text:
- David Roemer
- Brooklyn, NY
- United States
This conversation is closed.
Evolution only applies to the bodies of humans, not their souls. Natural selection only explains the adaptation of species.
The science of biology includes the metaphysical concepts of form (soul) and matter (body) because it is necessary to exclude free will and other functions of the human mind from evolutionary biology. Materialists think that the soul is just an idea, but religious people think the human soul is spiritual.
Many laymen think that natural selection explains common descent, but PhDs in biology know the limits of Darwinism. In my narrated YouTube video/slideshow ("The Truth About Evolution and Religion" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKaF8vX6HXQ) I give quotes from peer-reviewed articles to prove my point.
Jan 8 2012: Let's just think a second: I woke up this morning with pain in my shoulders, a very heavy feeling. It is up to me to decide what to do with this day; stay home, have a bad mood and get to complain about anything not being right, ect ... or get some little gymnastic to release the extra pound of energy that caused the congestion in my body and feel free to benefit from this sunday sunshine.
What I want to illustrate here is that we are intelligent creatures, with self decision power to turn things right or wrong according to our societal values. Whether we believe in God or not, whether religions are right or wrong, one thing has its own truth revealed everyday: "Positive thinking".
It has a good influence in your own life and the life around you. Negative thinking has a very bad result on us and on society.
That's what matters. If we do not do it for the others, the minimum we can do is to do it for ourself. No matter the direction we give to that positive thinking, the result is always good for everyone.
As of today, no one has ever proven that there is no life after the grave... what we know is that the physical body spoils and is consumed in the earth, but about that vital energy that make the whole thing function, it's still a mystery for scientists that do not account it to be something transcendantal.
I am from the Ivory coast, and i have had the opportunity to help in a relief program that I launched during the civil war we went through 8 months ago. I have carried so much bodies to burry or to burn that I have started getting clues to the mystery of body and soul. You could see and feel these bodies, still warm, the flesh sometimes bleeding or shaking by reflexe, but not anymore inhabited by the soul. The same guy, in all his physical dimensions, but no more power, why? the source of power is off.
Out of the tens we carried to the small infirmary of our neighborhood, I see many looking at me today with the eyes full of gratitude. That matters HERE and NOW!
Jan 8 2012: I have my reasons for believing in life-after-death, and I am summoning you to believe. It is not a demand. Faith is both a decision and a gift from God.
Jan 8 2012: You are summoning him to believe?
Believe in what?Jan 8 2012: Dear David,
It appears that this whole discussion is about you "summoning" others to believe what you choose to believe. You are absolutely right...faith is a decision. So, how about respecting other people's decisions to believe what they choose, rather than trying to convince everyone that your decision is "right" for everyone. You are trying to promote your own belief on this thread, and it isn't really very appealing.
Jan 8 2012: Colleen
Hi and Happy New Year to you
.I agree. Thank for saying this so clearly. TED is a place for conversation not for proselytizing . It's very difficult to have meaningful conversation when particpants are speaking from a locked in ideological point of view..nothing grows or gets exchanged.
David, I have to say I don't really understand proselytizing at all. I don't uderstand what it is that calls people to summon or convert others in matter sof religious belie (or disbelief). I would be very interested to listen to to why you feel called to summon others to what you have found tha serves you , apparently.
I am a life long advocate so persuasion of others has always been part of my life..perusading regulators that banks are affected with a public interest, persuading governement that housing for low income people should reflect values of dignity and inclusion, I vigorously support a 28th amendment to fill the gap Citizen's United came to exists from. And I suppose all my advocacy in a way also speaks from a personal ideology. So its not that I think persuasion is an unworthy human enndeavor
.To me though proselytizing religion or the urge to convert others to our belief systems is a very different thing. I sense that what you are trying to do is share the reconciliation of science and religion that has brought you comfort and insight, perhaps in much the same way that I do my work of advocacy but I do also see and feel a little uncomfortable about this element Coleen is pointing to
.May I ask, why you brought this to the TED community?. What do you hope will happen through this conversation?
PeaceJan 8 2012: Dear Colleen and Lindsey,
The idea I submitted for discussion is not about religion, but about evolutionary biology. I want to explain why God exists, so that people can decide whether or not God has communicated himself to mankind. Evangelization means persuading people God has done this.
The first step to understanding why God exists is to understand that the human soul is not just an idea, but is spiritual and real. A preliminary step is to understand that evolutionary biology only applies to the bodies of humans, not their souls.Jan 8 2012: David,
It appears that this whole discussion is about you "summoning" others to believe what you choose to believe. You are absolutely right...faith is a decision. So, how about respecting other people's decisions to believe what they choose, rather than trying to convince everyone that your decision is "right" for everyone. You are trying to promote your own belief on this thread, and it isn't really very appealing.Jan 9 2012: QUOTE: "The idea I submitted for discussion is not about religion, but about evolutionary biology. I want to explain why God exists, so that people can decide whether or not God has communicated himself to mankind."
Hi David,
This is the deception in your presentation. It is sometimes called "The Bait and Switch." Let's start by talking about "evolutionary biology" and then switch to "explaining why God exists."
Discussing the soul, and God, in terms of evolutionary is not particularly valid.
It's like talking about baking cake in terms of astrology.
Evolutionary biology has nothing to say about the "soul." And nothing to say about God.
And by the way, this is your point - or, at least, one of them:
"I want to explain why God exists... Evangelization means persuading people ... The first step to understanding why God exists is to understand that the human soul is not just an idea, but is spiritual and real. A preliminary step is to understand that evolutionary biology only applies to the bodies of humans, not their souls."
And your point is based on many assumptions none of which you can prove ... first and foremost you cannot prove God exists, or that humans have a soul, let alone that evolutionary biology only applies to bodies.
However, I expect most, if not all, evolutionary biologists would agree that their subject has nothing to say about the soul.
I expect your major "point" is to "summon" people to believe.
Again, this is not really the forum for that.Jan 8 2012: Dear Ousmane,
What a beautiful life affirming compassionate expression.
Thank you so much.Jan 7 2012: I like the idea that I may be, as Teilhard de Chardin said, a spiritual being in a human body
I like the idea that in my next "occupation" of a human body I will have learned and grown and that I will do better next time.
I like the idea of thinking that this "occupation" of a now frail and aging human body has been an opportunity to grow and develop that eternal spirtual being in service to humanity and that next tme around I may be able to make my human "occupation" more useful to humanity and to earth because of what I have added to the maturity of my spiritual being this time around.
Liking these ideas without any proof or certainty about what really is or how it really works creates an order and purpose for my life that helps me to witness and stand in solidarity with.those who suffer at the extremes of injustice and disease and to find joy and meaning in every moment of my "occupation" of this human body.
I love how the great wisdom master Leonard Cohe expresses it in his baeutiful song "The Window"
Bless the continuous stutter of the Word being made into flesh..
Jan 7 2012: I think you're a spirit in a human body, a spirit that has come a long way already.
Teilhard I like and for Leonard I've never listened to the words of his songs. Thank's for the tip.
Jan 7 2012: Frans,
You are too kind.
May the New Year be very kind toyou in evry way, in every moment.
LindsayJan 7 2012: QUOTE: "I like the idea that I may be, as Teilhard de Chardin said, a spiritual being in a human body
I like the idea that in my next "occupation" of a human body I will have learned and grown and that I will do better next time."
This is clear communication: You like the idea ... whatever the idea is.
You'll get no argument from me. You are the expert on what you like.
With many things that's as close as we can get. We like it or we don't like it.
Jan 7 2012: happy new year thomas..may 2012 be very very kind to you.
we like it or we don't like it
but its really for me not needing any proof or "hard evdidence" on soul or spirit or aftrelife or recurring lives or God or any of it
For me it's really more about having a "workable program".a "lens" that helps me live a life that is meaningful to me in the here and now moment by moment.; that helps me navigate in reliable and satisfactory ways.
Jan 8 2012: Hi Lindsay,
Happy New Year to you too.
You say, "its really for me not needing any proof or "hard evdidence" on soul or spirit or aftrelife or recurring lives or God or any of it ... it's really more about having a "workable program".a "lens" that helps me live a life that is meaningful to me..."
Fair enough.
I think that is, more or less, what we all do. Some of us use programs based on "this," some on "that," but we all tend to find something we can accept and feel comfortable with.
As I mentioned in my reply to Magnus, I hold open the possibility that virtually anything COULD be true.
If there is a possibility that we might "know" (actually know) something, I believe we should pursue that possibility. I do not think we should "settle" for explanations.
But that's just what I have accepted as my workable program.
Some of us seem to be happy with explanations.
Who am I to disagree?Jan 8 2012: Thomas,
I also have as one of my "operating principles" allowing for the possibility that anything is possible. It think it is a good practice spiritually and intellectually. Keeps us from getting frozen inside rigid belief systems or rigid intellectual constructs. Keeps us humble to accept how little we do or can know of possibility. We miss a lot when we don't allow for the possibility that anything is possible.I don't offer encounter anyone else who "gets that" let alone employs it
.How nice!!!
Jan 10 2012: It's funny but nearly everything wonderful you attribute to a spiritual existence I see through a non spiritual lens and find perhaps just as uplifting and meaningful.
Seems there are many paths to the same wonder and appreciation, emotions etc.Jan 10 2012: G.M,
Yes, and thanks for that.
There are indeed many paths to the same wonder, appreciation, emotions even sense of purpose that never refer to "spiritual", "soul" "God", "faith" .
It is not reference to these things that counts but what you actually do with your life that counts..how you serve life, how you serve earth, including through the arts
There are many millions serving humanity and earth in compassion and stewardship who never use these words or find value or guidance in them in support of their work.
I stand with those who choose to be alive and to serve life. It is in the compay of those I prefer to be.
I stand with you, and in the good company of thousands of years of wisdom traditions, that say as you have said here, there are many paths to the same wisdom., to the same turth, to fulfillment.
What the world needs is what lights you up.
A few months back on TED I hosted a conversation on belief systems, the point of which was exactly what you have spoken here.
We are each personally responsible for good housekeeping of our belief systems and should really avoid trying to interfere with or direct the content of someone else's.
Megan DaGata
Jan 5 2012: Would you know you had a soul if someone didn't tell you that it existed? I am not a biologist, a physicist, or a religious expert, I am a human. I believe that we need something greater than ourselves to believe in so that we can feel that we aren't alone. I believe in God, but would I think there was God if I wasn't told there is a God?
- +3
As humans have evolved and experienced being over the course of history we have developed beyond our survival instincts into complex individuals. People first discovered they were cold before they discovered they must warm themselves. We learned to make fire for heat. We learned to dress and feed ourselves. I imagine that the first humans would be less concerned with mental pursuits and seeking the meaning in the term soul. We marvel at animals abilities to walk and stand from the first hours they were born, but couldn't that have been us in the beginning? Survival first.
As humans grew more complex they began to have ideas beyond themselves, this in itself is evolution. The physical evolution of matter into different forms is one theory, but the infinite possiblities of the evolution of conscienceness is entirely different. We benefit from the education of each previous generation all the way back to the beginning. The world we are born into provides us with more in the first few months than some generations ever learned.
Animals are developing as well. They do not have a speech pattern that we can recognize and translate, but they know information and migratory patterns from the beginning of their life. They learn and experience and change. Do they have souls and we don't know it?
Our bodies are changing as we are evolving, as our minds decide what we need and don't need. We are amazing creatures in on an amazing planet. Leave a little mystery concerning the soul whether it is an idea born of history or a gift from the Almighty, it doesn't matter. What matters is what you do with it.
Jan 10 2012: Thanks for sharing. Agree in the end how we live our life may be more important than knowing the truth about everything - but it's fun trying figure it out.
Gabo Moreno
Jan 10 2012: Sorry David, but your "topic" and your comments are nonsensical. (No nice way to say so.)
- +2
All you do is make unfounded assertions. Example your title:
1. "Evolution" and "natural selection" are not one and the same. Natural selection is one of the mechanisms of evolution, but that's not the whole story. (There's is nothing "unnatural" in the mix, by the way.)
2. What's a soul? If by soul you mean some spiritual thing, then you would have to prove first that there's one. Evolution is a natural process (or the result of a bunch of natural processes).
Then your intro:
1. Nope, biology does not include "souls" anywhere.
2. "Form" is not "soul." Come on.
3. Why would it be necessary to exclude free-will? I am a biologist, and I was never given any instruction that I should exclude free-will in my studies. The only caveat to including free-will, is that you have to define it, and better if you define it in an approachable way. Nor have I ever encountered any prohibition to study the functions of the human mind. Actually, there's a lot of research, for example at the molecular level, about the function of the human mind. So you are talking about things you know nothing about.
4. Of course we know that "Darwinist" processes are not enough to explain evolution. Darwin's proposal was natural selection, but there's other natural processes at play (yes, they suffice to "explain common descent"). Again, you mistake natural selection for evolution, but, that there's other processes involved does not mean that thus there is a spirit, nor that we need anything "unnatural" to explain anything in biology.
After reading a few of your posts I noticed that you have quite a biased and self-righteous attitude about "materialists" and "biologists." None of them based on reality I'm afraid. Seems like you are equivocating evolution and natural selection, among other themes, to support your religious inclinations.Jan 7 2012: I'm a biologist (and a PhD). What is a soul? I've never seen one or seen any evidence that we have one. I'm pretty sure that dead people have influence - e.g. Socrates, Darwin, Jesus, Mohammed but when you are dead, you are dead.
What is free will? Organisms (such as we are) move through life being faced with choices. What they choose is infuenced by their internal state, the options available, advice from, or actions of, those around them and societal norms. Christianity is just one big norm, one of many that influence the way in which people behave. Christianity is a product of humanity and the codes of behaviour that it espouses are common to many other civilizations across the world.
There are no gods, no life after death and no such thing as a soul. Get over it and get on with your wonderful life.
David Roemer
Jan 7 2012: Body (matter) and soul (form) are correlative metaphysical principles that explain why humans are equal to each other, but superior to animals.
- +1
Free will can't be defined. It is not a scientific concept. We know we have free will because we can make ourselves the subject of our own knowledge. Hence, humans are embodied spirits and the human soul is spiritual.
Humans are also finite beings because other humans exist. Finite beings need a cause. If every being in the universe needed a cause, the universe would not be intelligible. Hence, an infinite being exists. In the West, we call the infinite being God.
Jan 7 2012: . . and so it starts. Step 1) We are superior to animals because of some fairy-tale and a book of stories chosen by politicians a long time ago. Step 2) We (theists) are superior to other people who don't think like we do or believe in our fairy tales. Step 3) Righteous war (or Jihad).
If it can't be defined to all intents and purposes, it doesn't exist. Science is the fundamental language of explanation of facts. You like to think you have free will. You have options. The last sentence isn't a logical progression. The problem is that science is hard and that when you use it to define concepts such as love or beauty you have to go back to first principles (it gets a bit boring if you try to do that for everything - our cultural shorthand for these things is easier). I love Bach and Leo Kottke but while I'm aware that there will be a scientific explanation, I don't feel the need to delve that deep. I'm happy just to sit back and enjoy the music.
Your cause is to survive and reproduce. The rest of paragraph three is gobbledegook. My advice, not based on any fairy tales - give your kids a good start in life and be nice to people so that your kids have a chance of growing up in a nice world.
George Carlin has a great take on this stuff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeSSwKffj9oJan 7 2012: Wow, so animals don't have souls and you feel your superior to a non-discrimatory, non-egoic animal ,like a dolphin or an amoeba or that squirrel outside your window shaking his head....
Jan 11 2012: Do animals or humans have free will? I guess there has been plenty written on the former.
At the outset I would suggest free will (or not) in no way implies there are souls or spirits (or not). Although there are perhaps some contradictions with religious type beliefs if there is not free will.
Humans make apparently conscious choices at a practical level. Are they predetermined. If we had a great enough understanding of the brain, biology, physics, chemistry, behaviour, psychology etc could we predict every decision and action an individual would make. Perhaps. But this may require understanding every relevant experience a person has had that has shaped their brain or consciousness and unconsciousness involved in the decision, their current state etc. These experiences may involve other conscious beings. Suggest we are a long way from being able to identify and predict every conscious and unconscious action/decision.
We can already make gross predictions. Mock a prophet - predict a response.
On a simple human scale I make choices and have practical free will. It really doesn't matter that much to me if which enough knowledge down to a quantum level my decisions are predictable.
If we photocopied the universe as it is today a 1000 times, would the human copies all make the same choices? Would the physical environment, every blade of grass, every atom, every electron, every subatomic particle or string, be exactly the same in a years time in every copy?
I don't know but at a quantum level, chaos and all that make me lean towards divergence.
Suggest there is a continuum of animal free will. A single cell organism is probably incapable of making conscious decisions and choices. But suggest different individual dogs of the same species will make different decisions in the same situation, again dependent in part of their experience and current state etc.
Of course our brain/intellect opens up more choices to us. A wider world of free choiceJan 10 2012: Metaphysics looks like the remnants of a pre scientific time to me.
My opinion, we are animals, just with a more developed brain than the others on this planet, no such thing as a soul or spirit. When our brain stops working and our body dies, no more consciousness, no more us, oblivion, just like other animals.
Suggest if we somehow had only current scientific and no left over religious concepts floating around society from our more ignorant past we wouldn't develop such widely held belief in immortal, non matter, non energy, spirits.
Agree, that no one knows anything for sure on this topic but souls/spirits, just in humans, seems more speculative than a biological approach.
David, if they did exist, how would you know that souls don't evolve. Without relying on a particular religious dogma, how do you know the soul creator didn't create the first souls and all the others are derivative with a soul DNA.
Suggest some belief systems indicate souls can learn and develop in repeating carnations. How do you know the some souls aren't living many times.
Are the souls sitting around in a waiting room waiting for our birth or do they come into being on conception. Do souls only exist while we live or do they go on.
How do you know we have souls. How do you know other animals don't. How do you know how souls work other than fitting your metaphysical world view.
Curious where/how you think the concept of souls originated? I mean we can see our bodies, play around and understand our our brains work, emotions, personality, perceptions etc. We can detect energy. Again the whole concept of a soul and most of metaphysics seems to relate back to old belief systems developed in relative ignorance and never with any evidence. A whole framework related to imaginary concepts that can not be proven, measured etc just ideas.
Jan 10 2012: I wouldn't call Dave's proposals metaphysics anymore than I would call any tinkering physics.Jan 10 2012: Do animals have free will? If yes, how do you know? If no, what is free will? Rational people judge that we have free will because of three bits of evidence:
1) It is clear we have it when we do something that takes a lot of will power, like sticking to a diet.
2) People who say it is an illusion, live their lives as if they had free will.
3) People who say it is an illusion have poor reasoning skills. They are like a person who is collecting minerals and arranging them according to their color. He builds a chest of drawers and labels the drawers one of the colors of the rainbow. He puts a red mineral in the red drawer, the green mineral in the green drawer, etc. One day he finds a white mineral, and he says, "White minerals don't exist."
ethan langer
Jan 7 2012: Magnus, " I'm a biologist (and a PhD). What is a soul?" Your degrees are proof of knowledge, not wisdom..
- +1
The soul is the psyche. The mind. It can be seen as the electromagnetic field; it has been seen as the aura and photographed via Kirlian methods. Though it is not tangible, you experience it nonetheless. Emotions aren't tangible, yet we experience them, do we not?
Jan 7 2012: I'm not sure that letters before or after your name prove anything except (in the case of a Phd) perhaps tenacity - I was merely making a point in response to Davids initial note.
You contradict yourself Ethan - you tell me that we can see the electromagnetic field of the brain and then tell me its not tangible. Is the soul an electromagnetic field then? Can we detect how much of a sinner someone is using a magnet? Could be useful at airports I guess.
Emotions are tangible - biochemically and made obvious via our bodily and facial expressions. Guilt for example is a chemical response to deviation from a norm.
Using your implicit definition of tangible, a vacuum is not tangible (nor an electron, proton, atom etc) but we can prove its existence using science. If anyone proves the existence of some all powerful deity that gives a jot about humanity using logic and science I'll start saving for an asbestos coffin.Jan 7 2012: QUOTE: "The soul is the psyche."
The etymology may coincide but, in common parlance, the soul and the psyche are no longer considered the same thing. Of course, they CAN mean the same thing but often do not.
The psyche refers to the mind (conscious and unconscious) and the soul has come to mean that part of a being, human or not, that would be "immaterial" and is often considered to be eternal.
Jan 10 2012: The soul is the psyche.
Common parlance be damned.Jan 10 2012: QUOTE: "The soul is the psyche."
As long as you clarify your terms.
I suppose it depends on how precise you need your communication to be.
I know that when I use the word "psyche" I am not referring to the soul.
Comment deleted
Comment deletedJan 7 2012: Hi Magnus,
You say, "There are no gods, no life after death and no such thing as a soul. Get over it and get on with your wonderful life."
There is no way you can know what happens after we die, unless you have died and come back [this is exactly what I say to people who say there is life after death.]
We cannot prove there is no God.
Nor can we prove there is no soul.
I'm not quite sure why we tend to "need" certainty. The religious/spiritual/metaphysical folks, for the most part, think they know there is life after death. They don't.
Rationalist, in large part, think they know there is no life after death. They don't.
You also say, "If it can't be defined to all intents and purposes, it doesn't exist." This is not valid. There are things that cannot be defined and yet exist; and there are things that can be defined and do not exist.
Does consciousness exist? Can it be defined?
Does a thought exist?
God and soul have both been defined. Do they exist?
Why is it we have such a hard time saying, "I don't know?"
This is good advise: "Get over it and get on with your wonderful life."
Jan 7 2012: Hi Thomas,
I completely agree, "Why do we have such a problem with ""I don't know"" . Trying to explain "I don't knows" with mythology is what irritates me.
I watched our living-room fire go out tonight, while my wife and I chatted. It went out. The fire is dead. Do you have a problem understanding that? So why have a problem with an organism dying? Chemically, its a pretty similar process.
cheers and peace, Magnus
Jan 8 2012: QUOTE: "Trying to explain "I don't knows" with mythology is what irritates me."
Hi Magnus,
It irritates me too. Maybe "irritates" is too strong a word but, for example, I do tend to respond to assertions that the Bible is inerrant, or that we know what happens after we die, and so on.
I have no problem when people say they believe this or that; but when they say this or that is absolutely true, then I often take exception and challenge the belief.
When it comes to the "I don't knows" ... I accept anything as at least possible. Even the "weird stuff" like the possibility I could walk through a wall.
It IS possible (according to the laws of quantum mechanics) but the probability of it happening is so remote that to have any real chance of it happening once, we would have to wait for much, much longer than the universe has existed.
So is it possible there is something that survives death?
Does anyone know?
It's possible. But extremely unlikely.
When questioned, anyone I have ever asked has ultimately said they believe they know. However, some have elevated their belief to the realm of "knowing."
They might base their belief on a near death experience, or on some interpretation of religious doctrine, or on remembered past lives, and so on.
There are much better, and more plausible, explanations for all of these than having to postulate a life after death.
But, no matter ...
We simply do not know one way or the other.
[Unless we do, and as I have said, I hold that open as a possibility too.]
Cheers.Jan 12 2012: David, our brains and body's are one when it comes to our perception of who we are or what the universe may be.
Evolution over great periods of time does meld both.
if you seek both or one of them, ask as i do , what can i do in my life while I exist to make a contribution generations unborn when i know longer exist?
make a contribution to culture, do not make a fool or doubt science as you do.Jan 9 2012: Happy New Year, Ousmane.
I agree with you entirele.
Alex.Jan 9 2012: I have gone through most of the comments, and what I can say afterall is: "let's all convain that we are alive, sharing this piece of planet which is earth, live a life of loving kindness, in respect of all differences, in defense of justice and human rights to happiness. Let's work on proposing items that can better up our lives no matter what continent we are from." Whether God exist or not, does not give us the permission to forget that this life at least is ours, whether it be reality or illusion.
Happy new year to everyone.Jan 9 2012: A lot to talk about and clarify, with not enough time or space. It is unfair to try and convince anyone that one or another religious belief is the right path. Our responsibility is to assist individuals to thrive in their beliefs as long as they are not clearly harmful to others and themselves. If someone finds god sitting by a pond watching a log floating, then that's their answer and we should be thrilled at their success. If Catholicism or Buddhism is the answer for others, than we must respect that as well. Ausmane makes some very good points, but perhaps his most important one is the here and now of this marvelous equation that continually seems to elude us as we wonder what there is or might be in the after life. It really is about the collective good of all of us, in fact, all of us sharing this discussion during which it seems that tempers have risen needlessly. There is enormous power in our words. These words affect feelings, and cast shadows on our belief systems that we have no right to intrude upon. If there is one thing i would like to leave all of you with is the following: compassion is key to our survival especially in this modern, rapid world where we hardly notice the suffering of others. This is an interesting but not so compassionate a conversation based on some of the tones. There's a lot to learn from each other here. Let's listen.
Jan 9 2012: Hi Alexander,
You might be mistaking clear, direct and unequivocal communication as "needlessly risen tempers."
I tend to be quite blunt in my communication. I am not angry.
I do not get the sense anyone else is angry either.
QUOTE: "Our responsibility is to assist individuals to thrive in their beliefs as long as they are not clearly harmful to others and themselves."
Actually, that is not "our" responsibility. You may have chosen it as your responsibility. Which is fine.
QUOTE: "There is enormous power in our words."
I agree and I choose mine very carefully. And I know many other TEDsters who are quite disciplined in their communication.
QUOTE: "These words affect feelings, and cast shadows on our belief systems that we have no right to intrude upon."
I do not think anyone cast a shadow on David's belief system.
On his motives in posting here? Yes, definitely and appropriately.
This is not the forum for such an endeavor. (I'm not sure but I think proselytising is prohibited on TED forums.)Jan 10 2012: Alexander, appreciate your sensitivity towards possible offense from this type of debate. However, religions are not off limits for discussion, analysis and debate in a modern secular state.
Not our responsibility to help someone thrive in their chosen belief system if we think it is bunk.
On the other hand, I support a secular state with religious freedom (within reasonable limits) and freedom from religion if that is what people choose.
Also, a wise person weighs up freedom of speech for a particular opinion against the likely reaction and results.
I haven't seen anything that crosses the line as being unreasonably offensive. Some blunt comments - sure. Some passionate. Offense is in the eye of the beholder I guess. Suggest anyone who strongly holds religious beliefs and is likely to be offended from this type of debate is not open to other views or has not been exposed and appropriately densensitised.
I learn and develop my world view by reading these comments and responding but expect most people aren't going to be convinced to suddenly change religion or become an atheist from these discussions.
While may own comments may vigorously debate an issue I recognise some people, smarter than me have considered and reflected more on life, the universe, more than I. Others less so, but I hope I don't mock them when I challenge. Every year my world view has refined and hopefully improved. It's a journey, even for a religious believer.
My ideal would be debate in good spirit and an openness to be challenged and perhaps made a little uncomfortable - recognising on some subjects all comments are just opinion, no one knows for sure, although some opinions fit what we know about the world better than others.Jan 8 2012: Hi David,
Having spent some time trying to understand your point, it appears you are a Catholic religious zealot who thinks Catholic philosophers are right, atheists (and presumably non-Catholic philosophers, and most scientists) are wrong, and that you are on some sort of a mission "summoning" others to believe what you believe.
I have asked you if you are promoting Christian spiritualism, what your point is, and so on. Rather than simply answer the questions directly you ignore them and, if you choose to answer, obfuscate with poorly thought out arguments against "atheists" and veiled (and equally poorly thought out) invitations to accept your understanding of Catholic philosophy.
I find your approach to be dishonest and inappropriate.
I suggest this is not the forum for such proselytising.Jan 8 2012: I have faith in God and I am having my understanding of its manifestation through number everything coming to existence. i am not putting in doubt His existence; but in a world where cultures are clashing, it is good to make people understand that their particular belief in a religion should not be a brake to the Higher understanding of the value of life. And life is just about what we do in every little moment of our days. Any single decision we make about ourselves is having a tremendous consequence on the way the world is running, as of the butterfly effect.
ethan langer
Jan 7 2012: Listened to a minute of that YouTube and determined it to be what granny used to refer to as "hogwash".
- +1
Observance of life proves two things: 1. EVERYTHING evolves and 2. EVERYTHING devolves. The principle of manefested (material/observable) life is based upon the energy which sustains it. If matter evolves, it is because the energy which sustains it evolves, as matter is the reflection and manifestation of energy.
Where there is matter, there is energy. The entire premise of physical evolution is based in spiritual evolution as the principles of such are defined in the process of reincarnation. This is the evolutionary process of spirit aka the energy system which sustains matter.
You don't get to separate energy from matter by claiming one evolves and the other does not. It's as flawed a premise as claiming evolution exists but not devolution.
Getting quotes and peer-reviewed articles may salve your ego into thinking your point has been proven, but all it proves is that ignorance of this topic is not contained to yourself.Jan 12 2012: Somebody from TED sent me a private email questioning whether I have a PhD from New York University. I was able to dig up some proof. My work is mentioned in an errata: Phys. Rev. Lett. 24, 1035 (1970), and 25, 782 (E) (1970).Jan 12 2012: According to science, evolution applies only to the bodies of humans--not their souls. The human soul is spiritual because free will and conscious knowledge can't be defined.
Saying you want to contribute to mankind has no value or meaning. We have to decide how to contribute to society. By being a missionary? By making money and giving it to charity? By raising a family?
Jan 12 2012: QUOTE: "According to science, evolution applies only to the bodies of humans--not their souls."
According to science; or according to David Roemer?
Generally speaking "science" does not have anything to say about the soul, or God, because they are not subject to testing.
So to say "according to science, evolution applies only to the bodies of humans--not their souls" is the mental equivalent of prestidigitation. It tacitly infers scientific validity to the concept of soul when, in fact, "science," and many (most?) scientists, would relegate the soul to the realm of phantasy.
This is another example of what I mean when I say you are being deceptive.Jan 12 2012: Scientists can't do research on a word that has no description like the word soul.
If you replace human beings with the word souls you get the situation that souls are doing science. Biology on souls would be a bit like fire that burns fire which is nonsense.
Being a missionary isn't contributing to society, it's an ego play. Some missionaries are doing good things but to do good things you don't have to be a missionary. Missionaries have distorted many cultures and by doing that brought much misery in the world.
Comment deleted
Jan 12 2012: Why do you only want to talk about science? Why don't you want to talk about free will?
Body and soul are concepts that go together in a method of inquiry called metaphysics. The soul is the principle that makes humans equal to each other, and the body is the principle that makes humans different from each other. Angels don't have souls because every angel is unique.
Atheistic scientists think the soul is just an idea. There is considerable amount of evidence that the human soul is spiritual. A lot of people mistakenly think the soul is a substance, not a metaphysical principle.
Jan 12 2012: Why do we want to talk about science?
Probably because you started a conversation that links science to some unscientific and erroneous claims.
For example, you say: "The science of biology includes the metaphysical concepts of form (soul) and matter (body) because it is necessary to exclude free will and other functions of the human mind from evolutionary biology."
Biology does not include metaphysical concepts*; and it is not necessary to exclude "free will" and other functions of the human mind from evolutionary biology. Nor is it necessary to include them.
Your assertions are absurd.
If you would like to talk about "free will," open a conversation on free will.
But if you make such ridiculous claims and base them on an almost complete misrepresentation of science, you can expect the conversation to be about science.
* Of course, there are always the "fringe" elements - the exceptions that "prove the rule." Rupert Sheldrake's morphic resonance would probably qualify as metaphysical.Jan 12 2012: Quote: "Do animals have free will?"
Yes they have, as far as they are self conscious. The same with little children.
And with free will I understand the ability to be free to choose or decide in behavior or action.
Maybe it could be that you refer to self consciousness with the word soul?
Jan 12 2012: You may be thinking of a scientific definition of self-consciousness which involves recognizing oneself in a mirror. Animals can do this and so can children.
Consider knowing that this screen is white. It means more than that light is entering the eye and a signal is going into the brain. It means an awareness of this. What is this awareness?
The important question is: What is awareness? Of secondary importance is whether or not animals have it. Since animals don't have human speech, no animal has ever said it has this awareness.
In the case of free will, the question humans ask is: What is the relationship between myself and my body?
There are no answers to these questions and there is no reason to expect any answer in the future because they are not scientific questions. This means humans are indefinabilities that become conscious of their own existence. Another way of saying this is that humans are embodied spirits or spirited bodies.
The metaphysical concepts of the soul (form) and body (matter) explain the contradiction that humans are equal to one another (soul), but at the same time different from one another (body). Combining the two ideas gives the insight that the human soul is spiritual.
Jan 12 2012: These are some answers on your questions.
To recognize yourself you need to have a sense of self which can only be with an understanding of the other. This discrimination between self and other is necessary to communicate. Birds communicate in simple ways while any social living animal has extensive forms of communication. Communication always is established via language of all kinds. If the sense of self is extended with mental images of the body the mirror test is positive. Self consciousness we share with all organisms though various with form and in expression. The spoken language also starts with primates that has made a spurt with human beings.
Awareness thus we share also with every organism that in various ways become aware of signals that have a species specific meaning derived from experiences made by the long line of ancestors.
Free will depends on reflection that is not reserved to humans but is accelerated by the development of wordy language by which all phenomena are labeled and archived in memory that reveals an order in time. By this our species can anticipate future events and react forehand.
I would love to speak about soul and spirit but my notion hereof is a bit more abstract and demands another context. That's why I said that any jargon belongs to its domain and can't be used across different domains.Jan 11 2012: Where did you get the idea that natural selection "explain common descent and the complexity of animals."? I'll tell you: You got it either from atheists or advocates of intelligent design. You did not get it from reading a biology textbook.
This is explained in my video. My video has quotes from biology textbooks and scholarly works about evolution.
Jan 11 2012: I got the idea that natural processes, among them natural selection, explain those things from understanding the science. Whatever I have read from "Intelligent Design" advocates has been faeces (as in "excrement").
Your video is a boring diatribe with no scholarly value whatsoever. You quote from at least one "intelligent design advocate" by the way (and at least one of their books, which are not "scholarly works"). Again. Science does not work by quotes. Study man. Study and reason.Jan 11 2012: Guys,
I am off this conversation. David seems to lack the very basic rational skills necessary for at least understanding what he's being told. Sorry David, but you go all over the place with non sequiturs and a display of plain ignorance and irrationality that makes it impossible to give you a single comment and get a straight answer from you [EDIT: or at least an answer showing that you understood what we said]. Thus my conclusion.
Best and adieu.
Jan 12 2012: See ya.
If my interest was only biology (or religion) I would probably follow but I am fascinated by people.Jan 11 2012: No, it is not. What I am asking for is a quotation from a biology textbook or peer-reviewed journals which says that natural selection explains the complexity of mammals. I gave quotes in my YouTube video which proves that no biologist will say such a thing.
You have been deceived by popular writers about evolution.
Jan 11 2012: QUOTE: "You have been deceived by popular writers about evolution."
Do you mean Darwin?
You really are out of your depth Mr Roemer. You might want to consider a tactical retreat.
Jan 11 2012: No, not Darwin. Darwin admitted, more or less, that natural selection couldn't explain the complexity of the human eye.
Gabo Moreno
Jan 11 2012: No, he didn't. I double dare you to go and find the quote (I know you have a quote) within the book (The Origin of Species), and see what Darwin wrote just after that quote. He started by saying that "common sense" would tell you that evolution by steps would not make something like the eye, "However, if we found a series of ..." (Note and double note that there is a "however", meaning that there's evidence to think that the complex eye could have been built by evolutionary processes as he was proposing, regardless of what common sense, without the evidence, would indicate.)
- +1
Go check it. No cheating allowed.Jan 12 2012: QUOTE: "Darwin admitted, more or less, that natural selection couldn't explain the complexity of the human eye."
Hi David,
To follow on from Gabo's reply: No, Darwin did not.
And as I have said, you are not qualified to discuss biology ... well, not with any credibility. We can ALL discuss it.
[For one, you seem to think "natural selection" and "evolution" are synonyms. They are not.]
You keep asking for quotes from text books or peer-reviewed journals which say "that natural selection explains the complexity of mammals."
[I have one from a reputable source: "Natural processes, among them natural selection, explain common descent and the complexity of mammals." - Gabo Moreno]
And you counter claims made in biology with (alleged) statements made by "Catholic Philosophers." [Although, you have provided no quotes or references.]
Perhaps you might provide us with a few examples of peer-reviewed sources that assert the soul is in fact "real" and that it is spiritual in nature.
As "rational people" seem to know this to be true, you should have no problem coming up with sources from reputable, secular scientists.
Will you need a little time or do you have them on file?
And, by the way (again) one reason you MIGHT have a hard time finding quotes asserting natural selection is responsible for the complexity of mammals is it is not the kind of statement a "real" biologist would casually make as a categorical statement. For expediency, in conversation? Sure. In a text book or a peer-reviewed journal, it is somewhat less likely ... but not unheard of. Do you know why? [See Gabo Moreno's reply for starters.]
And as an example of what I refer to as your poor logic: even if evolution is replaced by a better explanation (it could happen) it will still not prove that there is a soul and that it is spiritual. The topics are not related.
If there is a soul and it is spiritual, prove it. And you cannot prove that by proving or disproving evolution.Jan 11 2012: Let me get this straight. Instead of a quote I give you a full book presenting the idea of natural selection as a way for explaining common descent (the origin of species) and you change the request now for a quote for something saying that natural selection explains mammalian complexity? How precise do you want those quotes to be?
Anyway, I think you don't read what people write to you. I told you that you mistake evolution and natural selection, and thus misrepresent them. Natural selection is one of the mechanisms of evolution. One of them. It alone would not explain anything if we had, for example, nothing to select from. Thus variation within populations is another factor in evolution. I insist, that there is more than just natural selection does not work to your agenda because we know that natural processes suffice to explain common descent. I repeat:
Natural processes, among them natural selection, explain common descent and the complexity of mammals.
There, you have your quote above. Yes, I am a biologist. Enough for you?
Science, by the way, does not work by quotes, science works by data, data analyses, experiments, and their proper interpretation. I repeat, you have to first understand what evolution is, then talk about it.
I understand evolution because I have studied from both, books by evolutionary biologists (Darwin among them), and scientific articles. If you want to know what being deceived about evolution means, look at the mirror. You are the one mistaking natural selection for evolution. You are the one mistaking the existence of other natural processes in evolution as an argument for your religion.
(Just in case you were wondering, I am not GM.)Jan 11 2012: GM, what atheists don't understand is the mind-body problem. They have a blind spot. To understand the mind-body problem means understanding four solutions or theories. Atheists only grasp two solutions: materialism and dualism. There is no evidence for either of them. What is the solution judged to be true by Catholic philosophers?
Jan 11 2012: David,
Why do you insist on telling us what atheists do not understand.
You quite clearly do not know what they understand or what they do not understand. You are, in this regard ignorant and yet you present yourself as an authority. I request that you stop speaking on behalf of atheists. Your tendency to speak on behalf of a group of people you know so little about is offensive. (And, for the record, I am not an atheist.)
You are obviously not qualified to discuss evolution.
Your arguments are puerile. They can be summarized as:
Catholics are right and everyone else is wrong. If you do not understand this, you are ignorant, do not understand, have a blind spot, or you have been deceived. And I have quotes to prove it.
You would like a quote from a biology textbook that "says that natural selection explains the complexity of mammals."
Can you not find one? Would you "believe it" if you did?
Perhaps you might follow Mr Moreno's suggestion and read Darwin's "Origin of Species."
The opening section of Dawkins' "The Selfish Gene" is also very illuminating.
You might read them and you can select your own quotes.
And, by the way, "natural selection" does not, in itself, explain the complexity of mammals. Evolution does. Natural selection is simply one medium whereby evolution operates. There are other processes employed by evolution. Do you know what they are?Jan 10 2012: My quotes are from Richard Dawkins, Dan Dennett, authors of biology textbooks, and books published by major publishers in the US.
I remember challenging a PhD in biology to come up with quote saying that natural selection explained evolution. He did, but there was no attribution. He admitted that he made the quote up. I'd like to see the quotes and told who said them and where I can check that the quotes are valid.
Jan 10 2012: QUOTE: "I remember challenging a PhD in biology to come up with quote saying that natural selection explained evolution."
You certainly have "a thing" about quotes.
You challenged a PhD in biology to come up with a quote. And he or she did but made no attribution?
David, he or she has a PhD in biology. He or she IS the attribution.
However, you seem to think natural selection is necessary to explain evolution. It isn't. It just happens to explain evolution. Very well.
Could there be other explanations for evolution?
Will you need quotes?
Jan 10 2012: Thomas,
"David, he or she has a PhD in biology. He or she IS the attribution."
Well played, sir. Well played.
Congratulations on what looks like your first TED conversation. I have not made my first one yet, but when I do I hope to generate half the interest you have. Though I do not feel compelled to hop in this particular debate, I am sure we will debate at some point in the future here on TED. Until then, welcome and good luck.


text:
June 30, 2015
Stay Connected Anywhere
Topeka, KS (WIBW)-- The deadline is looming for family to register for the Christmas bureau. The program connects private adopters with qualifying families to help with holiday meals and gifts.
Almost 2,000 families are registered already and organizers expect to near 3,000 by Friday's deadline.
"It's no exaggeration to say that without this program some kids wouldn't have Christmas. Some families are not able to provide by the time bills are paid, the necessities paid. Paychecks don't go that far so it's important to keep the spirit of Christmas, the spirit of giving alive," Barbara Lindquist said.
You can register your family at the Sweet Building at 622 SW Topeka Boulevard until 7 p.m. Thursday night or from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Be sure to bring a picture ID, Proof of income and social security ID for all applicants; Adoptions begin next week.
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Additional Categories:
Mfg.: Tomlinson Industries
Models: Tomlinson Industries 101, Tomlinson Industries 1017826, Tomlinson Industries 1018454, Tomlinson Industries C-30BE
Item: Marston Child's Wood Booster Seat
Model: 1017826
Description: Marston Wood Products are known throughout the industry for their superior construction and quality. This child's booster seat is ideal for use in dining booths with cushioned seats.
Availability: During checkout you will be able to order in either:
There are currently no reviews for this item. Be the first to write one.


text:
Vote for ESPN College GameDay to Come to Indiana to Film Commercial
April 23, 2012
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - For the first time ever, ESPN will film a College GameDay commercial on a university campus selected by fans. Beginning on Monday, April 23, Indiana fans can participate in a social media promotion to have a College GameDay spot shot on the Bloomington campus this summer.
Through May 2, fans can vote once per day for Indiana at GameDayVote.com via computers or smartphones or using the Facebook app at facebook.com/collegegameday. Fans can keep track of the leading schools throughout the promotion and share the contest with friends on various social platforms to drive votes for their university.
More than 120 FBS football programs will be included in the promotion and schools will be encouraged to actively drive participation. ESPN will drive participation in the contest with a robust digital and social media plan that uses paid and owned media.
College GameDay Contest -- Social Media:
Check back soon


text:
After commissioning a CSO driven public awareness raising campaign, the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in partnership with Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding, (CEMESP), will officially launch the project on Saturday 19th July instant in the administrative building of the Port city of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
Minister of Finance and Development Planning designate Amara Konneh is expected to be in attendance to formally deliver the keynote address while Deputy Minister Sebastian Muah will give an overview of the Open Budget Initiative that Liberia has since embraced in context of fiscal accountability and transparency.
Based on the theme, Fostering Openness and Accountability Through Access to Information, this program will mark the turning point in bringing budget related information to the grassroots. The Mayor of Buchanan Julia Bono among other resident dignitaries from the government and private sector are expected to be in attendance and make welcome and goodwill remarks about open budget.
According to CEMESP Executive Director Malcolm Joseph this launch will signal to our colleague CSOs assigned to different counties to reach out to the people with various Information, Communication and Education materials designed.
There are cartoon features, tract messages, banners, wrist bands and billboards designed to carry various Open Budget message thrust. These messages seek to among other things inspire citizens to participate in the Open Budget Initiative from the point of view of advocacy, monitoring and tracking. In addition to facilitating the Buchanan launch, CEMESP has carried out open Budget awareness campaign to Sinoe and Rivercess counties.
It can be recalled that, President Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf on, Wednesday, January 23, 2013 officially inaugurated the electronic billboard, located at the Ministry of Finance, to display an updated profile of Liberia's public finances in a manner that the ordinary man and woman on the street will understand.
The US Government, via the USAID-funded Governance and Economic Management Support (USAID-GEMS) project, provided funding and technical assistance for the billboard; and the African Development Bank through support to the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) is also providing support to capacity needs of the effort.


text:
Author of the Month
To sign up to the Graham Hancock newsletter mailing list, please click here.
The bacterial makeup of the intestines may help determine whether people gain weight or lose it, according to two new studies, one in humans and one in mice.
Back to Previous...
Go to News Desk...
Enjoy the newsdesk? Please tell others about it:Tweet
G+. Site design by Amazing Internet Ltd, maintenance by Synchronicity. Site privacy policy. Contact us.
Dedicated Servers and Cloud Servers by Gigenet. Invert Colour Scheme / Default


text:
And so we come to the end of the two month long photography quest to capture the colour. I hope you've had the chance to enjoy some of the fabulous travel pics from around the globe. I've picked out a few of my favourites here and here and you can find the complete collection on the TravelSupermarket Pinterest board over here.
The time has come, however, for me to make my choice and announce the winner of the "green" category.
When I sat down to write this post, I dreamed of writing about chlorophyll, the pigment that gives nature its very green colour and that also helps create oxygen and sugar from sunlight and water. Photosynthesis, the amazing scientific phenomenon that pretty much keeps us all alive, seemed a fitting subject for reflection when viewing and reviewing images awash with green.
Then, Kermit the frog popped into my head and all I could think about was "It's not easy being green."
In the end, I thought I'd better just get on with it and talk you through my shortlist. As a person who's frequently moved by words as well as pictures, some of my favourites spoke to me because of the story that framed the photo – which will become clear as you read on.
Ultimately, though, I had to remember that this was a photography competition and that it was the picture itself that had to be the most important thing.
At the beginning of the contest, this is what I said:
"I'm looking for something unusual: an image from a place that makes me think of it in a whole new light. Show me something I've never seen before. Tell me about how the place relates to its people, their attitudes and their history. And make sure you had fun snapping it. Somehow, that always shows!"
These are some of the photos that I've enjoyed the most. You'll find a list of the winners at the bottom.
Snaps and Blabs
Traveling with children means that we spend entirely too long in various playgrounds around the world. They are like little pauses from life where the international language of childhood is widely spoken no matter in which country one is.
We were invited to this one by a family of six that became part of a favorite memory from our time in Malaysia. We spent the day in the pool near by and waiting for the children to enjoy their bubble of pure pleasure.
Lina Collado
Glass Poisonous Tadpoles found in a leaf in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica. The most amazing part of this was the fact that they are inside this strong jell-like formation and inside, each tadpole, is in their own individual jell-like egg. The contrast of the jell-like material with the green of the leaf is one of my favorite things of this picture.
Lance Post
This green intentionally made forest in Bohol, was planted after the world war 2, a man-made forest that are now known for its beauty in the region the untouched greens along the highway is extremely refreshing. This particular spot is one of most tourists favorites.
Marina Chetner
Noticing a Vespa in Brooklyn is becoming as frequent as spotting a yellow cab in Manhattan. Well, almost! This photo may as well have been taken in Rome; the Vespa looks vintage with a bit of comic appeal stuck to its face.
Kate Bailward
Walking down from the mainland of Siracusa, over the bridge onto Ortigia island, the market is almost the first thing that you see in the morning. Traders tout for business alongside permanent shops, and the area hums with activity.
The shop from which I took this picture was stuffed to the gills with exotic ingredients which can be hard to find in Italy. However, the thing that caught my eye was the inventiveness of the signage: green tub lids scrawled with what looked like Tipp-Ex. The thin plastic floated in the breeze and let the light through until it became translucent, like one of those violently coloured fruit lollies that you used to suck as a kid. In a moment of synesthetic sense memory, I tasted lime and my mouth started to water.
The Black Twig
Small circles afloat
While tracing the roots of life
To earth, they return
Hike Bike Travel
This broken glass was implanted into the concrete wall and used as a security barrier around a building in Salta, Argentina; it's a cheap but effective way to keep the unwashed masses out – or just your basic run of the mill burglar. In many developing countries I've seen broken glass used on top of concrete walls. Some of it's very beautiful – and a detail that's easy to miss.
Kat Clay
This photo was taken in Pocatello, a town on the way between Yosemite and Yellowstone. Our motel receptionist recommended we stop into The Green T for a steak, and we were welcomed by one of the friendliest waitresses we met in the States. The exterior had that classic Americana look, with the western sign and advertisements for Budweiser. An all American joint.
My Several Worlds
This image was taken in front of the Hong Kong Space Museum in July 2011. We were on our way back to our hotel when the beautiful changing lights of the museum caught our attention. I am always looking for ways to photograph John and Caleb together, because we only have Caleb for two months out of the year. This was the very first photo I shot from that session and it happened just before they started posing for their pictures. John had just finished explaining to Caleb that he shouldn't run in front of people and cut them off. Caleb was very obviously taking John's lesson to heart. I think this is one of the sweetest photos I have of the two of them together.
Finalists for the Green Category
And the winners are…
First Place: Banana Skin Flip Flops
The well-worn routine of a day's work amid the serenity of the rainbow's most relaxing colour. No wonder this worker is lost in thought in Roopangarh, India.
The winning photo stands out because it blends together a sense of place, personality, history and mood. You can almost feel the texture leaping out of the image and you want to will the man in the photo to lift his head and look you in the eye. He seems almost consumed by his surroundings, shoulders slumped, head down, simply getting through the working day. The other colours guide your eye around the image so that nothing is missed. It's really striking.
Second Place: 20 Years Hence
Every year at the Obon festival in Matsushima, celebrants release thousands of paper lanterns inscribed with the names of their ancestors into the harbor. This ritual, toro nagashi, is followed by one of Japan's best firework displays. This photo was taken moments before the fireworks began, when the harbor was lit by giant green floodlights of passenger ferries and the last few lanterns were floating into this secluded alcove.
I love the sense of peace in the lantern shot from Japan. So many festivals there are marked with bright and bold red, so it surprised me to see the scene awash with green.
Third Place: The Candy Trail
Fishermen on Ulleung-do (an island 120km from the east coast of) South Korea 2006
Again, I love how photo number three highlights how people interact with the landscape. They're involved, they're a part of it but (perhaps unlike the visitor) they're not standing and staring, they're quietly going about their business. (Plus, that view is wonderful.)
A huge thank you to everyone who took part. And don't forget, there's still the overall portfolio to judge for the £2000 prize.
Watch this space.


text:
Is it March 2nd already? Today's the big day. McDonald v. Chicago is going to be argued in front of the Supreme Court. I so wish I could be there. I made plans to go months ago but it's just not going to happen. Oh well. I was ready to camp out (if they'd let me) so I could ensure I got a seat to see this case being argued. The six plus hour bus ride would've been so be worth it. I was glad I was able to see one case argued in the Michigan Supreme Court while I was in MI. It was literally 3 blocks from my apartment! To me that was the coolest thing ever. Now I gotta go to Harrisburg and see a case argued in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
What conclusion do you think the Supreme Court will (or should) come to in this case? What overall impact do you think it'll have?


text:
this past summer I had two field RATS (not mice) in my garden eating my tomatoes. how can I get rid of them before next year? I have a compose pile nearby and they hide in there, I do not put anything but garden waste in it,no meats or fat. HELP!!!!!!!
Put the Rat bate in the brush or make a tent of rocks and put the bate there to keep it from other animals..
Is if you know the rats are in your compost heap then put your rat Bate in a polythene bag cut the corner off to make a small hole and push the bag into the rat hole hole end down. Them old rats will think their good times are here but only till the bate gets them and then they will be past thinking.
thanks for the info. will try it this winter and spring! hope it will stop them for good. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY NEW YEAR.
they always seem to get my bulbs, well at least some of my bulbs, but having ten or so cats has gotten them somewhat under control!
Last winter they almost wiped out my Jerusalem Artichokes, I only had a few that survived, but then there were getting to be too many and they were hardly growing from the over crowding!
I did miss getting a harvest of them though, but thought it would be best to let them get multiplying again before harvesting any as only 3 even grew till time they would have their tubers growing!


text:
The colours and styles that are considered in vogue at any given time shift as quickly as a chameleon's joints while popping and locking in a breakdancing competition, however one thing that will never go out of fashion is having a mouth full of pearly white teeth. Use today's Groupon to make sure your teeth are always in vogue; pay R299 for a scale, polish, dental check-up and x-rays OR pay R2199 for a Zoom permanent teeth whitening at Holistic Dental Dr Munclinger & Associates.
Trips to the dentist often conjure up images of jackhammers being taken to your mouth while a crazy pseudo-dental surgeon cackles like a hyena, but at Holistic Dental Dr Munclinger & Associates this couldn't be farther from the truth. The practice is closer to a spa retreat than those nightmarish images, and their sun-filled rooms are open to one and all, young and old. The superb dental technicians and doctors value the preservation of natural, healthy teeth above all else and invasive action is the absolute last resort.
Today you're offered a choice of two outstanding Groupons; either sit down for the Rolls Royce of dental treatments or take things to the next level with a Zoom permanent teeth whitening. The first option takes you through the whole shebang, from a simple scale and polish right down to an x-ray to make sure there's nothing hiding in the nooks and crannies of your jawline. 'Scaling' is just the professional way of saying 'scraping clean', even if you brush every morning and night and after every meal it's still possible that you've missed some sneaky plaque and build-up and this takes care of that. Next up, your chompers will get a good old polish that will have them outshining the light refracted from diamond. Tooth-care is as much about the outside as it is about what's going on inside, that's why you'll also get a thorough dental check-up and an x-ray for safe measure. Of course, if you want to take things up a notch you can sit down for a Zoom permanent teeth whitening that will leave your teeth sparkling pure white for the rest for your days. The treatment is non-invasive and you'll see the results from the moment you leave the dentist's chair.
For a dental treatment that includes it all, get your hands on today's Groupon and treat your ivories to a day in tooth heaven.
Playground fact: Before the advent of modern dentistry, many unorthodox practices were used for the removal teeth. In one case, the patient would bite onto the end of a see-saw as a sack of spuds was dropped on the other end. The procedure had an 11% success rate and more often than not resulted in patients needing complete dentures.


text:
We use cookies to store information on your computer in order to provide you with the best experience possible.
By using our site you accept the terms of our privacy policy.
Become a member / Login
0 items in Your Bag £0.00
0 items in your Wishlist
If you've already created a YBD account, use your email and password to login.
Not a member? Register here...
Forgotten your password?
Your Bag is empty
Your Wishlist is empty
Our gorgeous gold lambskin leather bomber jacket by Natalie B Coleman features in the 2014 Fashion Edit by Irish Tatler this month.
1883 Magazine, who celebrates all that is new & exciting in the world of fashion, music, film & arts, feature Joanne Stoker and Danielle Romeril in their latest s..
'Shoes arrived and are perfect! I loved the packaging, especially your card! My cats loved it too…' (Iulia, Cardiff)
Violeta loves the space previously occupied by a Meli Melo bag. Thank you YBD customer Iulia!
By Aksha Fernandez
By Sophie Hulme
Fashion's newest news straight to your inbox.
The story so far.
New Season. New You.
Daringly Feminine Rejina Pyo
Shop Now...


text: I discovered this movie in Rue Morgue Magazine's 200 Alternative Horror Films You Need To See. Thanks for turning me on to this book Cbear. Pin is a horror flick from the 80's I had never heard of. This is a classic horror movie about a boy, his sister, and an anatomically correct medical dummy. Some of the themes in this movie are beyond twisted. Pin is one of the best horror films I've seen in a while and a forgotten gem. Has anyone else seen this?


text:
Boat Sales
We offer the full line of Phoenix Bass Boats, one of the highest performing fishing boats in the world! Phoenix Boats have risen to re-define quality, performance and fishability.
Service & Repair
We offer a full service department; covering your outboard, hull, and trailer. We are an authorized warranty service center for Mercury Outboards. We welcome all insurance providers.
Custom Rigging
Have your boat outfitted with the top accessories in the industry by trained and experienced technicians - we install electronics, trolling motors, biminis, and much more!
Parts & Accessories
For the do-it-yourselfers out there, we will gladly provide the parts and accessories you need to repair or outfit your boat, no matter the make and model!
Get the latest from Last Chance Performance Marine by subscribing to our newsletter!
Contact Last Chance Performance Marine for anything related to fishing and boating! We would love to hear from you today!
Email: General Inquiry | (951)765.1800


text:
Call the Moveable History demo at (857) 239-0152
Moveable History will begin reading from the Wikipedia page of the closest historic location to our John Paul Jones avatar. Each time you press a key on you phone, you will hear about the next-closest location, in ever widening circles.
This is all driven by Google Latitude. John Paul Jones has signed up, and he's currently located in downtown Portsmouth, NH.
If you would like to have Moveable History track your location, wherever you or your personal avatar roams in the continental United States, sign up here.
Moveable History uses state-of-the-art OAuth, with no passwords involved. You can revoke authorization at any time.


text:
At the monthly Arts and Sciences faculty meeting, Dean Bill Long announced recipients of the various honors awarded annually by the College. This year, two psychology faculty members were recognized.
Dr. Chris Goode is a lecturer of psychology and Director of Undergraduate Studies for the department. He was named the Outstanding Teacher in the College of Arts and Sciences for his exemplary classroom instruction and his effective mentoring outside the classroom. Dr. Goode's instructional impact spans the range of students--from high school students in the Institute on Neuroscience (ION) program he co-directs, to undergraduates in psychology or the Behavioral Research Advancements in Neuroscience (BRAIN) program he helps to direct, to the graduate teaching assistants he mentors as they develop as psychology instructors themselves. He also provides assistance to colleagues and maintains active research programs in behavioral neuroscience and in the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Dr. Sarah Brosnan is an assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience and a key researcher at the Language Research Center. Her research on primate social cognition, inequity and fairness, and economic decision making has resulted in three dozen published articles and chapters and has attracted more than $2 million in extramural grant support, including a prestigious NSF CAREER award. Her work has also attracted considerable attention from the print and electronic media, making her a popular invited speaker at conferences and colloquia both nationally and internationally. In view of this stellar record of professional development, as well as her excellent performance as an instructor, mentor, and departmental citizen, the College of Arts and Sciences named Dr. Brosnan the Outstanding Junior Faculty Award recipient.
The Department of Psychology, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the entire Georgia State University community are fortunate to have the contributions of these two outstanding scholars.


text:
The Simon Kenton Council is one of the largest councils in the nation serving 17 counties in central and southern Ohio, and Greenup county in northern Kentucky. The Council is staffed by 22 professional Scouters with over 7,000 adult volunteers delivering the scouting program to more than 23,000 youth. We are joined by over 550 charter partner organizations sponsoring the 1,015 Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing, and Exploring units in our Council. The Council's goal is to be the premier leader in youth development. This is reflected in the Vision Statement of the Council:
It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law and Outdoor Code.
Building on an already strong tradition of youth and community service, the Simon Kenton Council will develop and provide the highest quality Scouting program in its geographic area to accomplish the mission of the Boy Scouts of America, and in doing so be recognized and accepted as the premiere leader in youth development.
Council Territory Map | Council Fact Sheet | BSA Fact Sheet | BSA Brand Identity Guide


text:
- Sort:
- Most Popular | Most Recent
360 degree view from the "press" box. One of three large stages set up downtown Columbia for this two day music and food festival.
The effigy is burning down, the crowd is waiting to dance.
I asked at a gas station where there was a place with some shade to picnic at, and was told to try this place. Very nice little park and this view. I can see the exact location where I took the picture in the map locator, but it won't let me select it...
The eastern shore of the Missouri river at Lupus, Missouri. This version does not have the peculiar lines of dots.
Columbia, Missouri Actually, this was handheld. people got very upset when I started to set up the gigapan. You can see how far away I was, and that anyone sitting down couldn't really see the stage, but they thought I was blocking their view...
From center of lower pond, this image is what I want to use to figure out what's growing here. At least the trees, though I only know a few winter bark patterns. Please don't hesitate to make a snapshot and identify something I've missed. I elected to leave the image as is, since it shows that the camera was not quit...


text:
Kera Bolonik's writing has appeared in the New York Times,
Salon.com, Slate, the Forward and Bookforum,
among others. She lives in Brooklyn.
The raunchy, racy comedian makes us laugh and cringe.
On the page, Patricia Highsmith could inspire a law-abiding citizen to
become a willing accomplice to murder, at least within the realm of the
Without baring flesh, exchanging fluids or even shedding blood, Will
& Grace has become the craftiest, if not the most radical, show
in the history of network television--though not


text:
Henry attends a news conference with the Webb Ellis trophy.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand: All Blacks coach Graham Henry, one of the world's most successful coaches, announced Tuesday he is stepping down just nine days after guiding the team to win the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Henry said that after eight years and 103 Tests in charge of the All Blacks, with a remarkable winning average of 85.4 percent, he had "had enough" and had no desire to coach again.
But the 65-year-old, affectionately known as "Ted," said he had turned down offers to join overseas clubs and would stay in New Zealand to assist in the development of local coaches.
"It's been an enormous privilege to coach the All Blacks and I am exceptionally proud of how the team has added to the All Blacks legacy over the last eight years," he said.
"I am also exceptionally proud of how they have developed an extremely professional and enjoyable culture and environment, and how they have reached out to people of all ages and put a smile on their faces, both here in New Zealand and overseas.
"So I want to say a special thank you and congratulations to all the players who have played during this time, especially to Tana Umaga and Richie McCaw, the two long-term captains."
Throughout Henry's tenure the All Blacks have predominantly been the world's top-ranked rugby side, and he was the target of considerable anger in New Zealand four years ago when they suffered a shock loss in the quarterfinals of the last World Cup.
Now, he bows out a happy man after coaching the team to a cliff-hanger 8-7 win over France in the final of the latest edition of rugby's showpiece tournament and said he had at last found "inner peace."
Coaching "does take its toll," he said, adding: "I didn't particularly enjoy the last 10 minutes of the game against the French in the final of the Rugby World Cup" when the All Blacks clung to a 1-point lead.
Of the 103 Tests the team played under Henry, they won 88 including 48 of 51 home Tests. They have won the Tri-Nations tournament with Australia and South Africa five times, and have held the Bledisloe Cup, contested with Australia, since 2003.
Your feedback is important to us!
We invite all our readers to share with us their views and comments about this article.
Disclaimer: Comments submitted by third parties on this site are the sole responsibility of the individual(s) whose content is submitted. The Daily Star accepts no responsibility for the content of comment(s), including, without limitation, any error, omission or inaccuracy therein. Please note that your email address will NOT appear on the site.
Alert: If you are facing problems with posting comments, please note that you must verify your email with Disqus prior to posting a comment. follow this link to make sure your account meets the requirements. (http://bit.ly/vDisqus)


text:
Connecting Women to Power Business Conference
Presented by:
Jerome E. Horton
Chairman, California State Board of Equalization
Friday, June 20, 2014
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Connect with 1,800 professional women, discover free business resources from the Board of Equalization, gain powerful business-building tools from our expert speakers and partners, and transform your ideas into profits!
Conference location:
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Loker Auditorium
1000 E. Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747
Register NOW!
Online at www.boe.ca.gov/seminars
Or by calling 1-888-847-9652
No cost to attend. Space is limited.
Reservations recommended.


text:
We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. If you continue to use this site, we'll assume
you're happy with this. Alternatively, click
to find out how to manage these cookies
Sign in with your email address
Sign up
Already have an account? Sign In
Sorry you're browser does not support iframes
Fast and easy. One less password to remember.Don't worry, we won't post anything without you permission
Log in with your Digital Arts account:
Forgot password?
Don't have a social account? Sign up with your email
Should I upgrade to Windows 10? 8 reasons why you should upgrade to Windows 10... and 2 why you...
We are being sold the ability to spend money we don't have. And we love it
Wacom Cintiq 27QHD review
How to use Apple Music in the UK: Complete guide to Apple Music's features


text:
Seesaw Bench
Among so so many convertible furniture designs, the Seesaw Bench from Dirk Ploos van Amstel has successfully caught …Continue Reading
Among so so many convertible furniture designs, the Seesaw Bench from Dirk Ploos van Amstel has successfully caught …Continue Reading
Cleverly combining a window blind and a laundry rack, designers Kim Bobin and Ko Kyungeun have developed this …Continue Reading
With a rooftop cycling arena supported by a glass-enclosed cafe on the ground, this conceptual building designed by …Continue Reading
With half of its body built into the wall, this lamp created by Hareide design has not only …Continue Reading
Combining two separate tools rightly in one, the Tape Scissor is a brilliant scissor with a built-in tape …Continue Reading
Here and there, this Folio Shaped Tissue Box could be placed anywhere, serving as a book stand or …Continue Reading
A mug for the iPhone? Not really, but instead the mug here is a multifunctional case that acts …Continue Reading
Made with earth-friendly wood materials, these little frogs can serve in three different ways, acting as an arm …Continue Reading
Called CampFire, the sleeping bag case for iPad2 can work as both a protector and a stand, offering …Continue Reading
Guess what this is: it's a ring, it's a telescope, and it's a magnifying glass too. The answer …Continue Reading
Love playing with your iPad, but never mind what kind of sleeve or stand it is using? No, …Continue Reading
Made from powder-coated, bent steel, the X Hanger designed by Kfir Schwalb is merely a single piece while …Continue Reading
Coming from Genius, the Ring Presenter is a sleek version of the company's Ring Mouse that adds PowerPoint …Continue Reading
For small-apartment owners, the space-saving and multifunctional furniture sets are always welcomed, and on their lists there's Claudio …Continue Reading
One, two or even ten different shapes of baking pans are not enough to people in deep love …Continue Reading
Honestly we seldom see laptop bags redesigned with many new functions, not to mention a bag that actually …Continue Reading
Quite frequently we see common things endowed with new functions or totally changed into other devices when designers …Continue Reading
Several years we were trying to make everything as simple as possible, endowing every device with only one …Continue Reading
Your iPhone certainly promises a good quality of photography, but you couldn't always hold it by hands especially …Continue Reading
The Halloween 2011 is coming, so have you gotten something special to surprise your guests? If not, see …Continue Reading
Apparently the Terrafugia Transition Flying Car is an advanced vehicle we'll use in the future. It is literally …Continue Reading
Can you believe that the "Chopp" is claimed to be the last chopping board you need to buy?! …Continue Reading
We need handles almost everywhere and "Your Magnet" is rightly a multiuse u-magnet for almost everything. It features …Continue Reading
Bookmarks and dictionaries are two necessary tools for bookworms, and obviously the item shown here has cleverly combined …Continue Reading
The Flower Hoodcap is an amazing design concept that combines lens cap with lens hood for a DSLR …Continue Reading
No doubt we all need a chair. But which is your ideal one, a chair with interesting shape …Continue Reading
Cideko's Air Keyboard would bring us a new experience with wireless keyboards. It is embedded with a 3D …Continue Reading
It is a matter of peculiar interest to purify rain water in places where are short of clean …Continue Reading
German LCD maker HANNspree recently launched its Lounge TV 70 on International Funkausstellung Berlin 2011, which is announced …Continue Reading
Undoubtedlly hand-washing is always the best way to make your clothes clean, and we believe more people will …Continue Reading
Sasan Magic Carpet is a clever design that offers practical sleeping and seating solutions with its adjustable constructions. …Continue Reading
Aptly dubbed "Catalyst", Jiyoung Seo's shelf triggers user to feel, touch and react with the unit so as …Continue Reading
This luxurious Bugatti Grand Prix Car Inspired Desk isn't merely on paper, as you can actually see it …Continue Reading
Tomm Velthius has successfully blurred the line between furniture and toys. He built many railway lines in a …Continue Reading
Welcome to a new time with your personal robots Luna. It is the world's first personal robot, which …Continue Reading
Roll & Mix is a multifunctional utensil designed by Marcial Ahsayane. It includes two parts, one is an …Continue Reading
Even though we've already had cellphones with built-in alarms, we seldom have a watch that doubles an alarm. …Continue Reading
A really clever gadget for the elders… The Flashlight Cane is designed to offer the old with needed …Continue Reading
There're various ways leading us to a better life and actually you could easily have your life improved …Continue Reading
Belts are always used as an ornament, and we don't see them function in the other ways if …Continue Reading
See what these Fiskars' Cuts+More Scissors can do, the results are really amazing: they could cut paper into …Continue Reading
Almost no words are needed, and just look at the pictures you'll know clearly what the Rhapsody Children's …Continue Reading
What would you want to have if your apartment can accommodate merely one piece of furniture? You'll need …Continue Reading
Everyone would need a multifunctional scissor like this. Ergonomically designed, the innovative scissor can be used both left …Continue Reading
Seasons change as the time passes, so every year we begin with the spring that is full of …Continue Reading
Despite that we cannot dedicate a pretty serious amount of space to large furniture like beds and tables …Continue Reading
On a fine afternoon, put the books aside, open the Happy Window and have a pleasant chatting with …Continue Reading
Icon Phone designed by Elium Studio is a cordless phone & Internet radio. It comes with quite a …Continue Reading
Although the E-book service has provided potentially new means for people who enjoy reading, most of them still …Continue Reading
We bet nobody would refuse the Occo, if he/she wants to live a both convenient and comfortable life. …Continue Reading


text:
cliq consulting
New York, USA $15k-20kSkills Some Apps they've made More info
Specialists in iOS apps since 2008. 2.7M users, 3 #1 apps. We deliver services for all stages of app publishing; from app design, graphic design, development, testing and publishing. We offer a code repository and bug database for your project.Share on Twitter Share on Facebook