Question of the Day

[Rastafari]

Well, I thought of this yesterday, so two questions are in order:
1.)Are goose down comforters/pillows inhumane? For those of you who don't know what they are, they are only the warmest and most comfortable bourgeious luxury. But I sleep on them.
2.)Is it better for a farmer to use a little Sevin or Rotenone to prevent insects from destroying his crops, or is it better for all farmers not to use insectisides and, instead, cut down more forests to have room to grow enough food for everyone?

[Rastafari]

The Answers are:
1.) Depends on how the feathers are harvested. Geese have to be plucked before they are eaten anyway.
2.) Organic Fertilizers don't work as well, but they can maximize production without harmful chemicals or more land. We need to give farmer's and agriculture more money so different routes can be looked into

[Rastafari]

does noone care?
well, here is today's question:
3.) Should Scientists pillage natural resources on a drastic level in order to find cures for disastrous human ailments?

[RyeN]

3.) I dont think that scientists should be able pillage on a drastic level. I also dont think that scientific research should be made private. If there was an open flow of information and research cures would be easier to produce. Cancer and aids research is held back by capitolist intrests. They dont want you to be cured. They want to make the most money off curing you.,

[El Commandante]

Goose feather pillows are really comfortable so if the feathers are coming from geese that have been killed for food anyway then I think it is good that more of the animal is being put to use. The same goes for the use of leather - cows are killed to be killed anyway so at the least the hide is being put to use. But with something like mink or other furs then they are wrong because they would not have been killed for food; they were only slaughtered for fashion and therefore they were killed for no use.

But now I'm jealous - I down have a goose feather pillow; I have a crappy synthetic one which has gone flat because I sleep too much.

[Rastafari]

you mean, growing plants in pure nutrient mix?
At least, thats what I'd interpret the whole hydroponics thing as. I have pretty mixed feelings about this. In areas like the great plains, this works pretty well. In areas like hilly Kentucky, or the south in general, where the groundwater supports a great ecosystem, this is harmful in my opinion because the nutrients wash into the groundwater and has dire effects. same as fertilizer in a great amount.

As for goose down, I love it, but thats just me. I am not pro-meat industry, but it is a necessary evil for today's society. Anyway, geese feathers are a by-product, though I think the industry for goosemeat might be far less important than that of the down market, which makes it impossible to use all of the geese for both. This is pure speculation, however, as I know very little about the subject (raison d'post).
Hydroponics reminded me of today's question:
4.) Genetic Farming. Thats the question.

[RyeN]

re #4)
Doesnt that have harmful side effects on the modified product, in regards to immuniteis. From what I understand is that if you were to modify a grain of wheat with something else to make better wheat, you are in return lossing something. Like the plants ability to fight off infections or other such internal proceses. Also in time it will affect the plants ability to reproduce seed that will grow. I also heard something about allergies humans have. Where if you take something from a nut seed and put it into a wheat seed to make the wheat better, people who are allergic to nuts may now also be allergic to some wheat.

I think it needs further research.

[Mr Mojo Risin]

Ahhh, philosophy... I have added it as a minor by the way.
Anyway, I think that there can be limited use of genetic engineering on plants, and this use MUST be regulated by a governing body (a socialist government, maybe), since the consequences of irresponsible use of gen. engineering can be catastrophic.

[Rastafari]

I agree, especially when you look at genetically modified crop's dangers to native plants.
A philosophy minor is cool and a good idea. Probably one of the only institutions at certain colleges where liberals would reside as faculty.

[Rastafari]

Here is my new question: What causes white hair in a 17 year-old?
Ponder on that one for a while.

Either I'm going crazy, or my hair is slowly turning white.

[(*]

It has do with genes.
Less melanin in your hair follicles.

Generally it is related to old age, but can actually happen at any age.

How is your diet?

[Mr Mojo Risin]

or you are too stressed out, man. We need to get together sometime and just relax. I know several people who have a mix of dark and gray hairs, they call it "salt and pepper," but who knows.
anyway, don't women like older men?

[EneME]

I think I saw my first gray hair today....i lost it but I SAW IT...waaa...

[Rastafari]

Originally posted by Mr Mojo Risin'@Nov 15 2003, 06:04 AM
or you are too stressed out, man. We need to get together sometime and just relax. I know several people who have a mix of dark and gray hairs, they call it "salt and pepper," but who knows.
anyway, don't women like older men?

we do need to get together sometime, definately.
too bad george carlin seats are $45 a pop.

My brother said it was probably just the light, but who knows.
One time I did get pretty stressed and it started to fall out, that sucked

[Mr Mojo Risin]

yeah, and would carlin count as a concert? i would hope that his show wouldn't be banned. anyway, ask for some just for men gel for christmas, man, and you're good to go.