-editor

What We Can Learn From The Catholic Church

Questions for Pope on Evolution Stance - New York Times

The ability of Catholic scientists to openly question church doctrine is a very enlightened church environment.
I can't imagine a good Mormon scientist even disagreeing with the Prophet.
This seems to bear out the idea:
Catholics teach the idea that the Pope is infallible,
and no one believes it.
Mormons teach the idea that the Prophet is fallible and no one believes it.
If President Hinkley has a direct pipeline to God, he should be willing to answer these important questions that are confronting mankind today - when does the spirit enters the body, is evolution fact or fiction, is homosexuality nature or nurture,
are the American Indians Jewish or Asian, was Joseph Smith living in adultery when he wrote the 132 Section of the Doctrine & Covenants?
I would write and ask these questions, but we are instructed to not write the General Authorities because they are busy building a mall.
This leaves us the option of asking local authorities and they don't seem to have God's telephone number.
Maybe I need to write the Pope and ask these questions.
Trouble with that is my priesthood line of authority doesn't, like all roads, lead to Rome.
I guess we will just have to use our own intellect and decide for ourselves what is ethical.
cd-editor

How Can This Figure Be Determined

HoustonChronicle.com - TAKS exemptions limited to 3 percent

What if 4% are mentally retarded?
How can this maximum be determined, when there is no evaluation to set the figure?
An these people are setting our education standard!
God Help Us
cd-editor

Prostate Sun Bath

Sunlight Lowers Prostate Cancer Risk - Yahoo! News

Interesting study about vitamin D and prostate cancer.
cd-editor

Dishonest

Salt Lake Tribune - Opinion

Dishonest, I think is the correct term for this administration.
Bush and cohorts are knee deep in dishonesty about any subject that you can name: Iraq, global warming, budget, economy, welfare - this could go on and on with just about any word that comes to mind.
When will Bush supporters become honest with themselves and start rejecting this mismanagement of America?
cd-editor

Put On Your Hip Boots

Editor of Climate Reports Resigns - New York Times

The BS is flowing out of the White House at knee depth.
Mr. Cooney's resignation has nothing to do with the furor that he caused this week with his editorializing of the climatic report, so says the White House.
Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha.
Wait, this ain't funny.
The Bush Administration has the knee jerk response to tell a lie when the truth would be a better explanation.
This mentality requires an IQ of about 85.
Cousin Jack, make that a double.
cd-editor

The Ashkenazic Gene Pool

The genetic aspect of intelligence is a hard pill to swallow for the social scientists.
In fact, it is a hard pill to swallow for humanity in general.
Everyone would like to believe that if they hadn't just sat around drinking beer at the Hickory Pit, while in college, they too could understand quantum mechanics.
The current research involving DNA studies of racial patterns is both enlightening and disturbing.
This research "proves" that some races are smarter than others. It also "proves" that it is wise to marry smartly.
Of course, the definition of smart is important here.
If we are setting the standard of smart as being accomplished in science, math, medicine, etc..... that will proscribe a definition that is useful in every situation.
Example: if you and your friend are being chased by a lion and the closest tree is 100 meters away, smart is he who is genetically able to reach that tree first.
However, if we look at the standard that is important in the world today, the judgment of who is smart is based on scholastic aptitude.
Research indicates that those individuals that have a genetic background that is of Ashkenazic origin have received a greater share of the "knowledge gene" than their species in general.
The time frame of this genetic evolutional windfall is debatable, but it seems to be factual.
No matter what area of the arts and sciences you examine, the Ashkenazic gene pool is over represented by a factor of .25 to .50.
An interesting book that supports this argument is The Ornament of the World - How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created A Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain by Maria Rosa Menocal.
Ms. Menocal did not write this book as a genetic study, but one can interpolate her findings on this troika society and find very interesting data.
When Andalusian Spain was conquered by the Muslims and was made a caliphate by the Umayyad prince Abd al-Rahman, he made a unique society by instituting the concept of "dhimmi".
Dhimmi is the Arabic word for "People of the Book" meaning Jews and Christians.
By accepting these relatives of religion as citizens, he created a society that surpassed any in the world at that time in relationship to scholarship and enlightenment.
All of the known world outside of Islamic areas were in what was known as the Dark Ages. But even in other Moslem areas of strength, such as the Abbasid caliphate in Baghdad, scholarship was inferior to that of the al-Andalusians.
It appears that the deciding factor in this intelligentsia of al-Andalus was the recognization by the ruling caliph of the contribution of this Jewish population.
This fact is evident by the actions of Abd al-Rahman III who made the Jewish prince Hasdai ibn Saprut his Vizier (similar to CEO).
Andalusian Spain flourished for 500 years under this system.
It was only with the coming of the Catholic crusades and the successful defeat of the Muslims by Ferdinand III of Castile that Spain entered the "World Lit Only By Fire".
With the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, the stage was set for Spain to enter the Dark Ages.
When the Jews left Spain, that began the second Ashenazic dispora that lasted until 1948.
Their migrations to Northern Europe set the stage for the dominance of Europe and the Renaissance.
I understand that this simple explanation does not do justice to the concept of genetic dominance, but it is a primer for that study.

Children, I am sorry that my genetic make-up left you with some major flaws, but I did the best I could with the hand that I was dealt.
At least, I did find a smart girl to marry.
I understand that she did pass on some bad dental problems, but my tongue was just not learned enough to count the missing teeth.
Luckly you all were blessed with the hereditary gift of nicking and all came out smarter than your parents.
cd-editor

I'm Shocked

White House defends editing of climate reports - Yahoo! News

I can't believe that anyone would suggest that the President would try to change the emphasis on a report about climate change.
Just because Mr. Cooney was an oil company apologists, lobbyist, shill, and jackass, doesn't mean that he is dishonest or even stupid.
Just because Exxon-Mobil has the president in their vest pocket doesn't mean that he would try to protect the oil industry, does it?
Oh well, be a skeptic.
cd-editor

The Fox Is In The Hen House

Bush Aide Softened Greenhouse Gas Links to Global Warming - New York Times

The fox's name is Philip A. Cooney.
I have a hard time understanding why this administration has a hard time listening to experts in their field on nearly any subject, whether it be weapons, weather, economics, biology, geology, education, child care, genetics, medicine, law, or smirking.
I guess it is because Dubya already KNOWS everything and needs no more information.
Well, I agree that he knows how to smirk.
cd-editor

Kirby Is Not Far From The Tree

Salt Lake Tribune - Home & Family

I have also prayed while teaching kids to drive.
cd-editor

Think Bell Curve

Researchers Say Intelligence and Diseases May Be Linked in Ashkenazic Genes - New York Times

What have genes wrought?
The blank slate just took another hit.
cd-editor

Now It's Divine Design

Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake Tribune Home Page

New term, same old pseudo-science.
I beg to differ with the honorable Sen. Cris Buttars, there are a lot of dats running around. In fact in today's Yahoo News there is an article that describes T. rex as a big Mockingbird. Well, maybe it doesn't go quite that far, but you get my drift.
If you have thoughts of supporting "Intelligent - Divine" design, I suggest you read the Annals of Science - Devolution, in the May 30, 2005 issue of the New Yorker magazine. It is written by H. Allen Orr, Professor of Biology at the University of Rochester. He expains why intelligent design isn't.
I personally would not disagree with the idea of teaching this debate between evolution and intelligent design at the high school level, if (and that is a BIG IF) both theories were presented with fairness. Evolution has no need to fear intelligent design as long as the pros and cons of each theory are discussed.
The problem could lie in allowing the teacher to push one theory over another.
The kids that want God to create everything will believe that no matter what is taught and the kids that are open-minded to science will lean towards the scientific explaination of evolution.
I suspect in ten years we will all look back at this debate and get a good laugh.
You can decide on which side of your mouth that laugh will originate, intelligence or design.
cd-editor

Been There - Done That

HoustonChronicle.com - Scientists say love can make you little crazy

Even as old as I am, I remember being crazy in love with Lisa.
cd-editor

West Nile Virus

HoustonChronicle.com - Current strain of West Nile linked to poliolike effects

It is that time of the year again.
Be sure to protect youself and especially your children that play outside after the sun goes down.
Mosquito repellents that contain DEET are the most effective.
cd-editor

The Joke Is On Us

Smithsonian to Screen a Movie That Makes a Case Against Evolution - New York Times

Of couse the Smithsonian is taking the $16,000 and will co-sponser the Discovery Institute's film on Intelligent Design.
Most of the funding for the Museum comes from Congress, where about half of it's members give Eve hell for eating that apple.
Does it suprise you that the Smithsonian is political?
Get real!
cd-editor

You Worried

Bush: I'll Veto Stem Cell Legislation - Yahoo! News

I am worried about a world where Bush becomes accepted.
cd-editor

Intelligent Design

Kansas Debate Challenges Science Itself - Yahoo! News

If as stated in this article, the natural world is so complex and well ordered, whom do they suggest is intelligent enough to design this world.
They have also stated that this is not about religion, so I guess that eliminates God as a possibility - Who is left?
Science cannot be based on wishful thinking, that is the bailiwick of religion.
Just how dumb do these religionists think we are?
Wait a minute - They know how dumb we have been for the last few thousand years and I guess they think that we are not getting any smarter.
People that support this religious ignorance with money, time and soul need to examine the fruits of their investment.
Who is the big winner in supporting these large religious denominations. Certainly not the lowly members that struggle to meet the financial obligations, time requirements and spiritual challenges.
Religion has no place in the science curriculum of our public schools. If they want to teach creationism, let them do it in their church schools.
cd-editor

Eve Was A Black Woman From Africa II

DNA Study Yields Clues on First Migration of Early Humans - New York Times

As the ability of scientists improves in this area of study, it will require religionists to adapt their theology.
In fact some churches made the adaptation 30-40 years ago.
I remember how incensed Lisa and I became when her brother-in-law, a methodists, suggested that the story of Adam and Eve was just that, a story. His minister used the first part of Genesis as a template to teach the universal nature of man and not his origin.
We more fundalmentalist Christians were sure that they, sister and brother-in-law were going to a lessor kingdom because of their ignorance.
Now I am struggling to understand how I could have been so beguiled.
I was the one in the group with a scientific background. I should have been the one questioning all this mysticism, pseudo-knowledge, and history that was contrary to any sensible thought.
My inability to make correct judgements on these concepts has about driven me crazy in the last couple of years.
Alack, to no revelation of my own, I am finally beginning to understand my failure.
As I read and study The Blank Slate by Pinker, I am better able to perceive how I was programmed to accept naive Christian theology.
This is not an excuse of my ignorance, just a look at what makes up self.
The reason that Fast & Testimony meetings are so important to maintaining the status quo is because they reinforce this hard wiring in the brain that came with us to this earth.
My family has been teaching the principles of the biblical origins of man for many generations and this neural networking has been passed down from generation to generation.
Ah, you say, that is stupid!
Ah, I say, why is it that all primates, both higher and lower, have an inate fear of snakes from essentially birth, even when they have been isolated from parents?
Why is satan representated by the serpent and not the lion?
This fear of snakes by primates in hardwired in the brain as an evolutionary protection of our small tree living ancestors that would have been wiped out by the arboreal serpent.
Don't just scoff and say to your self, "I know that this or that is true".
Try to think through the hard-wiring and see what truly makes sense.
You might stand all amazed.
cd-editor

Time To Leave The Cave

If you have not read Steven Pinker's book The Blank Slate, it is time to put down the Mastodon bone you are gnawing on and leave the cave.

This book will revolutionize the way you think about yourself and explain why you are what you are.

For all people that are searching for the truth, this is a good starting place. As you read and study this book, the light will come on and you will understand what makes people tick.
I have been tracking around the edges of this concept of humanity for years, but have not been able to put it together in an organized manner - Pinker solves that problem.

We need to start a study club on this work and I offer the Bloomburg Democrat as a venue for that purpose. You can add your thoughts and views from anyplace in the world. There will be no unjust criticism of you views. Well maybe I cannot promise that, but what the heck, everyone needs to toughen up.

This is important folks.
Don't ignore this work.
I think it will change your life.

cd-editor

Oh My Gosh

Memo May Have Swayed Plan B Ruling

I didn't know if I should list this under science or religion.
It appears that God rejected Plan B because of the medical effects of contraceptives on girls under 16 years of age.
I wonder if he considered the effects of pregnancy on girls under 16 years of age?
It seems that we have no constitutional protection from the idiots in this administration.
How can the FDA support a plan that was rejected by it's scientists on a vote of 23 to 4?
Oh, I see, God made the decision.
Give me strength!
cd-editor

Cat In The Box

Never let your children play in sandboxes at public parks and be sure that you have a cat-proof cover for their sandbox at home which is not removed until they are ready to play and then recover after they have finished playing.

Cats are one of the most serious vectors of common roundworms(Toxacara spp.) that effect young children. This parasite is one of the leading causes of blindness in young children in this country. The roundworm becomes an aberrant parasite in children and the worms enters the eyeball and usually causes blindness.

A second disease of cats that effect people is toxoplasmosis. This disease causes birth defects in pregnant women and can cause serious neurological problems in children.
Eye damage is also possible from this organism.

cd-editor

Common Sense

Salt Lake Tribune - Opinion

Common sense is a rare commodity these days.
Doesn't it worry you that when kids leave home and go off to college they also leave the church?
There is a reason this happens.
Are we afraid to investigate the cause and then seek a solution.
The biology teacher in my small community is a creationists. Guess what, the kids in his classes have not had to leave home to realize that what he professes to know is not supported by even one fact.
He is driving his students away from religion by breaking down their faith with one false principle.
Things of the spirit will take care of themselves as long as we don't get caught up in topics that make religion look like so much primitive ignorance.
cd-editor

Nature Vs Nurture

Gay and Straight Men React Differently to Sexual Odors - New York Times

The questions concerning the origin of homosexuality in humans has been debated since the advent of man.
Most "hard science" scientists have reached the conclusion that nature is the ruling factor.
This research seems to support that conclusion.
If this theory is in fact proven, it will make life difficult for those that see this condition as sin instead of a genetic aberration.
I guess the hard-heads will still consider it sin, but they will have to deal with the fact that God creates sin, which should give them nightmares.
cd-editor

Horse Doping

Salt Lake Tribune - Sports

Horse doping has been going on as long as people have been racing horses.
It is about time the horse industry has decided to do something about this problem.
The idea that a cold horse(one without hop) can out run a hot horse(with hop) has been disproven long ago.
When money is involved, everyone and I do mean everyone is looking for an edge.
This problem includes bugging(small battery carried by jockey to shock horse), injecting epinephrine under that tail at the starting gate, all varities of stimulates, vitamins, steroids, pain killers(some which are still legal) and of course the milkshake that is probably useless but makes the veterinarians big bucks for drenching a horse with baking soda.
The shock officials at Churchhill Downs are exhibiting is so much fraud. This has been the condition of horse racing and everyone knew it.
This is not hearsay - I have seen it and I have done it.
cd-editor

Holding Hands With Saudi Arabia

Salt Lake Tribune - Opinion

Holding hands with the Saudi Crown Prince as they walk around the ranch was a strange sight.
I am seriously beginning to worry about our president.
I know that he has a terribly difficult job, but I am beginning to believe that it has effected his mind.
I don't hold the hand of my closest male friend. Maybe it's me with the hang-ups, but somehow it would just seem strange.
cd-editor

Mind Readers

Scientists Say Everyone Can Read Minds - Yahoo! News

There is something to this theory.
I suspect that visual clues have a lot to do with this ability to "read minds".
I think this may be a learned attribute, but there maybe some genetic factors that make one person better at this than another.
Those that have this ability may be more effective counselors. It may give those that do counseling a look at inter-thoughts.
cd-editor

Must Be Tongue In Cheek

Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake Tribune Home Page

I like these choices.
It must be tongue in cheek, because it sounds to me as if the beetles have a taste for things that send homosexuals into a frenzy.
Dubya has yet to comment.
I don't blame him.
cd-editor

Afghanistan Poppies

Yahoo! News - Afghan Opium Crop Said Down Significantly

Tom is this all of Afghanistan or just your area?
cd-editor

X = Infinity

I truly KNEW that there was a finite number of pyramid schemes in which my Eternal Companion could invest. I also KNEW that she had found them all and I would never again have to support some major conglomerate with my meager funds.
Alack, she has found another one. This proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that relativism is a fact.
There are no absolute truths.
The next event that I am expecting in my life is the appearance of a true religion that has all the truth and will lead us to nirvana.
Stay tuned.
cd-nihilist

Wow, A Green God

This is from our conservative Op-Ed editor J. Zylks of Zylksburg. Louisiana

Green and Godly Grow in Ranks
Updated 9:34 AM ET April 22, 2005

What do you envision when you hear the term "environmentalist?"

Perhaps a long-haired, sandal-wearing, granola-eating someone comes to mind. But in recent years, people from much different, traditionally more conservative groups have been speaking out on behalf of green causes -- including the Bible-thumping, khaki-wearing kind.

It's a development that established environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club and the National Resources Defense Council, are quietly celebrating since they say a greater diversity of voices pushing environmental issues, particularly from the political right, can only have a positive effect on policy.

At the same time, these historically liberal and conservative groups have been keeping a respectful distance from each other. Don't, for example, call evangelical Earth advocates environmentalists.

"We prefer the term 'creation care,'" said Rich Cizik, vice president of governmental affairs for the 30 million-member National Association of Evangelicals. "It's not because environmentalist is a bad word, it's simply that there are those on the political right who will attempt to smear and discredit us if we accept the mantle. Plus we, as evangelical Christians, need to develop our own voice on this subject."

From Anti-War to Pro-Life
The face of environmental advocacy has evolved significantly since Earth Day was first celebrated 35 years ago today. Commemoration of a day recognizing the importance of environmental issues was originally pushed through by a democratic senator, Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, who had been partly inspired by teach-ins opposing the Vietnam War.

"I was satisfied that if we could tap into the environmental concerns of the general public and infuse the student anti-war energy into the environmental cause, we could generate a demonstration that would force this issue onto the political agenda," Nelson later wrote.

Rather than anti-war causes, Cizik and his group consider abortion among their other main concerns. In fact, while Nelson sought to steer anti-war sentiment toward environmental concerns, Cizik sees a clear link between opposing abortion and cleaning up the planet.

"It is inconceivable to me that you can accept the mantle of pro-life and then say I'm not going to do anything about mercury poisoning that contributes to hundreds of newborns being born every year with high levels of toxicity in their blood," he said.

While it may seem unusual to hear a conservative Christian touting environmental causes, polls suggest that people like Cizik may be very much in synch with the American public.

Call to Worship Earth
In 1995, the MIT Press published an extensive survey on how Americans think on environmental issues and found that a substantial majority of respondents justified environmental protection by evoking God as Earth's creator. And a 2004 survey by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Reports found that 55 percent of those surveyed in religious groups back strong regulations to protect the environment.

Melanie Griffin, director of the Land Protection Program at the Sierra Club and a self-described "committed Christian," says such findings aren't so surprising. Despite past claims from Cizik that groups like hers tend to support abortion rights and "kooky" religions such as pantheism, Griffin says nearly half of Sierra club members attend formal religious services at least once a month.

Recently, the traditionally crunchy Sierra Club has been trying to tap the potency of this link by sending Griffin to give presentations to religious groups and guest speak on conservative programs such as Oliver North's syndicated radio show.

Griffin says people are often taken aback by what they hear.

"Many come up to me afterwards and say, 'I have a whole new impression of the Sierra Club. I'm not used to seeing a Christian speak on these issues,'" she said. "My response is 'Get used to it.' There are a lot of walls coming down and that's a good thing."

While the Sierra Club seeks to broaden its identity to include more of the country's religious communities, some religious groups are increasing their efforts to recruit more of their own toward environmental causes. In October, the National Association of Evangelicals' leader, Ted Haggard, adopted an "Evangelical Call to Civic Responsibility," which stressed every Christian's duty to care for the planet.

"We affirm that God-given dominion is a sacred responsibility to steward the Earth and not a license to abuse the creation of which we are a part," the group's statement reads.

Last fall, the evangelical magazine Christianity Today urged its readers to support steps toward protecting the planet. Meanwhile, Jim Ball, of the Evangelical Environmental Network, who became well-known in 2002 for his "What Would Jesus Drive?" campaign against SUVs, has joined forces with the Natural Resources Defense Council in a campaign to improve energy conservation.

Environmental Republicans: 'Where Have You Been?'
Robert Perks of the NRDC says his group and Ball's are certainly "not lockstep on every issue," but rather both realized they would have more impact if they joined voices. Perks says while such alliances might have been unheard of in the past, the urgency of environmental concerns under the current administration is forcing a broadened environmental movement.

He and others in the environmental movement have argued the Bush administration has weakened a number of regulations protecting the planet, from easing carbon dioxide and mercury control requirements under a proposed cap and trade system to supporting oil drilling in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge.

"It's the issues that are bringing groups together," Perks said. "They're of concern to a lot of people for a lot of different reasons and now they are coalescing into a perfect storm."

Martha Marks, president of the 10-year-old group Republicans for Environmental Protection, is pleased to see a more organized effort by those on the religious right to support environmental causes. Her group has never shunned the term environmentalist and has stayed clear of religious messages in its advocacy work. Still, she says she welcomes any new voices to the cause, particularly those belonging to a group whom many credit with boosting re-election efforts of President Bush.

"We want to get back to the days when environmentalism was a bipartisan issue that both sides cared about," she said. "So hearing new voices from the religious right on these issues is welcome news to us. My only question is, where have you been?"

What If

Salt Lake Tribune - Opinion

Is it any wonder that man wants to believe in God?
This world has always been a scary place. Even when we lived in caves, we had a primordial fear of the big lizard outside.
Now we fear the big burst of gamma rays from mean stars.
Notice how nothing has changed - just different boogers.
If you have no God, I suggest you make one up so that you can sleep in peace at night.
Why not have a palliative?
Peace of mind is better than depending on scary science.
Of course, if you have issues with truth that does leave you with a dilemma.
cd-editor

Here We Go Again - Fear Monger

Unready For This Attack (washingtonpost.com)

Senator Jon Kyl, Rep - AZ, must have a lot of time on his hands.
Here we go again on the dangers of the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) destroying our life as we now know it.
I fell for this story back in the 1980's and there is no way I will fall for it again.
This is goofy right wing fear mongering. Where else in the world would this start, other than in Arizona.
Elder Gene Callens convinced half of the Shreveport Stake that the end of the world was coming and the EMP nuclear attack, was the Four Horsemen, wrapped up in a nuclear warhead. I should have know that this was not scientific fact when I found out that Elder Callens was spend hours on the phone talking to Ronnie Peacock about the end of the world.
To soon old and to late smart.
cd-editor

Dumbing Down Of America

The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: Bush Disarms, Unilaterally

Why is this happening to America?
Dumbya!
cd-editor

Eve Was A Black Woman From Africa

The New York Times > National > Geographic Society Is Seeking a Genealogy of Humankind

This work is going to stir up some WASP southerners.
This reminds me of a question that a black nurse ask Glenda Page when she worked at Atlanta Memorial Hospital.
Glenda said something about them visting Dr. Daniels and the black nurse ask her, "He ain't all white is he?"
Nope, I guess not.
I do seem to fit in well with the old line black southern family.
I knows my place and I knows where I stays.
cd-editor

Stem Cell Research

HoustonChronicle.com - Bills would both promote, forbid stem cell research

Texas must decide if it wants to join the band wagon or get run over by it.
Stem Cell research is one of the future major projects that will revolutionize medicine.
No matter how hard the evangelical right prays, this juggernaut will not be stopped because the potential benefits are too great.
Ol' Dubya will fund the research if he comes down with Parkinson's disease!

Petting Zoo Is Fun, But Dangerous

The New York Times > Health > Outbreaks of E. Coli Infections Appear Linked to Petting Zoos

If you have young children, please read this article.
E.coli infections are serious, especially in children.
cd-editor

Oh No - Another Mercury Article

New EPA Mercury Rule Omits Conflicting Data (washingtonpost.com)

Are you tired of reading about mercury pollution?
Me too, so lets clean up this mess.
cd-editor

Utah's Payback

Salt Lake Tribune - Opinion

When you are inspired to vote for the wrong guy, sooner or later, you reap the rewards.
It looks as if it is sooner for Utahans.
The Bush "shell game" of mercury pollution will cause damage to Utah's future generation.
What a shame, because there is nothing more important in Utah than her children.
cd-editor

Another View On Evolution

deseretnews.com | Utah's non-war over evolution

Ron Titus sent me this article that has another view on evolution.
Thanks Ron

What A Shocking Article

HoustonChronicle.com - Study: Virginity vow no shield for STDs in teens

This is an eye opener for many people.
I have already had to confront this problem fifteen years ago when I was a Bishop counseling the youth in the church.
The General Authorities discussed these problems in leadership meetings stating that this was a problem at BYU. I had already interviewed youth that had participated in events that were harmful to their physical and emotional health.
It is a mistake for parents to not discuss all aspects of life with their children.
We sometimes so stigmatize sex that our children come to regard it as only sin.
The sin is not in the act, but in the trivial nature of the relationships.
Religion somethimes has the effect of teaching principles as absolutes that nature subverts.
I am not speaking against a moral life. I just think one must use judgement when defining morals and realize there is no universal state.
cd-editor

Wake Up America

HoustonChronicle.com - No escape from global warming, research teams say

This is not some theory, it is proven fact.
President Bush says that the jury is still out.
He is part right. The jury has gone home because they have already made their decision. We are heading into serious trouble and it may already be too late to stop this process.
He says that he is trying to save the economy.
Anyone that has watched his policies the last five years should have some doubt about that statement .
I have some doubt about his sanity.
cd-editor

Steroid Homers

HoustonChronicle.com - Baseball stars largely evasive in answering Congress' queries on using substances

As I watched the congressional hearings on steroid abuse yesterday, I saw the destruction of another of my false set of heroes.
Mark McGwire's testimony was especially harmful to baseball's image.
What a wimp. We all know the truth and he vainly tried to cover it up with some very dump answers.
He reminded me of a neighbor that I had that would come to the clinic and tell me that he would like a shot of equipose for his kids Shetland pony. What dufus would give his kids pony a shot that would not only build muscle but could cause aggression in the horse?
As he stood there in his tank top with muscles bulging, I thought to myself, "These steroids you are taking have made you brain dead."
I had the same feelings yesterday watching the replys from baseballs elite.

cd-editor

Larry Summers Take Heart

The New York Times > Science > Study Reveals New Difference Between Sexes

There is a difference between boys and girls.
Only those that have not reached majority and those that believe homosexuality is normal doubt this fact.
cd-editor

Mercury And Autism

HoustonChronicle.com - Study links mercury from power plants to autism

If this is a fact, there will be major repercussions.

Can I Sell You What I Don't Have?

The New York Times > Washington > Bush to Permit Trading of Credits to Limit Mercury

Does this make sense?
I own a company that doesn't produce mercury emissions and I can sell you the rights to what I don't have so that you can keep polluting the environment with mercury.
I seem to be missing something on translation.
If the American voter accepts this Bush plan then they deserve to be brain dead.
Guess which state businesses will benefit most from this Kafkaesque presidential directive?
Are there any Bush supporters within the sound of my voice that can support this action?
I don't blame you if you don't want to speak up; I would be ashamed to admit I voted for this scoundrel.
cd-editor

Clear Skys = Clear Payoff

Salt Lake Tribune - Opinion

Thankfully a few Republican senators had the good sense to defeat President's Bush's Clear Skys initiative.
I guess the fat cat electrical utilities officials think that they didn't get their money's worth.
They can always go back to Dubya and tell him to give them a refund on their political contributions.
He can let them sleep in the Lincoln bedroom and call it even.
The right "honorable" senator from Oklahoma should be staked out over a fire ant mound for his defense of the polluting companies.
cd-editor

Another Nail In The Coffin

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium living in the stomach of man since the beginning of time.
This bacterium has some very interesting characteristics in that it is made up of different strains that appear to have developed in Homo sapiens in diverse geographical regions beginning about 60,000 years ago.
The geographic distribution of its variant strains reflects the origins and migrations of its human host.
These variants are designated as s1a, s1b, and s1c.
In Eastern Europe and the Mid-East s1a is about 80% dominate.
In Spain and Latin America s1b is in the high 90% range.
In Eastern Asia s1c is in the high 70% range.
In the melting pot of North America s1a and s1b are nearly equal, s1c is under 10% as would be expected.

Is it possible that this bacterium might be helpful in determining the origin of the Amerindians?
In the early nineteenth century, the accepted theory on the origin of the Amerindians was that they were one of the lost tribes of Israel.
This notion has been discredited by most of the world, with the exception of a rather large group that accept the Book of Mormon as being a factual history of the Amerindians.
Helicobacter pylori appears to put another nail in the coffin of that idea.
Most of the aboriginal people of the Western Hemisphere tested for this bacteria were carrying the s1c strain, the genotype that is prevalent in East Asia.
This evidence shows that Helicobacter pylori had been brought to the New World in the stomach of the ancestors of the Amerindians when they crossed the Bering Straits 15,000 years ago from East Asia.

References:

Scientific American, February 2005, An Endangered Species in the Stomach by Martin J. Blaser, pages 38-45

Traces of Human Migrations in Helicobacter pylori Populations
D.Falush and 17 other authors, Science, Vol. 299 pages 1582- 1585; March 7, 2003

cd-editor

Death To Poppies

The New York Times > International > Asia Pacific > Afghans Accuse U.S. of Secret Spraying to Kill Poppies

I guess death of a few sheep and people may be ok, too.
Do I suspect the U.S. is involved? Yes, I do.
I had personal knowledge of U.S. involvement in spraying some toxic chemicals in Vietnam while denying it to high heaven.
My suggestion to the U.S. government is, if they want to stop the opium trade, buy up the entire production. That is a cheaper solution and will make all the afghanis happy.
Stopping this agricultural practice in Afghanistan is impossible, IMHO. It has been going on since Genghis Khan and it is the most lucrative crop for farmers in this hostile climate.
cd-editor

Large Animal Vets In Decline

Yahoo! News - Fewer Vets Going Into Large-Animal Care

This is a more serious problem for the profession than for the farmer.
If the veterinary profession doesn't supply the service to farmers, then someone else will.
Money is always the deciding factor, which makes a sad case for a profession.
I am thankful that I had the opportunity to practice during the hayday of veterinary medicine.
One morning I might be a brain surgeon and the next morning I would be trimming horses feet. It was a great life.
cd-editor

The New Yorker - Feb. 14 & 21, 2005

There are two articles that I highly recommend from last week's The New Yorker.

Outsourcing Torture by Jane Mayer pgs. 106 - 123, is a detailed look at how the United States is involved in the torture of political prisoners.
The Bush code name for this atrocity is "the extraordinary rendition program".
An extraordinary it is.
The terrorists have been successful in making the U.S. government reject principles that are basic to our morality.

The second article is easier on the gastric acid, but does cause an adrenalin rush.
Climbing The Redwoods by Richard Preston pgs. 212 - 225, is a very interesting article about the scientific investigation of the upper canopy of the virgin redwood forest on the northern California coast.
This article will expose you to information that you will find hard to believe.
A whole world three hundred feet away that was unknown until the botanists Stephen C. Sillett started his research. Three hundred feet seems a short distance until you discover that the first step (limb) is two hundred and seventy feet away.

cd-editor

Some Sanity About The Harvard Flap

Missing The Point At Harvard (washingtonpost.com)

Anne's observations are not only accurate but also
principled.
There are many facets to this debate.
Calm and careful decisions are needed to solve this complex discrimmination.
cd-editor

Carbon Dioxide Pollution

Scientists Looking at Ways to Trap Greenhouse Gases (washingtonpost.com)

If you are not worried about greenhouse gases, then you have not been paying attention.
We are emitting 6.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide(CO2) into the atmosphere each year. That is about twice what the biosphere can absorb. The atmospheric level of CO2 is increasing at the rate of 1.5ppm annually. Once we hit the 450ppm level, this earth will be closer to hell than heaven. We have gone from 23ppm to 56ppm in the last thirty years and the rate is increasing every year.
You can forget about the failure of the Social Security system in 2026 if we don't get this CO2 pollution under control, because you won't be here to collect it.

Sucking Sound Coming From China

Yahoo! News - Activists Detail Indonesia Illegal Logging to China

That great sucking sound you hear coming from China is made by the 1.5 billon people sucking all resources, both natural and economic, into the vaccum created by China moving from third world status to first world status.
If you think the U.S. is going to continue as the economic engine of the world, you had better think again.
As I was sitting at a railroad crossing the other day watching a freight train pass, I counted 86 out of 91 frieght cars with Chinese company logos.
The next time you go to Wal-Mart's try to find some toys, appliances, tools, clothing, and furnishings that are made in the United States.
Nearly everything has a Made in China label.
The Renminbi is on the way to becoming a major world currency. The dollar is in a decline that will play havoc with our standard of living.
We need the brightest and the most talented in leadership positions in this country to just maintain a good standard of existence.
I am not sure that is possible as long a American voters are beguiled by avarice.
cd-editor

Mercury Emissions Timeline

The New York Times > Washington > E.P.A. Agrees to Deadline in Emissions Case

Lets watch and see if the Bush Administration accepts more money from the utilities companies and then how they respond to this lawsuit.

Bush will probably give North Carolina the old Texas solution. If my cow gets in your pasture, put up a fence. North Carolina had better start building that fence to keep air pollution out of their state if they want clean air.
They have already been told that they will have to hold their breath for a least three years.
cd

New Cancer Treatment

Treatment for Prostate Cancer Shows Promise (washingtonpost.com)

This should work in theory and appears to show some promise.
ce-editor

Mercury Hoax

I was hesitant to put this in the science category, but here goes.

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R - Nevada the chairman of the resource panel's Energy and Resources Committee U.S. House of Representatives, has stated that the health risk of mercury pollution caused by power plants burning coal is a hoax.
I think he has made a new scientific discovery that is blessed by the state's coal companies. It is interesting that Nevada burns some of the highest mercury content coal in the nation, but I am sure that has nothing to do with his plans to remove any restraints on mercury restrictions.
Instead of requiring companies to control emissions, he wants to allow heavy polluters to be able to buy credits from low or non-polluters.
That makes sense - credits from non-polluters! That should be infinite!
His plan that is backed by the White House(that should make you worry) is to reduce mercury pollution from 48 tons per year to 15 tons per year by the year 2018. Of course, the Clinton Administration had already passed the resolution for this reduction to take effect by 2006 but President Bush killed that resolution during his first month in office of his first term.
Let's see now , why are we still reducing mercury pollution if there is no danger to public health?
I am so confused; but I am sure it is not from being poisoned by the mercury in fish that I have eaten - is it?
My problem is that I cannot understand Republican science.
However, I do understand political payola from electric utilities and coal companies to Brother Gibbon's pants pockets.
Ah, the American Dream - election to congress.
cd-editor

More on Mercury Poisoning

Yahoo! News - EPA Faults Findings on Mercury

I am back on that mercury bandwagon. You need to contact your congessman and tell him that you are being poisoned by this administration and you don't like it one bit.
Don't allow big money(electric utilities) to buy this president to the detriment of your children's health.
The political appointee referenced to in this article is Mike Leavitt, the same knuckle-head that Bush has nominated for Secretary of Health and Human Resources.
Stand up and protect your family.
cd-editor

Men and Women or Women and Men

Salt Lake Tribune - Opinion

Being gender biased, I guess that is why I put man first in the title.
This is a good look at gender differences, but I don't think it explains why women can't give the opening prayer in church.
I think that is just dumb-ass male sexism.
A man with six daughters knows that man is just lucky to not be caged.
cd-editor

Ain't Your Seed

Yahoo! News - Monsanto Suing Farmers Over Piracy Issues

Normally I take the Populists stand on these types of disagreements, but this is a different venue.
These farmers signed a contract with Monsanto to not save seed and they did this with the knowedge to do otherwise was against the law.
They may try the ignorant farmer defense, but it won't hold water.
I believe that if a company goes to the trouble to develop a product that is unique they have the right to control it's distribution.
I guess the old adage of the honorable farmer is just like most bits of popular wisdom, fable.
What a cynic I have become!
cd-editor

Invasion of the Stink Bug

Yahoo! News - Ore. Issues Alert for Marmorated Stink Bug

I had this Asian invader in my garden last year and it was definitely a problem.
It attacked all manner of vegetables and fruits.
I had a difficult time trying to control it organically because it was not confined to just a few plant species as is our native bugs.
cd-editor

Traveling Gene

Yahoo! News - Study: Albatrosses Often Circle Globe

My wife must have albatross genes in her family tree.
How is Japan, Lisa?
Your reporter salary is in danger of lapsing if your don't sent in an article to the travel section of the Bloomburg Democrat.
cd-editor

Do You Itch?

This might me the cause.
I understand that this mite is present in East Texas, but still in small numbers.
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HoustonChronicle.com - Dallas residents' mysterious bites linked to mites

Asteroid Will Miss Earth

I guess you can breathe a sigh of relief. New calculations say the asteroid will miss earth on 13 April 2029.

See link below.
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Yahoo! News - Whew! Asteroid Won't Hit Earth in 2029, Scientists Now Say

Are You Ready for the End

MSNBC.com
Asteroid risk in 2029 sparks ‘yellow alert’
Odds set at 1 in 45, but it’s likely to be false alarm

MSNBC staff and news service reports
Updated: 5:35 p.m. ET Dec. 25, 2004

The chances of a devastating asteroid strike in the year 2029 were raised to an unprecedented 1 in 45 as of Saturday, but the perceived risk is likely to be eliminated as astronomers get more detail about the object's orbit.

Asteroid 2004 MN4 is thought to be about 1,300 feet (400 meters) long. That's not large enough to create a mass-extinction event, like the one that scientists say contributed to the demise of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. But if the asteroid hit the wrong place at the wrong time, it could cause a giant tsunami wave or deliver a nuclear-scale blast.

Fortunately, that's a big "if." There have been only a limited number of sightings of 2004 MN4, said Donald Yeomans, manager of the Near Earth Object Program at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. As a result, astronomers have to provide for a wide margin of error in plotting the asteroid's future orbit, and that's the main reason why they see a slight chance of a collision on Friday, April 13, 2029.

In past cases, such chances have been eliminated as further observations are made. In 2004 MN4's case, the chances of a collision were heightened somewhat between Thursday and Saturday, from 1 in 300 to about 1 in 45.

That led astronomers to give 2004 MN4 a rating of 4 on the 10-point Torino Impact Hazard Scale used by astronomers to predict asteroid or comet impacts. No previously observed asteroid has been graded higher than 1.

A category 4 risk is given to "close approaches by objects that have higher collision chances than Earth typically experiences over a few decades," according to NASA's description of Torino ratings. Categories 2, 3 and 4 correspond to a "yellow" alert.

"These are objects for which refinement of the orbit is of high priority," NASA says. Again, figuring out the precise orbit is likely to eliminate the risk entirely.

“This is not a problem for anyone and it shouldn’t be a concern to anyone, but whenever we post one of these things and ... somebody gets a hold of it, it just gets crazy,” Yeomans said Thursday.

The asteroid was discovered in June and rediscovered this month. Its estimated size has been inferred from its brightness, which assumes that its reflectivity is similar to other asteroids that have been observed. At about 1,320 feet in length, it would have about 1,600 megatons of energy, Yeomans said.

Asteroid 2004 MN4 takes less than a year to go all the way around the sun, and on each orbit it passes by Earth’s orbit twice, Yeomans said. It is also nearly on the same plane as Earth’s orbit.

The asteroid will be visible for the next several months, and the NEO program has alerted its network of ground-based observers to include 2004 MN4 in their searches.

This report includes information from MSNBC's Alan Boyle and The Associated Press.

© 2004 MSNBC Interactive
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6751433/