In 1964, when a living bristlecone pine tree in California was determined to be almost 5,000 years old, it gave Bible literalists a big scare. After all, literalists (young earthers) believe that the earth is only about 6,000 years old. Was that bristlecone pine tree around for the "big flood?" Not quite: young earth adherents argue…
When you watch this, you might think: "Well, sure. I could put together a highlight video like this by trying to make a bunch of difficult shots and then editing out the ones that didn't go in." Nope. You're wrong . . . [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUv18zfYCHQ[/youtube]
Just a quick jot about one little thing that regularly bugs me on the net. Many people don't know their homonyms. I don't mean those who can't think of them. I mean those who know them all by spelling, but not by meaning. And pick the one that looks fancier…
Sometimes, my body has a strong opinion with which I disagree.
Here’s a good recent example: My body doesn’t like getting stuck with hypodermic syringes. When I refuse to allow my body to leave the doctor’s office and when I allow my body to get jabbed with a hypodermic needle, it retaliates by fainting. It’s one of those things that I completely forget about until I’m sitting in a doctor’s office overly aware that I’m about to be stuck again. At such moments, my body reacts in a way that embarrasses and annoys me.
Here’s a bit of context. For the past few months, I’ve had some nagging back and arm pain. On a lark, I signed up for some acupuncture administered by a chiropractor. Getting stuck with those little acupuncture needles didn’t give me big problems—not that I enjoyed the sensation of those tiny needles being pushed into my back. After three treatments, I gave up on the acupuncture because it didn’t offer any long-term effect (although each treatment relieved my symptoms a bit, for a few hours).
My next step was to see my family physician, who arranged for x-rays. He told me that I had “arthritis” and suggested some physical therapy. [Before going any further, anyone reading this should probably email me a HIPPA form].
I was hoping for more of a pinpoint diagnosis, though, so I visited a doctor who specialized in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. He arranged for an MRI, resulting in some fascinating pictures …
How many people are truly and genuinely openminded, displaying a natural all encompassing understanding for any behavioral trait or characteristics that deviates from the norm? Raise your hands, I’m curious who you are.
I hear people muse about the social injustice in our society, they are outraged that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, but they are still unable to show any kind of basic understanding that some people have less money to spend than they do. They have never bothered to get to know or befriend people from lower social classes.
I hear people criticize racists and homophobes. Dare to express any kind of discomfort and you will experience their holy anger at your narrowmindedness. “How can you…???” is their prefered way to start their I-am-holier-than-thou-attacks. I wonder how many of them really do have gays or people from other races as friends.
They place a lot of expectation and pressure on other people while rarely being able to fulfill their own in moral drenched demands.
I think this world would be a better place if people were allowed to admit that they are not perfect, that they have prejudices and are hesitant regarding things that might disturb their little peaceful world. Do I think prejudices are good, something to strive for? No, I think that to a certain degree some are quite human though, which is not the same as condoning oppression, violence or hatred. By not being allowed to admit unease and discomfort, people …