In 1668, Francesco Redi, an Italian physician, did an experiment with flies and wide-mouth jars containing meat. This was a true scientific experiment — many people say this was the first real experiment — containing the following elements
-Observation: There are flies around meat carcasses at the butcher shop.
-Question: Where do the flies come from? Does rotting meat turn into or produce the flies?
-Hypothesis: Rotten meat does not turn into flies. Only flies can make more flies.
-Prediction: If meat cannot turn into flies, rotting meat in a sealed (fly-proof) container should not produce flies or maggots.
-Testing: Wide-mouth jars each containing a piece of meat were subjected to several variations of “openness” while all other variables were kept the same.
control group — These jars of meat were set out without lids so the meat would be exposed to whatever it might be in the butcher shop.
experimental group(s) — One group of jars were sealed with lids, and another group of jars had gauze placed over them.
replication — Several jars were included in each group.
-Data: Presence or absence of flies and maggots observed in each jar was recorded. In the control group of jars, flies were seen entering the jars. Later, maggots, then more flies were seen on the meat. In the gauze-covered jars, no flies were seen in the jars, but were observed around and on the gauze, and later a few maggots were seen on the meat. In the sealed jars, no maggots or flies were ever seen on the meat.
-Conclusion(s): Only flies can make more flies. In the uncovered jars, flies entered and laid eggs on the meat. Maggots hatched from these eggs and grew into more adult flies. Adult flies laid eggs on the gauze on the gauze-covered jars. These eggs or the maggots from them dropped through the gauze onto the meat. In the sealed jars, no flies, maggots, nor eggs could enter, thus none were seen in those jars. Maggots arose only where flies were able to lay eggs. This experiment disproved the idea of spontaneous generation for larger organisms.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Do We Need Easter?
Ultimately, the purpose behind Jesus' death and resurrection is to get us into heaven. After all, for at least eight thousands years prior to Jesus, God wasn't able to come up another way. What happened to those souls in those dark years? Who knows. Only your God does. Besides, such a question is not of your concern --- if you want to blindly accept what Jesus and his heavenly father are offering.
Sorry, I have to ask.
Apparently, Moses' instituted rituals weren't good enough. Yes, 'believe and you will be saved' is much easier than sacrificing animals. Certainly, PETA members don't have to worry about having conflict of faith. Of course, 'to believe and accept' this universal offering means you have to hear about this offer. Two thousands after Jesus' actions and there are still parts of the world that haven't had this honor of learning about his offer. In fact, during that time, billions never got the chance. What happened to them? An answer would speak volumes about this god.
Forget about them. What about you and I? What kind of god demand this easy requirement for heaven? What if it's wrong? What about a "money-back guarantee"? Conveniently for "money back guaranteed" preachers, how would you collect?
In any case, there seems to be two main school of Christian. The first says that you must claim the blood of Jesus for redemption because of Adam's transgression against God. Sort of like having your great-great-great grandfather commit a murder and your just and mighty God is holding you accountable for it. Then Jesus fulfilled your prison sentence for that crime. You just have to know that he did so and then publically acknowledge support for Jesus.
Of course, how could any person claim to be just if they hold you responsible for someone's else crime?
The second school of thought doesn't deal with Adam's naughtiness. Instead the fault lies in ourselves --- we cannot hold a sight of God for it is too blinding, we can't hear a single sound from God without going completely deaf, we cannot be in God's presence for his goodness is perfect and we are not. We are on a level lower than our creator and Jesus' job is to be a ladder to get us into God' presence. We are just not good enough without Jesus. It's like having a first grader take a college math test and then be held responsible for the results. Again, this idea flies in the face of justice and it also questions the ability of a creator. What kind of person would make something less than perfect and then hold it accountable for perfection?
Sorry, I have to ask.
Apparently, Moses' instituted rituals weren't good enough. Yes, 'believe and you will be saved' is much easier than sacrificing animals. Certainly, PETA members don't have to worry about having conflict of faith. Of course, 'to believe and accept' this universal offering means you have to hear about this offer. Two thousands after Jesus' actions and there are still parts of the world that haven't had this honor of learning about his offer. In fact, during that time, billions never got the chance. What happened to them? An answer would speak volumes about this god.
Forget about them. What about you and I? What kind of god demand this easy requirement for heaven? What if it's wrong? What about a "money-back guarantee"? Conveniently for "money back guaranteed" preachers, how would you collect?
In any case, there seems to be two main school of Christian. The first says that you must claim the blood of Jesus for redemption because of Adam's transgression against God. Sort of like having your great-great-great grandfather commit a murder and your just and mighty God is holding you accountable for it. Then Jesus fulfilled your prison sentence for that crime. You just have to know that he did so and then publically acknowledge support for Jesus.
Of course, how could any person claim to be just if they hold you responsible for someone's else crime?
The second school of thought doesn't deal with Adam's naughtiness. Instead the fault lies in ourselves --- we cannot hold a sight of God for it is too blinding, we can't hear a single sound from God without going completely deaf, we cannot be in God's presence for his goodness is perfect and we are not. We are on a level lower than our creator and Jesus' job is to be a ladder to get us into God' presence. We are just not good enough without Jesus. It's like having a first grader take a college math test and then be held responsible for the results. Again, this idea flies in the face of justice and it also questions the ability of a creator. What kind of person would make something less than perfect and then hold it accountable for perfection?
Easter Story: the inconsistencies
To make a religion work, you have to fleece your flock so that they smile while you take of their lives and property. You simply get them to ignore the inconsistencies and relish the guilt. The christians have done a great job because, for two millennia, the new testament stories have been read and defended in spite of serious flaws. Of course, the danger lies in those thinkers among us, who point out the silliness and the fallacies.
In Matthew's gospel (28):
-Mary Magdalene and Mary went to the tomb
- An angel was there sitting on the stone that he had rolled away from sealing the tomb.
- The angel sends Mary and Mary to Galilee to the disciples.
- Along the way, Jesus appears to both Mary and Mary.
- The guards of the tomb were there in a great deal of shock --- "became as dead men". But after the angel and the Marys left, they were able to get back to town to report what they had seen.
In Mark's gospel (16):
- Mary Magdalene and Mary and Salome went to the tomb
- Inside the tomb, they found a young man sitting on the right,
- This man sent Mary and Mary to Galilee to the disciples.
- Jesus appears only to Mary Magdalene.
- No mention of guards.
In Luke (24):
- Four women went to tomb, these women being: "Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them"
- As they found the tomb empty, two men appeared near them
- These men send the women to Galilee
- Jesus appears to no one
- After hearing the women's story, Peter goes right away to the tomb
- no mention of guards
In John (20):
- Only Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb
- She finds the inside of the tomb completely empty: no angels either
- She immediately tells the disciple, three of which run to the tomb
- They leave the tomb with Mary remaining. As she looks inside, she now sees two angel sitting.
- Jesus appears behind her at the tomb
Certainly, this would make for an interesting CSI, Law & Order, (insert your favorite crime series here) episode. However, biggest fallacy is in the basis for these Easter stories and the topic of another entry.
In Matthew's gospel (28):
-Mary Magdalene and Mary went to the tomb
- An angel was there sitting on the stone that he had rolled away from sealing the tomb.
- The angel sends Mary and Mary to Galilee to the disciples.
- Along the way, Jesus appears to both Mary and Mary.
- The guards of the tomb were there in a great deal of shock --- "became as dead men". But after the angel and the Marys left, they were able to get back to town to report what they had seen.
In Mark's gospel (16):
- Mary Magdalene and Mary and Salome went to the tomb
- Inside the tomb, they found a young man sitting on the right,
- This man sent Mary and Mary to Galilee to the disciples.
- Jesus appears only to Mary Magdalene.
- No mention of guards.
In Luke (24):
- Four women went to tomb, these women being: "Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them"
- As they found the tomb empty, two men appeared near them
- These men send the women to Galilee
- Jesus appears to no one
- After hearing the women's story, Peter goes right away to the tomb
- no mention of guards
In John (20):
- Only Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb
- She finds the inside of the tomb completely empty: no angels either
- She immediately tells the disciple, three of which run to the tomb
- They leave the tomb with Mary remaining. As she looks inside, she now sees two angel sitting.
- Jesus appears behind her at the tomb
Certainly, this would make for an interesting CSI, Law & Order, (insert your favorite crime series here) episode. However, biggest fallacy is in the basis for these Easter stories and the topic of another entry.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
I'm in the mood for ...
I've met quite a few interesting people while working at Domino's. One of is Ray. Most of the time he is a great guy! Closing in on 60, you wouldn't know that he was a rough and tough Vietnam vet. When he shows you a picture of his driver's license from 30 years ago, you can't place the mob looking, womanizing guy in the photo with the grandfatherly guy standing in front of you. But you can see the Ray of years past from time to time, especially the womanizing Ray. Man, he has a way of flirting that I could only hope to obtain. What gets me is that the women seem to love it!
One thing that Ray likes to do is walk up to a cute girl at work and sing, "I'm in the mood for Love". Of course, the girls, the women, they giggle as they continue with the task at hand. Yet when he sings that silly song, the tune has started to stick in my head. For several deliveries after that, I have musical accompaniment ... sometimes with Ray's voice attached. So I've come up with my own words:
I'm in the mood for ... money,
simply because I have bills to pay.
If I were rich,
I wouldn't be here.
I'm in the mood for ... money.
I have teased the assistant manager that I would serenade her with it. When she has asked for me to sing, I've made excuses, telling her that I'm putting it off for a better time. At the same time, I've started flirting ... in my own inept way. And it seems to put a smile on her face. I'm not worried about it going further than flirting. It's just another way to give someone reason to smile. Still, I'll never be the Don Juan that Ray is....
One thing that Ray likes to do is walk up to a cute girl at work and sing, "I'm in the mood for Love". Of course, the girls, the women, they giggle as they continue with the task at hand. Yet when he sings that silly song, the tune has started to stick in my head. For several deliveries after that, I have musical accompaniment ... sometimes with Ray's voice attached. So I've come up with my own words:
I'm in the mood for ... money,
simply because I have bills to pay.
If I were rich,
I wouldn't be here.
I'm in the mood for ... money.
I have teased the assistant manager that I would serenade her with it. When she has asked for me to sing, I've made excuses, telling her that I'm putting it off for a better time. At the same time, I've started flirting ... in my own inept way. And it seems to put a smile on her face. I'm not worried about it going further than flirting. It's just another way to give someone reason to smile. Still, I'll never be the Don Juan that Ray is....
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Greenhouse theory smashed by biggest stone
Hate to break it to you, Chicken Littles, but humans aren't the center of the universe, the earth is round and nature changes itself more without human influence than with:
Greenhouse theory smashed by biggest stone
Greenhouse theory smashed by biggest stone
Monday, March 13, 2006
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Should I start sketching again?
I started this picture almost ten years and only got as far as putting it on my web site. (A few more of my sketches are there too. The Title is linked to my site). I had forgotten about it until yesterday when a friend asked me when I was going to get back into sketching again. Sure, I would love to, especially when it brought me and others a lot of pleasure. Yet, since I'm self taught, I desperately need lessons. AND time. For now, I'll just remember the fun I had and put it on my list of things to do...
Friday, March 10, 2006
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
how to cook an egg with your cell phone
Wymsey Weekend: A Guide to Mobile Cooking
after you read that, you might want to read this as a followup:
Gelf Magazine: How to Cook an Egg (and Create a Viral Sensation)
after you read that, you might want to read this as a followup:
Gelf Magazine: How to Cook an Egg (and Create a Viral Sensation)
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Sunday, February 26, 2006
what an amazing past three days!!
Friday, "she" finally drives here to sign the loan paperwork and gets money that I tried to get to her back in July. Unfortunately, her lawyer has a thing for power trips and interferes at every step. But Friday, sweet Friday, the finance company, my lawyer, and myself have done everything possible and "she" gets her ass here! I had made arrangements so "she" could sign the papers only a couple of hours from her home. But she has caused so many problems for EVERYONE that she had to travel almost six hours to here to get her money. You would not believe the stories that she told to explain why she didn't keep Monday's appointment. While I didn't bring up my notes on everything that happened, I can't help but want to show them to her and exposed her lies. Should I?
In any case, as she and I chatted, it seemed so surreal. I kept finding myself looking deeply into her and couldn't believe that I had married this woman 27 years ago! What an idiot I was! And finally she left, to return to her home with over $11,000 in hand. She'll get another $7400 on Wednesday after the three business day period ends on another loan that I had to take out. For the record, I also agreed to $1200 a month in child support even though I make less than $40,000 a year so I could get her out of my life. Why do divorces cost so much? Because they are $%^#$%# worth it!!
Anyway, an hour later, I was buying a bottle of liquor to celebrate later on with my girlfriend. The lady at the counter said that I had a special glow about me and asked if something special had happened. I told her that, after a ten year battle, I was finally divorced! She laughed and said that she would have never now that way that I had acted in the past. I'm glad that I can conceal my problems from others.
Regardless, my girlfriend lives a couple of hours away and arrive later that night. Though we have been dating over a year, Sunday was the first time that she met one of my sister. This was possible only because my sister had traveled to Charlotte on business. We traveled a little over two hours to see my sister and had a great time doing so! So begins another page in my life.
Of course, I had to take time off from my second and third job to make this weekend happen but it was soooooo worth it! I'm getting there! I AM GETTING MY LIFE BACK!
In any case, as she and I chatted, it seemed so surreal. I kept finding myself looking deeply into her and couldn't believe that I had married this woman 27 years ago! What an idiot I was! And finally she left, to return to her home with over $11,000 in hand. She'll get another $7400 on Wednesday after the three business day period ends on another loan that I had to take out. For the record, I also agreed to $1200 a month in child support even though I make less than $40,000 a year so I could get her out of my life. Why do divorces cost so much? Because they are $%^#$%# worth it!!
Anyway, an hour later, I was buying a bottle of liquor to celebrate later on with my girlfriend. The lady at the counter said that I had a special glow about me and asked if something special had happened. I told her that, after a ten year battle, I was finally divorced! She laughed and said that she would have never now that way that I had acted in the past. I'm glad that I can conceal my problems from others.
Regardless, my girlfriend lives a couple of hours away and arrive later that night. Though we have been dating over a year, Sunday was the first time that she met one of my sister. This was possible only because my sister had traveled to Charlotte on business. We traveled a little over two hours to see my sister and had a great time doing so! So begins another page in my life.
Of course, I had to take time off from my second and third job to make this weekend happen but it was soooooo worth it! I'm getting there! I AM GETTING MY LIFE BACK!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
observation & the VP
Today the VP for manufacturing came through the plant’s garage area as several technicians were partially inside car interiors, partially hidden in the engine compartment and crawling under the vehicles. “That’s what I like to see”, he said, “lots of elbows and assholes.” Funny, that’s almost what we’re thinking when we walk by him and the other top ranking dudes during their weekly managers’ meeting. “Wow, look at all those elbows and assholes!”
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