Tag: History
What is Evolution: An FAQ and Baseline Definition
by David K. on May.10, 2009, under FAQ, Research, Science
The first thing we should center on is the concepts which are evolution from a definition of the word evolution:
ev⋅o⋅lu⋅tion [ev-uh-loo-shuhn or, especially Brit., ee-vuh-] –noun
- any process of formation or growth; development: the evolution of a language; the evolution of the airplane.
- a product of such development; something evolved: The exploration of space is the evolution of decades of research.
- Biology. change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift.
- a process of gradual, peaceful, progressive change or development, as in social or economic structure or institutions.
- a motion incomplete in itself, but combining with coordinated motions to produce a single action, as in a machine.
- a pattern formed by or as if by a series of movements: the evolutions of a figure skater.
- an evolving or giving off of gas, heat, etc.
- Mathematics. the extraction of a root from a quantity. Compare involution (def. 8).
- a movement or one of a series of movements of troops, ships, etc., as for disposition in order of battle or in line on parade.
- any similar movement, esp. in close order drill.
Origin of the Word:
1615–25; < L ēvolūtiōn- (s. of ēvolūtiō) an unrolling, opening, equiv. to ēvolūt(us) (see evolute ) + -iōn- -ion
So What is Evolution?
Evolution is an odd thing, it is one of the only things which is both a fact and a theory. Biologists consider evolution to be a fact in much the same way that physicists do so for gravity. However, the mechanisms of evolution are less well understood, and it is these mechanisms that are described by several theories of evolution.
Biological evolution typically refers to the changes that occur in a population over time. These changes are produced at the genetic level as genes mutate different ways during reproduction and are passed on to future generations. Sometimes, individuals inherit new characteristics that give them a survival and reproductive advantage in their local environments; these characteristics tend to increase in frequency in the population, while those that are disadvantageous decrease in frequency. This process of differential survival is known as natural selection.
Natural Selection is the core theory which drives evolution. It is often referred to as “survival of the fittest,” though that is not a accurate description. It basically means species which are best suited to their environments have a better chance to reproduce than those that are not. For example, in a artic environment, an animal with lots of fur, like a polar bear, is more likely to reproduce than say a mouse, since mouse have a higher chance of dying in really cold weather where there are no buildings to hide for warmth and protection.
Evolution is often seen as a conflict to religions which believe life happened solely due to a supreme being. Charles Darwin is thought to have started the theory via his book The Origin of Species. Here is a brief except to set context in Darwin’s own words:
In considering the Origin of Species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co-adaptation which most justly excites our admiration. Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, &c., as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, as we shall hereafter see, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In the case of the misseltoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.

Understanding the Crusades
by David K. on Apr.04, 2009, under Fear, Global
The Crusades were a series of wars initiated by Christians to win back their holy lands from Muslims. The Crusaders were ultimately unable to reclaim their holy lands, but the wars had another effect: Western Europeans had left their homes to fight in a distant war. The stories of the returning Crusaders encouraged their countrymen to look beyond their own villages for the first time. The Crusades were expeditions undertaken, in fulfillment of a solemn vow, to deliver the Holy Places from Mohammedan tyranny. By AD1095, Muslim territory included land where Jesus Christ lived. Christians warriors of the era believed Christians, not Muslims, should control their holy lands.
In the year 1095, people were shocked in Western Europe by the words of Pope Urban II, “The Muslims have conquered Jerusalem“. Pope Urban wanted the Christians to retake Jerusalem from the Muslims. People shouted “God wills it”. All over France these were the warring words of the Christians.
The French, German, and Italians were the European Christians that went on Crusades. The word Crusade meant “a war of the cross”. During the first Crusade (1095-1097) most of the knights died of hunger, thirst or disease. When they got to Jerusalem they slaughtered anyone they could find. They took vows before going on a crusade. Sometimes during a crusade a knight would forget his vows and ride off or live in the village closest by.
Religion was important to the knights in the Middle Ages. One of the results of the Crusades was the founding of new Christian religious orders. Most of the monks were former knights who fought against each other in the Crusades. The knights did capture Jerusalem for a short period of time, but the Muslims kept on re-taking Jerusalem. The knights gained temporary power, but lost many soldiers during the deadly Crusades, not to mention causing the death of many innocent Muslims.
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Americans: Losing Our Religion
by David K. on Mar.16, 2009, under Research, Science
The influence of religion is slipping in the United states per a Gallop poll in late 2008. The % of Americans saying religion is increasing its influence on American life was 50% in April 2005, 39% in May 2006, 34% in May 2007, and 30% in May 2008. The 27% recorded in the December 2008 Gallup Poll continues the downward trend.
While low today, but is still not quite as low as it was during the late 1960s. The influence low came in a 1970 when only 14% of Americans said religion was increasing in influence at that time, while 75% thought it was losing influence.
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So what is a Sarcophagus?
by David K. on Feb.10, 2009, under FAQ, Science
From the ever knowledgeable Wikipedia
A sarcophagus is a stone container for a coffin or body. The word comes from Greek “sarx” meaning “flesh”, and “phagein” meaning “to eat”, so sarcophagus means “eater of flesh”. The 5th century BC Greek historian Herodotus noted that early sarcophagi (the plural) were carved from a special kind of rock that consumed the flesh of the corpse inside. In particular, coffins made of a limestone from Assus in the Troad known as lapis Assius had the property of consuming the bodies placed within them, and therefore was also called sarkophagos lithos (flesh-eating stone). All coffins made of limestone have this property to a greater or lesser degree, and the name eventually came to be applied to stone coffins in general.
This doesn’t work for you? How about the patent?
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable tomb containing: mummified tissue with DNA of a deceased in expectation of future resurrection, an epitaph, various memorabilia, and a label; all memorializing the dead.
2. Description of Prior Art
The conceptual prototype of a tomb is the Egyptian pyramid. A pyramid is a large above ground historical structure which contains: mummified remains of a deceased in a sarcophagus; epitaphs identifying and memorializing the dead; memorabilia (objects of value) pertaining to the life history of the deceased; and objects and information pertaining to the continuation of life in some form. Pyramids are singular, large, and immobile. The present invention corrects all these features.
Throughout recorded history, humans have established graves or mausoleums to entomb remains of a deceased. The tomb is marked with an epitaph on a tombstone identifying the deceased. In most cultures grave markers and tombstones are used to memorialize the deceased. Usually relics from the deceased’s life are entombed. Implicitly such practice reflects a belief in an afterlife or resurrection of the dead. The permanence of tombs and grave markers addresses and comforts the family by permanence of the structure symbolizing an everlasting life. It confirms feeling for the continuity of life. In Christian liturgy the “dead shall rise from the grave, and the sea shall give up its dead” confirms the idea of physical resurrection from remains.
Corpses are bulky. Disposition of the dead by burial is customary presumably in the interest of sanitation. Burial sites are immobile. Increasing cost of preservation, decreasing availability of burial land, and population mobility exert new pressures on burial practice. Systematic reduction of burial mass has evolved. More on the patent
Christians definitely like them some Sarcophagus – especially with the Resurrection
