101. Ten Commandments' of race and genetics issued

Comment #213092 by bugaboo on July 18, 2008 at 6:32 am

The old chestnut

Ever see a black swimmer?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/article3382209.ece

102. Ten Commandments' of race and genetics issued

Comment #213035 by bugaboo on July 18, 2008 at 3:32 am

37. Comment #213028 by hungarianelephant

I mention Barnes only because his treatment was at the extreme end. There was a similar pattern in many other places.

Similar thing happened in Glasgow when Celtic fans through bananas at Mark Walters who had signed for Rangers. Whenever it comes up in conversation now the Celtic fans feel very ashamed about that episode. We'll get there in the end i hope.

PS thanks for the link to BiDil.

103. Researchers Discover Remnant of an Ancient 'RNA World'

Comment #213023 by bugaboo on July 18, 2008 at 3:03 am

Goldy

You inner (fish) voice. Fantastic!!

104. Ten Commandments' of race and genetics issued

Comment #213018 by bugaboo on July 18, 2008 at 2:33 am

29. Comment #213007 by OverUsedChewToy


Just a thought on why this has been drawn up.

There may be implications for future pharmacogentetics where drugs are tailored to patients with specific genotypes. Receptor antagonists for example may only act efficiently if the person has a particular allele for a given receptor and it may be that the receptor may be more prevalent within a particular ethnic group. This will mean that the bean counters will weigh up the cost benefit ratios for supplying drugs.
However, in the not too distant future cheap, rapid sequencing of genomes will become available so considerations of ethnicity could become moot.

105. Let's Get Rid of Darwinism

Comment #212448 by bugaboo on July 17, 2008 at 8:24 am

If you brought back Mohammed he'd probably be quite pleased.

But then he might say say "What's a sex offenders registry?"

106. Let's Get Rid of Darwinism

Comment #212408 by bugaboo on July 17, 2008 at 7:14 am

32. Comment #212389 by nalfeshnee

Temperature sensitive mutations. Where the protein structure is changed (usually a single amino acid substitution) at normal physiological temperature and reverts to normal structure at different temperature.

From wiki under"mutation"
Conditional mutation is a mutation that has wild-type (or less severe) phenotype under certain "permissive" environmental conditions and a mutant phenotype under certain "restrictive" conditions. For example, a temperature-sensitive mutation can cause cell death at high temperature (restrictive condition), but might have no deleterious consequences at a lower temperature (permissive condition).

107. Let's Get Rid of Darwinism

Comment #212323 by bugaboo on July 17, 2008 at 2:32 am

14. Comment #212175 by Cartomancer

I think perhaps the term has stuck because of other weasel expressions such as "ultra-Darwinist" or "Darwinian fundamentalism". Expressions employed and perpetuated by people (Gould, Lewontin, Rose et al) who were shit scared of the full explanatory power of the theory. As Darwin stated: psychology would have a new foundation.

108. The Return of Religion

Comment #211842 by bugaboo on July 16, 2008 at 10:35 am

There are two reasons why people start shouting at their opponents: one is that they think the opponent is so strong that every weapon must be used against him; the other is that they think their own case so weak that it has to be fortified by noise.

I can think of another. The refusal of people like this to listen to reason.

109. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #211824 by bugaboo on July 16, 2008 at 10:21 am

Joe

Lets say, for the sake of argument that evolution has NOT occurred. Lets forget about evolution for the time being.

Now. What evidence do you have for gods existence?

110. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #211191 by bugaboo on July 15, 2008 at 2:52 pm

joe

Reflect over the latest lessons received today and perhaps tommorrow i may be surprised!

You really shouldnt be surprised if you are on an alternate thread.

111. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #211183 by bugaboo on July 15, 2008 at 2:45 pm

Al

Link to the documentary I referred to.

http://www.channel4.com/video/the-quran/catchup.html

Its LONG but I would love to hear your take on it if you can be bothered. It may be interesting for you to see what the British public are watching on TV regarding Islam.

112. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #211164 by bugaboo on July 15, 2008 at 2:38 pm

Joe
I'm curious. Why do you believe in God? Apart from being told that this is what you should believe, what evidence do you have for god?

113. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #211148 by bugaboo on July 15, 2008 at 2:24 pm

Joe

We Muslims would bite your hand off at the chance!

And that is why no debate like the one you suggest is will take place.

Answer Brians question!!

114. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #211141 by bugaboo on July 15, 2008 at 2:20 pm

1475. Comment #211119 by al-rawandi

If you are really a believing Muslims, you would be out on a battlefield fighting, because one day of jihad is better than a thousand in a mosque. And if you are killed, Allah will reward you with instant admission to heaven and access to copious supplies of virgins.

After wathcing a documetary on C4 last night that reward might be interpreted as a large "bunch of grapes"

Heard that Al?

115. MnIndy interview: Unrepentant science-heathen PZ Myers still intends to prove 'this cracker is nothing'

Comment #211105 by bugaboo on July 15, 2008 at 1:56 pm

Irate

There are (at least) two approaches available: The full frontal assault and a "pincer movement " if you will. Remember that there are a lot of children involved who may be more amenable to the "good cop " approach. Don't you think?

116. MnIndy interview: Unrepentant science-heathen PZ Myers still intends to prove 'this cracker is nothing'

Comment #211087 by bugaboo on July 15, 2008 at 1:43 pm

5. Comment #211051 by Steve Zara

I think I maybe with you here on this Steve. I guess its like trying to convince some parent that his wife and children are stupid and ugly (to paraphrase H.L Mencken) Its not going to achieve that much.

Although it might persuade some sitting on the fence within Catholicism that what they are expected to believe is nonsense. I often think that many within that church simply flex their belief muscles at each other wanting to be perceived as more virtuous . "I REALLY believe in the transubstantiation but doubt that YOU have enough faith". Some, eventually, will come to their senses and this may help.

117. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #211057 by bugaboo on July 15, 2008 at 1:19 pm

Joe

Please read the comments written by the people here. Think about them please. Think and then reply to Brian's question. Otherwise you will "just join" "clear" mind.

118. Ants, terrorism, and the awesome power of memes

Comment #211033 by bugaboo on July 15, 2008 at 12:48 pm

I think,perhaps, that the introduction of the word "evolin" to the lexicon might just catch on. Having said that, good riddance.
Thanks Josh

119. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #210318 by bugaboo on July 14, 2008 at 8:50 am

just lost a fucking post.
Clearmind
You are insane and need help

Sorry,distracted (work getting in the way).
Al i was being facetious with the Robertson comment. Apologies.
Re FARC support
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/venezuela/2100051/Venezuela's-Hugo-Chavez-ends-support-of-Farc-rebels.html

http://www.johannhari.com/archive/article.php?id=1335

120. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #210280 by bugaboo on July 14, 2008 at 7:52 am

Al

I understand he is stepping down 2013 after losing a referendum. So not el presidente for life(unless Pat Robertsons wish for an assasinaion comes true)
I also understand that the charges of electoral fraud were not supported by any international observers.

121. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #210264 by bugaboo on July 14, 2008 at 7:24 am

Al

He is dangerous, and to his own people more than anyone else.

from recent Johan Hari article

In 2003, two distinguished Wall Street consulting firms conducted the most detailed study so far of economic change under Chavez. They found that the poorest half of the country have seen their incomes soar by 130 per cent after inflation. Today, there are 19,571 primary care doctors â€" an increase by a factor of 10. When Chavez came to power, just 35 per cent of Venezuelans told Latinobarometro, the Gallup of Latin America, they were happy with how their democracy worked. Today it is 59 per cent, the second-highest in the hemisphere.

Why do you think he's dangerous Al?

122. Ants, terrorism, and the awesome power of memes

Comment #210147 by bugaboo on July 14, 2008 at 2:47 am

Clearmind

You need professional help.

123. Man Sues Church Over 'God Injury'

Comment #210139 by bugaboo on July 14, 2008 at 2:05 am

I sometimes think of the millions of kids whose parents/teachers were Catholics being told that no harm would come to them if, for example, they were to fall from a great height since their guardian angel would be there to protect them. To my knowledge no kids put this hypothesis to the test. Kids are quite smart really. As for some adults....

124. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #207925 by bugaboo on July 10, 2008 at 10:05 am

8843. Comment #207906 by Kardashovel

The "messages" I think you are referring to (love your neighbour etc)has little to do with Christianity but everything to do with humanity: Be excellent to each other (and party on)
It's a shame that Christians don't listen to some of these teachings but concentrate almost exclusively on sin, damnation and the rest of the hellish bullshit.
Do you really believe that if it were not for this one guy who supposedly lived 2000 years ago there would be no one who thought these were good ideas? How did they know in their hearts that these ideas were good? -because they were human. Why don't you give yourself some credit instead of giving it all to a Jewish zombie?

125. The BBC announces a major season marking the life and work of Charles Darwin

Comment #207611 by bugaboo on July 10, 2008 at 3:53 am

Should be good
Remember early 80's Docudramas shown in the UK. There was a TV drama called "The Forgotten Voyage" about Alfred Russel Wallace. Also one on Mendel called "The Garden Of Inheritance" These were great as I remember but never to be seen again on the beeb. They really should dig them out and show them. Some of the older Horizons were also great.

126. Atheism on the buses

Comment #206936 by bugaboo on July 9, 2008 at 1:56 am

Dont know if you have to pay by the word. A short slogan would be better anyway.

"Religion Poisons Everything"

127. Prayer refusal pupils 'disciplined'

Comment #204680 by bugaboo on July 5, 2008 at 1:51 pm

Teapot
Seems maybe I got the wrong end of the stick and so I apologise.

Its past my bedtime.

128. Prayer refusal pupils 'disciplined'

Comment #204674 by bugaboo on July 5, 2008 at 1:34 pm

23. Comment #204630 by the great teapot
Just spotted this gem

National service seems the only reasonable answer to me.

Yeah, heard it.

Arsehole

129. Prayer refusal pupils 'disciplined'

Comment #204667 by bugaboo on July 5, 2008 at 1:17 pm

Comment #204658 by the great teapot
Dont you think that its absolutley amazing that humans are " religous"? I do, and think its a fascinating area for study and that includes in schools.

130. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #204077 by bugaboo on July 4, 2008 at 5:10 am

clodhopper

Conspiracy theories seem to me to be a sort of secular version of religion.

I'm not a great fan of memetics but when considering the two they both fit the model of memeplexes like a glove.

131. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #204024 by bugaboo on July 4, 2008 at 3:40 am

436. Comment #204014 by hungarianelephant

Classic!
Edit: need to go get a new mouse. 8teists avatar applies.

Edit: clodhopper
GENIUS!! What does it retail at?

132. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #203989 by bugaboo on July 4, 2008 at 2:20 am

Morning All

Apathy

They actually do a useful role as diplomats

Diplomat Philip:- A few from the collection..

Still throwing spears? (Question put to an Australian Aborigine during a visit in March 2002)
"British women can't cook." (1966)
"Everybody was saying we must have more leisure. Now they are complaining they are unemployed." (during the 1981 recession)
"We didn't have counsellors rushing around every time somebody let off a gun, asking 'Are you all right? Are you sure you don't have a ghastly problem?' You just got on with it." (commenting in 1995 on modern stress counselling for servicemen)
"If a cricketer, for instance, suddenly decided to go into a school and batter a lot of people to death with a cricket bat, which he could do very easily, I mean, are you going to ban cricket bats?" (in 1996, amid calls to ban firearms after the Dunblane shooting)
"Bloody silly fool!" (in 1997, referring to a Cambridge University car park attendant who failed to recognise him)
"It looks as if it was put in by an Indian." (in 1999, referring to an old-fashioned fuse box in a factory near Edinburgh)
"Deaf? If you are near there, no wonder you are deaf." (in 1999, to young deaf people in Cardiff, referring to a school's steel band)
"They must be out of their minds." (in 1982, in the Solomon Islands, after being told that the annual population growth was only 5%)
"You are a woman, aren't you?" (in 1984, in Kenya, to a native woman who had presented him with a small gift)
"Your country is one of the most notorious centres of trading in endangered species in the world." (in 1991, in Thailand, after accepting a conservation award)
"Oh no, I might catch some ghastly disease." (in 1992 in Australia, when asked to stroke a Koala bear)
"You can't have been here that long - you haven't got a pot belly." (in 1993, to a Briton in Budapest, Hungary)
"Aren't most of you descended from pirates?" (in 1994, to an islander in the Cayman Islands)
"You managed not to get eaten, then?" (in 1998, to a student who had been trekking in Papua New Guinea)
"If it has got four legs and it is not a chair, if it has got two wings and it flies but is not an aeroplane, and if it swims and it is not a submarine, the Cantonese will eat it." (at a 1986 World Wildlife Fund meeting)

133. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #203726 by bugaboo on July 3, 2008 at 12:37 pm

324. Comment #203717 by Steve Zara

But let's criticise the religions about the real, substantial issues.

Agreed

Akheloios

I think i may have flew off the handle just a bit. :)

134. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #203714 by bugaboo on July 3, 2008 at 12:17 pm

318. Comment #203708 by Steve Zara

Its indicative of the current climate where its simply not PC (no pun intended) with the fear of the cry of racist! This acts as a very effective buffer against the real criticism we wish to direct against these religions.

135. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #203711 by bugaboo on July 3, 2008 at 12:09 pm

311. Comment #203699 by Steve Zara
I'm familiar with the paper and agree wholeheartedly with all derogatory comments posted on it. I couldnt bring myself to buy it even if they were giving away the complete Kurosawa collection free in a single edition. (well maybe i exaggerate)
I'm not convinced that sentence wasnt rascist, it was certainly chauvinistic.

136. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #203703 by bugaboo on July 3, 2008 at 11:52 am

The initial story of the outcry from the muslim community was a non story. I think the incident became newsworthy when the police apologised.

Edit: The story was reported in the torygraph and in local newspapers

137. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #203698 by bugaboo on July 3, 2008 at 11:33 am

Comment #203685 by Akheloios

Go hang your heads in shame and check that the stories you read aren't knee jerk right wing agitprop aimed at selling more newspapers to the uneducated white male ignoramuses that pass for that rag's readers in future.

Thats the first racist/chauvinist comment ive seen for a while

138. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #203625 by bugaboo on July 3, 2008 at 9:08 am

284. Comment #203614 by al-rawandi

I don't she will post that she accepts death for apostates, but she may well believe it personally.

Ive often thought that it may well be the other way around and that many Muslims (particularly women) don't really believe the shit about apostasy, but are afraid to condemn the punishments meted out or threatened within their community. That may of course be wish thinking on my part.

139. Science is thrilling - except in our schools

Comment #203606 by bugaboo on July 3, 2008 at 8:28 am

TeraBrat

Just because something is hard doesn't mean it can't be fun.

Couldnt agree more Tera

140. Science is thrilling - except in our schools

Comment #203603 by bugaboo on July 3, 2008 at 8:22 am

9. Comment #203589 by Oystein Elgaroy

How much effort is involved in getting a piece of paper and some iron filings to give a visually stunning demonstration of lines of force? get DNA from a vegetable with washing up liquid and alcohol etc etc Even the schools that are really strapped for cash or equipment could come up with some fab hands-on experiments.

141. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #203593 by bugaboo on July 3, 2008 at 8:01 am

276. Comment #203580 by rchoquette

Slange var Robert

PS. Is that a PRS i see?

142. Science is thrilling - except in our schools

Comment #203588 by bugaboo on July 3, 2008 at 7:53 am

6. Comment #203581 by pwl

As a science teacher can I assure you that sodium into water is still allowed (with a few precautions) as are many other exciting experiments.

Thanks pwl. Apologies, I have been misinformed.

143. Science is thrilling - except in our schools

Comment #203575 by bugaboo on July 3, 2008 at 7:31 am

In secondary school when the science teacher threw some sodium into a jar of water or burned some Mg that woke the class up. I dont think this sort of thing is allowed anymore (HSE). A crying shame!

144. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #203567 by bugaboo on July 3, 2008 at 7:13 am

199. Comment #203371by Brian English

If you've ever had a squiz at the
Alhambra in Granada or some of the Moorish architecture in Seville or Cordoba I don't think you'd say that Islam and beauty are necessarily at odds

Nice picture. The tiles/mosaics in the Alhambra are astonishing but i wouldnt give Islam the credit. These masterpieces were created in spite of Islam not because of it- just like Bach's or Mozart's music came from them and not a sky fairy as some claim. It's my contention that they really are at odds.

145. Faith schools undermined by 'Government witch hunt'

Comment #203475 by bugaboo on July 3, 2008 at 2:13 am

On education in schools.
Ive thought for a long time that this would be a good idea.

http://education.guardian.co.uk/schools/story/0,,2288603,00.html

146. Stephen Hawking's explosive new theory

Comment #203472 by bugaboo on July 3, 2008 at 1:58 am

152. Comment #203384 by chuckgoecke
Think its a double edged sword. Some brains can cope and may well become awestruck and interested in science eg cosmology. But many acid casualties in the 60's and 70's found Jesus.

Edit:I think the rest went into politics.

147. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #203043 by bugaboo on July 2, 2008 at 9:36 am

epeeist

I think I promised earlier that there would be no more Python references from me but
You lucky bastard, you lucky, lucky......

148. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #203038 by bugaboo on July 2, 2008 at 9:27 am

So, I take it this wouldn't be a good time for me to re-post the link to the photographs of me skippering a boat across the Irish sea with a crew of scantily clad young ladies from Withington Girls' School?

I want to see it. Show it to me. I wanna see it!!

149. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #203035 by bugaboo on July 2, 2008 at 9:24 am

627. Comment #203032 by Vaal

Don't forget the Beatles though!

And all those Anglo-saxon heavy rock bands so beloved by our friends on the other side of the pond.

150. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #203027 by bugaboo on July 2, 2008 at 9:02 am

Just a tenuous link to the comments posted by Robert O'Brien.. I see Hitchens has had himself "waterboarded"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/02/humanrights.usa