I get email 25 Nov 2007 Unlike PZ Moorsch, I don’t get much abusive email, because I’m so much more mild mannered than he is. But I got this gem from an Australian using his cousin’s South African email account: your feedback on the one subject of macroevolution being observed is only grounded on consumptions and no real evidence. Are you stupid or just blind It seems I have multiple infections of tuberculosis, and I’m stupid and blind. Woe! Administrative Humor
Administrative Marking time… 10 Mar 201221 Jun 2018 It’s been a busy week (and a painful one: I advise my students to avoiding being old if they can and gout is one reason why – right: gout. This past fortnight has been extremely unpleasant). We are in what we can only hope is the final phase of negotiating… Read More
Administrative Home, tired, and amused 10 Nov 2009 I arrived after a not-too-shabby flight on a Qantas A388. The American couple next to me couldn’t believe it was built by the French; I pointed out that a few other European countries also contributed. I actually slept for a while. Anyway, nothing sensible is going to come from me… Read More
Administrative Knees, ligaments and evolving thoughts 5 Oct 2012 I’m really sorry I’ve been quiet so long. It’s not for lack of thoughts. First I went to Sydney to work on my Nature of Classification book and then attend a workshop on the future of history and philosophy (and social studies) of science in Australia. And then I came… Read More
If you want a CONCRETE example of macroevolution, check out Devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2007/11/tasmanian_devils_need_your_hel.php and also Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT). Both are pathogenic transmissible diseases that originated as cancerous somatic cells in their host. They have jumped from being “cooperative” (also reproductively dead-end) mammal cells to independent, infectious single-celled propagules (probably in one host generation — I speculate). They have escaped the reproductive dominance of the gametes. A taxonomist who is unaware of the history of the disease-causing cell would have to place it somewhere in the ‘protozoa’: faaar distant from Mammalia. If this isn’t a huge evolutionary jump, I don’t know what is.
If you want a CONCRETE example of macroevolution, check out Devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2007/11/tasmanian_devils_need_your_hel.php and also Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT). Both are pathogenic transmissible diseases that originated as cancerous somatic cells in their host. They have jumped from being “cooperative” (also reproductively dead-end) mammal cells to independent, infectious single-celled propagules (probably in one host generation — I speculate). They have escaped the reproductive dominance of the gametes. A taxonomist who is unaware of the history of the disease-causing cell would have to place it somewhere in the ‘protozoa’: faaar distant from Mammalia. If this isn’t a huge evolutionary jump, I don’t know what is.
Were I to become consumptive, I’d await with glee the burst of energy right before the end. I could do with a burst of energy. (And please don’t tell me that novels have misrepresented the trajectory of tuberculosis — I’d be heartbroken.)
Perhaps the reference was to the consumption of liquid refreshments whilst posting feedback. I recall several posts in which you claimed to be rather fond of consuming certain substances.
I think it might be a slight mistake to ascribe any actual intent to the missive. I am very fond of imbibing certain substances. So long as (i) they are chocolate, or (b) they are very cold, or (3) they are beer, or (Z) all of the above. Mmmmmm… .chocolate chilled beer….
I think it might be a slight mistake to ascribe any actual intent to the missive. I am very fond of imbibing certain substances. So long as (i) they are chocolate, or (b) they are very cold, or (3) they are beer, or (Z) all of the above. Mmmmmm… .chocolate chilled beer….
Mmmmmm… .chocolate chilled beer…. In that case, I suggest the St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout next time you’re in Quebec or the Canadian Maritimes. “At the World Beer Championship in 1994, St-Ambroise Oatmeal Stout received the second highest rating of the over 200 beers in the competition and won one of only nine platinum medals awarded. Brewed from 40 percent dark malts and roasted barley, this intensely black ale carries strong hints of espresso and chocolate. Oatmeal contributes body and a long-lasting mocha-colored head to this well-hopped beer.” It’s a little darker than my personal preferences, but still very nice. 🙂
Mmmmmm… .chocolate chilled beer…. In that case, I suggest the St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout next time you’re in Quebec or the Canadian Maritimes. “At the World Beer Championship in 1994, St-Ambroise Oatmeal Stout received the second highest rating of the over 200 beers in the competition and won one of only nine platinum medals awarded. Brewed from 40 percent dark malts and roasted barley, this intensely black ale carries strong hints of espresso and chocolate. Oatmeal contributes body and a long-lasting mocha-colored head to this well-hopped beer.” It’s a little darker than my personal preferences, but still very nice. 🙂
Hints of chocolate be buggered. If I can’t wipe creamy chocolate foam off my mustache, it’s just beer. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course.
Hints of chocolate be buggered. If I can’t wipe creamy chocolate foam off my mustache, it’s just beer. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course.