AN EMBRYONIC ERROR
Posted by anthonynorth on May 19, 2008
Including a poem for Monday Mural. Have you had a go yet?
For MANIC MONDAY, scroll down.
Welcome to my daily Diary post. British Prime Minister Brownski has been speaking moral about genetic research. Ahead of a Commons free vote on human/animal hybrid embryos, he has advised how ‘inherently moral’ it all is.
Well, I don’t think so. Yes, the old red herring is used to say that it will ultimately eradicate genetic diseases and save millions of lives. Yet, genetic research usually end up in a blind alley.
This is the problem with genetics.
It is such an early science that we simply do not know where it will end up. It could all be a fool’s errand. Yet it is seen as such an important step that all other areas of research are virtually ignored.
But what worries me most is the need for embryo research in the first place. It is all about stem cells, but these are already provided by adult or umbilical stem cells, without the moral argument. It seems to me this is about the scientist’s right to research above moral implication rather than true benefit for mankind.
On a lighter note, I understand the solar bra has been perfected.
Now, what on earth is the solar bra? Does it glow in the dark so that you can see what’s ahead of you? Well, no. It is far more ‘useful’ than that.
It is designed to generate energy capable of powering a mobile phone or ipod. So there you go. No more battery charging. Just clip on the bra and you’re done. Mindst you, I must say it IS a touch sexist. Where’s the male equivalent? Please keep answers decent.
Don’t forget to call tomorrow.
© Anthony North, May 2008
STAR PERSON
We stare up high and wonder,
what is above the sky,
but remain on Earth and blunder,
and never really try,
to get up there amongst the stars,
and journey, learn, explore,
instead we travel only in cars,
and live a life we deplore;
But one day we’ll exist in the light,
where today we only stare,
our face will reflect our true delight,
and mankind will be aware
(c) Anthony North, May 2008
May 19, 2008 at 7:55 am
It might also be convenient if the solar bra could brew a pot of tea while we’re waiting for the phone to re-charge.
May 19, 2008 at 8:02 am
Hi Janna,
As an Englishman who must drink a gallon of tea a day, I couldn’t agree more. Every new invention should also be capable of making tea as a secondary role.
May 19, 2008 at 9:06 am
I share your views on embryo research. I have this rather dark idea that we’d be better off accepting that life begins and ends according to nature. On that topic, I suppose if we were kinder to the world around us we’d have fewer diseases to counter.
May 19, 2008 at 9:17 am
Hi Sandy,
I agree with most of this. I think some technology and science is helpful to us. But what seems to be happening here is a move into the fundamental consrtruct of nature - our genetic code. And we simply do not know what the result will be.
It is cliche to say this frightens me, but the motives of some scientists certainly does - and their naivety.
May 19, 2008 at 10:08 am
The problem with genetic research and science in general is that new discoveries arise faster than our laws can keep up, and there definitely need to be some laws to keep genetic research in check. I think that to let it go wherever it may lead could bring us to a very dark place.
And as to the male equivalent of the solar bra? Why,the solar jock strap of course!
May 19, 2008 at 10:13 am
Hi Jane Doe,
This is a problem. Somehow we’ve really got to be able to put a brake on what’s happening in science. Many politicians, even, are not really up to understanding the consequences. But from where could a controlling body comne from in a free society, if not elected?
Science is causing so many conflicts and problems nowadays. Though not as many as a permanently jock-strapped male population
May 19, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I’ve been concerened about the genetic manipulation of our food products. Genetics is just too new of a science to understand any long-term effects on either the food source or the consumer. I read somewhere there may be a link between genetically modified crops and the disappearence of the honeybee. And now I see someone has linked the cause Morgellons disease with these crops!
There must be a formula describing the ratio between the size of the bra and it’s output…
May 19, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Hi John,
A valid point. I share your concern. It is always dangerous when you think you know with certainty anything in science. It is absolute madness.
As to the suggested formula for the second point, we must hope so, for sociologically speaking, it’s arguable that those who would produce the most power would get the most calls.
May 19, 2008 at 2:33 pm
This one is filled with promise. Love it.
ANNUAL AFFECTIONS
Blessings,
Linda
May 19, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Hi Linda,
Thanks for that.
May 19, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I hadn’t heard of the solar bra. How clever. I too think it’s unfair that there isn’t a male equivalent. Just saying. Have a great day Anthony.
May 19, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Hi Comedy Plus,
Absolutely! It’s a sexist disgrace, I do believe
May 19, 2008 at 6:38 pm
All stem cells ae not equal. Umbilical and adult stem cells do not work the same way that embryonic stem cells do. I do, however, agree that other areas of research need more emphasis.
Also, the solar bra doesn’t work underneath clothes, so it isn’t exactly perfected.
May 19, 2008 at 6:41 pm
First of all, I look silly in a Bra. I have tried. Don’t tell anyone though. Second, I am a bald guy. Why don’t they come out with a solar powered hair piece?
Just a thought.
Later Y’all.
May 19, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Hi Marilyn,
Thanks for that. I feel, though, that geneticists are giving up on the ‘acceptable’ stem cells rather too quickly, just to push the parameters forward.
Hi Meloncutter,
A solar powered hairpiece? Now that’s a good idea. I’m sure some mad scientist somewhere will get it covered
May 19, 2008 at 10:39 pm
love the poem
have heard of solar bras and I agree it is sexist - so maybe they’re come up with something for the male, but then they also already have other kind of things that does this so why the heck a bra?
May 19, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Hi Lissa,
I’m glad you liked the poem. As for why a bra? Would I, or many other media, be discussing it otherwise? A very clever publicity stunt, me thinks
May 20, 2008 at 1:10 am
Anthony - Madonna made fashionable the wearing of bras as outer bits of clothing. So why do we not do the same for you men - cod-pieces that function like the solar bra. just think of the fashion possibilities. And will size matter, then? Hee!!! G
May 20, 2008 at 1:44 am
All this poking and prodding of scientists and no real parameters will eventually lead somewhere. I just wonder if it will be somewhere everyone can agree on or if it will take on a darker side as the others have mentioned? I do think there needs to be some well stated laws before they continue their research. Your poem is really good. I can only hope mankind will become aware before it is to late. Have a nice night.
May 20, 2008 at 4:14 am
I suppose next they will think of a lunar thing for the male. You did say our answers should be decent. Not that I ever cross the line.
Remembrance
May 20, 2008 at 6:02 am
Embryonic research? Morals or money again,if we don’t do it someone else will.
Solar Bras,wow! what possibilities,lets start now or all those size 40+ DDD’s on the beaches this summer will go to waste. Overweight women can start to be proud of themselves,don’t think it will work for men though.
May 20, 2008 at 8:10 am
Good morning Suburbanlife,
As for the cod-piece: Ah, wouldn’t it be marvellous to be all flying around dressed as Superman!
I’m quite convinced it is only ladies who feel size matters
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for that. One of the problems is that all this prodding is leading towards a slippery slope. For instance, in debate over here, some scientists have said, ‘well, you’ve let us do such and such’, which was a previous concession, upon which they said they’d never try to stretch the boundaries.
Yea, sure!
Hi Gautami,
And a very decent answer it was, too
Hi Diamondsandrust,
I can see it now on the latest of the naughty cartoon postcards. Men by their hundred surrounding the beach. A speech bubble saying:
‘We’ve only come to see the power station!’
May 20, 2008 at 7:47 pm
your poem star person is a beautiful interpretation of the Monday Mural. I hope what the poem says is true. I live as if it were true.
May 20, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Hi Mariacristina,
Many thanks. I passionately believe that our future is real exploration of space. And for more than knowledge, more than answering our curiosity, but to bring mankind together in a common goal.
May 21, 2008 at 11:00 am
I have grave reservations about stem cell research and I’m also saddened that the time for the termination of abortions is not to be lowered. maybe I’m just getting old, but I don’t like the way things are going.
Your bit on the solar bra, however, made me laugh and that image for Monday Mural is definitely on an astral plane somewhere.
May 21, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Hi Carole,
Thanks for that. I share your concerns about the way the world is going. It isn’t getting old, it’s getting common sense.
May 21, 2008 at 8:19 pm
another great post… did you hear abt the dear gentleman who was so devastated abt his dog passing that he made him three times over… not sure if you would call the dogs a clone per se… heard it this morning… an then thrz that bra thingee… made me think of the car bra… i kinda get a kick outta the comment does it make tea too… whaddabout window washing…
May 21, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Hi OneMoreBeliever,
Many thanks for the comment. As for window washing, that’s work. Whereas tea is marvellous relaxation