Comments on: Where pants rightfully belong

By: Erich Vieth

Erich Vieth — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 05:07:39 +0000

More on sagging pants, from NPR. The link is here.

By: Erich Vieth

Erich Vieth — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 14:46:14 +0000

Inspired by his constituents, particularly teachers, who are tired of looking at other people’s underwear, [Atlanta Councilman, C.T. Martin] has introduced legislation in Atlanta that would outlaw clothing that shows off underwear, be it boxers, thongs, sports bras or even bra straps. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20423997/

By: Vicki Baker

Vicki Baker — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:30:50 +0000

… and how does that make you feel, Erich?

By: Erich Vieth

Erich Vieth — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 02:20:36 +0000

I just want to make a note that I haven’t discussed divinely instigated parthenogenesis for at least several weeks.

By: Dan Klarmann

Dan Klarmann — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 11:54:02 +0000

Dead people waking was still a problem as recently as Victorian times. Coffin makers offered high-end models with a rising shaft and bell for those worried about being prematurely declared dead until the end of the 19th century.
Read Crichton’s “The Great Train Robbery” to get an authentic feel for that era.

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 03:06:12 +0000

I think it matters that Leeuwenhoek (circa 1650) was the first to observe sperm under magnification. But back whenever the bible was written, who knows what kind of “birth control” methods they thought “worked” if any. I mean, even today many people think “withdrawal” is effective. Even condoms aren’t 100 percent effective.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anton_van_Leeuwenhoek

By: Erika Price

Erika Price — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 18:40:35 +0000

Sometimes people mistaken for dead can become revived. Even a few centuries ago, the awakening of a “dead” individual probably seemed miraculous, yet it had a reasonable explaination. But never has sperm mysteriously synthesized itself within a womans womb and impregnated her. I’ll have to go with Erich on this one– virgin birth sounds kookier.

By: Mindy Carney

Mindy Carney — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 14:45:30 +0000

Vicki, I have two girls, 12 and 9. My oldest is solid and curvy, my youngest is a petite twig. They are both strong, both play soccer and ride bikes, but my youngest definitely has a “healthier” outlook - she is constantly moving and eats for fuel. My oldest craves meat and carbs and when not playing soccer or biking is happy to sit and knit or bead or read or play on the computer. My youngest does read voraciously, but between chapters will get up and leap around the room, run down the hallway on all fours, anything to MOVE.

But I know the pants issues. We buy clothes on ebay - it is great to find clothes in her size sold in lots - and since they are a year or three old, we can find jeans/pants that work. The stores are frustrating, and yes, mine also worries about showing too much skin. Thank goodness. She starts middle school in the fall, so I’m hoping that will keep up for a little while . . . !

By: Erich Vieth

Erich Vieth — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 23:49:21 +0000

Hmmmm. Dead people coming alive or babies created without sperm? You know, gatmjp, I think it comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer strawberry jam with their peanut butter sandwich and others prefer grape.

The thing that bugs me especially about virgin birth is that it is not just another oxymoronic claim. Rather it is the springboard for all kinds of wacky and destructive sexual practices and restrictions. Good mental hygeine requires that people admit that virgins don’t have babies.

But now you’ve got me talking myself out of my own rating. Let’s just say that it’s one of the top 10 silliest claims I’ve ever heard. I’d love for the Pope and all other relevant religious leaders to stand up and say something like this:

“Sorry, folks. False alarm. Scholars of old mistranslated the word for “young woman” into “virgin” and look at all the mischief that has followed. It’s just like limbo. It’s not true. No need to believe it. Shouldn’t have been taught. Such a pathetic waste of time and energy to maintain such beliefs. There’s no evidence that any virgin ever had a baby. We offer our apologies to all of the people who have ever been whipped, chastised, ridiculed or ostracized for doubting this claim. In fact, we’re distributing scorecards for all of the other claims that need to be reconsidered and, perhaps, retracted. Next Sunday we’ll reexamine #2 on our long list: ”Rising from the Dead and Floating up into the clouds.” See you next week.

By: gatomjp

gatomjp — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 23:08:09 +0000

Erich, you think virgin birth is more ridiculous than rising from the dead and floating up into the clouds?