Theunicornhunter

I know Kirk made history with his kiss with Uhura and gained celebrity for kissing nearly everyone else. But who showed your all time favorite kiss?

I have always been fascinated by this era of history and the technology involved in building the pyramids. A couple of years ago I watched a special that talked about a shaft in one of the pyramids (Giza I think) with a barrier placed near the end. They sent a little robot camera down the shaft and were discussing how they would find out what was behind the barrier. Anyway - they mentioned political tension as one reason anyone outside Egypt might not be involved in the research.

My question is has anyone else heard anything about this or do you follow the topic?

I came across this - just in case any are interested in this topic

Adherents.com

I thought this was something to think about.

It was about your bet with Amy. By the way you worded your post I say she was right. you included the words "person b will reach" which implies person b's efforts are part of the bet - The point is law school graduates never concede an argument

What is the story with Colin? Is he ill?

, "eech what an ugly belly button".

ROFL

Trip, I probably wouldn't have to talk - I could just listen to his entertaining stories.

I actually thought of entitling this - my time to whine. I understand VABeach guy's reason for closing down the previous topic and I wont address that "issue"; however I was in the middle of a response when he did it.

The original poster offered a thread requesting scientific analysis. When I responded to what I thought was a genuine request - I received what came across as a condescending pat on the head. I never once suggested that persons engaging in said "closed topic" were not capable of performing any job or entitled to have it. I was offering a scientific analysis of evolution.

And I do have some credentials for science if not a ph.d.

I define science as the search for truth so in that sense at least I am a scientist because I look for truth in this world - I don't always find it and sometimes when I do find it - it isn't what I expected. There are issues I actually refuse to take a stand on because I can't find either side's arguments more persuasive - I leave them "open." I have been persuaded by other people's arguments - that's why I enjoy reading the posts on this board.

edited to make shorter

First, Genetics is very interesting and probably my second favorite field of scientific interest. (First being Quantum Physics and Theoretical Physics)

Okay, that impresses me - seriously

About "designer babies" - this technology is still pretty futuristic.  I think it is a very tough issue.  For example, if you asked people: "is it right to genetically modify ourselves to remove a cancer-causing gene?", almost everyone would say yes.  If you asked: "is it right to make people smarter, or stronger, or better-looking?" you would get mixed replies.  I, personally, am in favor of genetically manipulaing human to make ourselfs better.  This, in the future could allow humans to rise to heights never before dreamed of.  We could rise above poverty, greed, malice, and a whole host of counter-productive human traits.  I think the main problem with this is some stigma from the way it has been used in the past (like hitler).  Keep in mind, these are just my opinions.

I think the ethics part lies primarily in the "experimental" nature of our technology and that attempts to clone an individual could result in a real ethical disaster. I think another ethics concern is the psychological baggage that dsbs referred to that might be dumped on the newborn individual.

As for designer babies: I don't think it would elevate the human race. Call me a pessimist I think it would be much like things are today. The benefits go to those that can afford it so we'd have a wealthy, advanced, healthy class and a poor genetically inferior (non-modified) class that does the low-level jobs. hmmmm

I do believe that cloning organs has real potential to improve the quality of life

Now, I am getting on my soap box. One reason I hate the idea of cloning (and other extravagant reproduction techniques) is that we have thousands of children in the US that need loving homes. We have antiquated laws that place nearly impenetrable barriers to adoption. Children are left in the "system" so long that they become unplaceable. And then we have people jumping through painful, expensive hoops to conceive. Yes, I think cloning is useless when there are so many children that need parents. .. I am packing up my soapbox now.

I did watch this tonight - maybe I picked the wrong night. I was disappointed in the outcome.

I'm watching it right now and just thought of something. If Geordi and Ro can walk through bulkheads and all that how is it they don't fall right through the floor?

I believe this scientific inaccuracy was pointed out in the book "The Physics of Star Trek". I think the best term is literary license.

Has anyone seen the PBS Nova show last week where they were talking about the double helix? It was pretty interesting and to the fact that the people that got a Nobel Peace prize really stole a lot of experiment data from another scientist who was a woman.

 

And does anyone want to start on how Riker & Troi’s possible baby might look like? (Just in terms of eyes, hair, and skin)

 

 

Master Q

StarTrek_Master_Q@yahoo.com

You can not accurately determine a genotype from a phenotype.

Each dark haired person could potentially be carrying a recessive gene so they could possibly have a blonde youngun' (excuse me - offspring)

First - let's go over the basics of evolution. The theory is based on the premise that organisms experience naturally occuring genetic changes in their DNA. Evolution occurs when (over a long period of time) these changes become disseminated into the population.

This dissemination is accomplished by what Darwin termed "Natural Selection" - in other words the organism whose genes are most adaptable to the environment will produce more offspring and his/her genes will become dominant in the gene pool.

Strictly homosexual individuals do not produce offspring so homosexual activity by its nature is precluded from natural selection - as producing offspring is a necessary component

of evolution.

Second, there is a general myth that there is scientific evidence of a genetic link to homosexuality. There are three basic prongs of the approach. The first involves autopsies on the brains of deceased gay men that found enlarged areas in the hypothalamus. The study lacks scientific precision because 1) it attempts to infer cause and effect from correlation 2) similar studies were not done on the brains of highly, sexually-active heterosexuals for comparison 3) the population studied was extremely small.

I don't have room to go into every theory but there is no scientific evidence of a genetic determinant. One theory that shows promise involves heightened hormonal levels in the uterine environment during gestation - but this would be an environmental not genetic cause just as taking medication during pregnancy.

Takara - I can tell you have a great compassion for suffering people - that's commendable. I personally feel very frustrated by this topic - (again I'm refering to American culture because I'm not familiar with Canada) because people are more interested in putting up a politically correct image than genuinely helping people. Of course, not all gay/lesbian people are suffering. But by insisting on a genetic link that isn't there research is not being done to help those who do consider being gay/lesbian a problem.

Even without a genetic link that doesn't mean people should be denied individual rights - there is certainly no justification for violence. What people do in privacy is really their choice. That doesn't mean I should be "required" to approve of it and I think that is where the "extra" rights issue comes in. That violates religious freedom and that bothers me. I try to respect people's right to believe what they want and expect I should receive the same consideration.

I also resent the movement's attempt to label anyone who opposes homosexual activity on religious grounds as a hate monger. For example consuming alchoholic beverages is "against my religion" that doesn't mean I hate people that drink.

Unfortunately, this issue is not the only topic where truth is trumped by political agenda.

I came across this and thought it was funny/interesting. Given all the religion topics we get into I thought some of you might enjoy looking at it. I have to say it did peg me correctly..

Belief-O-Matic

I really like the outfit she wears now.  And I have noticed that her wig is different this season.  Looks better.  Her first season looks were a little shaggy, just look at my avatar!  Hopefully they don't make her look bad in season three.

I would like to see her hair long, not too long, but enough too make her look more model type... I think putting her in a starfleet uniform is too much, why would she go for the sudden change after two years.... The hair I understand,

 

the uniform heck its all up to the directors anyway

Click for Spoiler:

Personally, I'm disappointed. They have gone a long way to develop characters and add real umph to the plots. Unfortunately, doing anything about their sexist portrayal of women isn't even on their radar screen.

You would serve in starfleet as a Commander. You have a command position. You would have started you career in Science. Any of the following positions may be available on a starship:

Exobiology

Astrophysics

Exoacheology

Stellar Cartography

Here is an example of absolute stupidity.  The Florida voters (yes I know they have a bad rap to begin with) voted for a class size amendment to the state constitution which means all schools have to reduce class size.  In order to do this schools will have to eliminate support personnel (paraprofessionals in classroom among others) this may actually cause a reduction in education quality in some schools.  There is absolutely no evidence that class size reduction will improve education.  As evidence of how poor the education of Floridians is - the voters went and approved the amendment. 

I live in Canada and am not very familiar with the proposition proccess in the States. Why do they have to eliminate para-professional positions? Why don't they hire more teachers?

There's not enough money

I've been searching all day for something on the internet - I never found it but I did find this.

Klingon Book of Mormon

thought this was funny

Dr. Suess

Thought this fit the topic

2 things to say:

 

1. Most Trekkies are aethists, so get ready for people to ask ya not to preach!

 

2. I believe, from a Christian view, that there is nothing man can do about Reveleations - the end times.  It will happen.  Again, this is a Christian view.

OMG - there are websites devoted to this topic

I did not read all this but if you're really curious here's some links.

Fascist Ideology of Star Trek

ST:TNG

What Christians Can learn from Star Trek Fans

ST Chaplains

OMG - there are plans to make a Battlefield Earth 2; it boggles the mind.

for more info

movies in development

Just saw that Michael Shanks and Christopher Judge will be guest starrring (together) on Andromeda. It's a syndicated show so you'll have to check your listings but in this area it will be on May 11.

TV Guide

StargateSG1 has made several - like O'Neill wanted to name their spaceship Enterprise but the best of course was the episode "The Other Guys"

John Billingsley was terrific and I was ROFL when he started talking about ST species. Everybody should see this episode.