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POPSMajor biological discovery…inside the Chernobyl reactor "That is to say, the melanin molecule gets struck by a gamma ray and its chemistry is altered. This is an amazing discovery, no one had even suspected that something like this was possible. Aside from its novelty value, this discovery leads to some interesting speculation and potential research. Humans have melanin molecules in their skin cells, does this mean that humans are getting some of their energy from radiation? This also implies there could be organisms living in space where ionizing radiation is plentiful."
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POPSWhy kindness has become our forbidden pleasure? "What is to be done? Nothing, many would say. Human beings are innately selfish and that is that. Newspapers bombard us with scientific evidence to back up this pessimism. We read about greedy chimpanzees, selfish genes, ruthless mate-selection strategies, even about meerkats - those famously cooperative creatures - who instead of looking out for their fellows spend most of their time "watching their own backs". Richard Dawkins of "selfish gene" fame lays it on the line: "Human society based simply on the gene's law of universal ruthless selfishness would be a very nasty society in which to live. But unfortunately, however much we deplore something, this does not stop it being true ..." Yet Dawkins does not despair: "If you wish, as I do, to build a society in which individuals cooperate generously and unselfishly towards a common good, you can expect little help from biological nature. Let us try to teach generosity "
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POPSDress-Like-a-Whore Day? I remember egoldstein saying something about this before. I still wouldn't trade a great Wonder Woman costume for anything. I like men who know their comic books. :)
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POPSWhy you aren’t nearly as unique as you think? "Since 1994, photographer Ari Versluis and profiler Ellie Uyttenbroek have been trekking the globe together, recording Exactitudes — “exact attitudes” captu(red) in people’s peculiar dress code as an attempt to differentiate themselves from others or identify with a group."
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POPSThe Immaculate Designer Prosthesis Human morphology is not only matter of biology it is also a matter of fashion. Atztecs had a practice of reshaping their skulls. Chinese were reshaping females' feet. This is only the next step
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POPSBody Painting Chinese Style Body art consists of body painting, tattoo, body piercing, scarification, etc. i think that the Chinese Qi Pao dress is already marked in the collective memory, at least since the release of "in the mood for love" .. -))
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POPSPIMPIN OUR DAUGHTERS In the words of Hillary Clinton ' It takes a village' why does it take scientific studies and polls to make us aware of what is going on in our own families and culture? I mean does it really require society to tell us what is wrong with our families? DADS must someone else tell you what is appropriate behavior for your sons and daughters? As long as there is pop culture and idols are made of television stars our young people will be tempted to look like what they see on TV and in the movies. Perhaps a return to decency and a little old fashion modesty is in order?
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POPSIsrael Using Cluster Bombs on Gaza Cluster bombs do not "target" militants tightly, urban areas especially. "Collateral damage" is absolutely guaranteed. More evidence that Israel is not making war on just Hamas, but Palestinians in their "collective punishment" tactics. The first pic was posted on Drudge. The last link in this clipmark has posted the CNN video showing general news of the Israeli attacks on Gaza which inadvertantly captured these bombs in action. 93 nations have banned them, except for US, Russia, and Israel.
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POPSWeird Shoes The half-barefoot one is just plain ugly. They all are actually. :)
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POPSPopulation and Sustainability "The sustainability benefits of level or falling human numbers are too powerful to ignore for long" The question remains however, in what fashion can we individually change the sustainability balance. important article.
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POPSThe American Flag I agree, the flag's been hijacked and turned into a logo. This clip is to illustrate the silliness of the "flag-wavers", who yell anti-American or traitor, at anyone who has the conscience to oppose the unjust war in Iraq (or elsewhere) This is for those, who think that draping oneself in stars and stripes thoughtlessly and manically, is nothing more than a misguided political fashion statement of people desperately trying to 'prove' their equally misguided patriotism. Silly really, isn't it? .;)
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POPSWe didn't play Woodstock because... It's a long list of people who regret their decision not to play (probably Dylan aside). I've always felt deeply sad about Joni not being able to play, but never knew how many bands actually turned down the gig thinking it would just be a little hippie fest on a pig farm. My mom was there and somehow I feel like I was too.