My wife and I share a common ancestor. My dog and I do not. Some evolutionary scientists embrace a theory they call “convergent evolution”. This is where complex capabilities might be found in unrelated organisms but not in their so-called “evolutionary ancestors”. These scientists say a “common need caused identical complexities to evolve”. So, that proves a common ancestor. Right? Not so fast. Let’s … The rest of the story…
Only intelligence creates codes. You knew that…right? The codes, programs, and information found in every cell of our bodies need “senders” and “receivers”. What would happen if you wrote a letter to someone who no longer lived at the address you put on the envelope? Well, Elvis Presley said it best: Return To Sender. Even worse than sending a letter to someone who no … The rest of the story…
A code is a set of rules for converting information from one useful form to another. The application of codes is what gives a computer the ability to word process or do mathematical calculations or show different colors or a zillion other things. We have it so easy these days when it comes to getting computers to do things for us. We can simply … The rest of the story…
Speech is unique to humans, and this is true for three main reasons. Your larynx is low in your neck with a long air column above your vocal cords. Because of this physical design you can make clear vowel sounds. And the back of your tongue extends deep down into your neck and modulates air flow to make clear consonant sounds. Contrast that with … The rest of the story…
No. We are not trained apes. From as early as seven months human children can understand and learn grammatical rules. Have you ever heard of “feral children”? These are children raised without human contact. There have been studies of 36 documented cases of these children, and they don’t speak until learning from another human. While it’s true we humans need to be taught language… … The rest of the story…
I remember a song from Don Henley off his “Inside Job” compilation called “They’re Not Here, They’re Not Coming”. In his lyrics he alludes to beings from somewhere “out there” and sings about how they’re not here, and they’re not coming. I’ve always said that ET is not here, not coming, and therefore will not phone home. Let’s put it this way…if life actually … The rest of the story…
An unselfish life is not illustrated and/or perpetuated in evolution. Altruism is defined in the dictionary as the “selfless concern for the well-being of others”. It’s very cool that we can even observe different species concerned for the well-being of other species. We all love to hear the story of the dog who saved its master who fell in the frozen lake. Or the … The rest of the story…
When I use the term “distinct types” I’m not describing someone’s prowess, agility, or style on computer keys or a typewriter. The world is full of distinct types of organisms…in other words recognizably different from other organisms. Scientists have a whole classification table where these distinctions are clearly illustrated. What’s that you say? So what? Yeah, I agree it’s not the most exciting tidbit … The rest of the story…
Vital organs are, by definition, absolutely necessary. In other words, if you’re missing a vital organ, there’s a good chance you’re missing the rest of your life. And if that’s vitally important to you, read on… Have you ever noticed how all species appear on the scene fully developed? Does it matter to you? I think it should, but maybe that’s just me. Anyway… … The rest of the story…
Complex molecules make up every little bit of your body. Your DNA is so complex it boggles the mind. And it’s so unique that you’re the only one exactly like you. Well…aren’t you something?! Now, don’t get the “big head” full of complex molecules over this revelation. The same could be true of every other person on the planet. So “you” means any person … The rest of the story…
Fruit flies have a very short life span. You probably already knew that. But did you also know that scientists have been breeding fruit flies for a hundred years or so? And that they’ve observed over 3,000 consecutive generations? And guess what conclusion they’ve reached after all that…yep…a fruit fly is a fruit fly is a fruit fly. Through all those generations they never … The rest of the story…
The mutants are coming. No wait…they’re already here! Imagine, if you will (and you must), a tiny speck of dust. We’ll call it dust for the sake of creating a word picture. Now that little speck of dust is just floating around in…uh, let’s call it space. Or is it a non-dimensional vacuum? Either way…this little speck of dust is floating around and begins … The rest of the story…
