Apparently, "God" Is Not The Only Being Capable of Creating DNA

So, scientists have managed to create DNA that has been generated by artificial means. Of course, the Vatican does not like this, but at the end of the day, they really do not count. Of course, this advancement will outrage all religious people. But, in due time, they will also fully use all of the medical and environmental advances that this type of technology will provide us. Because, at the end of the day, instead of just praying, they all see the doctor too when they are sick. While I am not negating that this type of technology does have a dark side to the power it can unleash, I feel that this will impact us in a positive manner. Here is an article from the Globe and Mail about it;

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/scientists-create-first-artificial-cell/article1576053/

Christianity goes Telemarketing!!!!!

Today's posting is a little personal, something that I rarely do. However, I got a phone call two days ago that got me thinking. The Jehovah Witnesses left me a message detailing what fate lies for me in the afterlife if I do not accept JayCee as my savior. Now, I know that most mainstream Xtians deny the absurdity of this sect by implementing their favorite argument (IE- "Well, that version of Xtianity is wrong....), but here is the catch. You are all under the same umbrella. It is not our fault that you all decided to fragment the belief to suit your needs. All rhetorical rants aside, I get to the point.

At first, I was really bothered by them invading my personal space and calling my home phone number. But, that mellowed. Now, I hope that they call back. All conjecture aside, they got me thinking about the appropriate way to respond to such discussions.

When I go to work, I often use the technique of mirroring with people. What this means, is I reframe behavior and attitudes in a manner that allows a person to objectively (and safely) see how irrational they are. So, I have decided to do the same with these folks. When someone starts talking to me about JayCee in an evangelical tone, I have come up with the following response. Cause, really, one crazy wholeheartedly deserves another;

"I am sorry. You see, I sold my soul to the Devil when I was ten for ice cream. My position in the afterlife has been firmly secured at the side of the Dark Lord. Thanks anyways."

I would encourage you all to do the same. I cannot wait to test it out.

Another Branch on the Family Tree of Humans Has Been Found.

Scientists have found another human ancestor in Siberia. It is pretty amazing how rapidly we are discovering more and more information about our past. Here it is;

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/new-strain-of-humankind-identified/article1510841/

Uh Huh.... Us Canadians Have a Little More to be Proud of.

So, a research team at the University of Toronto have developed an "Enigma Machine" that decodes genetic "messages". They will now be able to understand the language of our genes; especially in human tissue formation. Exciting, here is the link:

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/yourhealth/article/804883--u-of-t-team-decodes-secret-messages-of-our-genes

How Close to being a Neanderthal? Actually, about 1 to 4 %.

So, researchers have discovered Neanderthal DNA within human DNA. They are estimating that people of non-African ancestry carries 1 to 4% of caveman DNA. Apparently, a group of homo sapiens left Africa and interbred with Neanderthals in the Middle East, where they moved to Europe and Asia. Interesting Stuff; Here it is;

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/humans-carry-neanderthal-dna-researchers-find/article1559142/

Quote of the Day

"Let us in the name of the Holy Trinity go on sending all the slaves that can be sold."

— Howard Zinn

See... Sometimes Saying "The Bible Said" Really is no Defence

Here is a great article from The National Post. Both Britain and Canada have strict laws making it hard for religious bigotry to flourish in the public sphere. Here is a great article about a pastor claiming that "The Bible Said" that it is okay to say that homosexuality is a sin, and his subsequent arrest in Britain. Had this incident occured in Canada, he would have been charged with a hate crime (which is what it is), because our Civil Liberties Association has fought very hard to make religious discrimination punishable by law. I really hope that Americans get tired of it too, and start becoming more proactive about the sanctity of the space that they collectively share.

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/holy-post/default.aspx