Posts by Thomas Allen

Humans are not Mendelian pea plants

"There is not one clear genetic signifier for most serious diseases, as the industry appeared to promise."

This should also undermine those people who argue that one or two genes underlie criminal behavior, or genius, or artistry, or whatever fad of the day is being said to be genetic. Funny, but it turns out to be more complicated than the simplistic "criminal gene" or "genius gene" - surprise! Nature and biology are complex! Humans are not Mendelian pea plants - most traits are combinations of lots of genes (and nurture too!)

National Security

In the US you can legally cook the books if it involves National Security. The numbers connected to black programs need not be made public, even for public companies.

Not big enough?

They're not going to implant rabbit tissue in disfunctional human male variable-volume gene delivery systems. What human male wants a rabbit-sized erection? I know, I know, rabbit tissue is only for rabbits. We're not talking about cross-species sex organ implantation, as silicone-filled acetate sacks are bad enough. "Breeding like rabbits" would take on a whole new meaning.

You say 'vapour' I say 'vapor'

It is highly unlikely that US marine general James Cartwright - vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs, said anything about a "vapour cloud". To quote a US General properly, you must know he would say "vapor cloud".

Further, when British missiles hit a British satellite, you may call the resultant dispersed gases a "vapuor cloud" but so long as American missiles hit American satellites, I must tell you, scientifically, that only vapor clouds are released. American satellites emit only vapor clouds, and never vapour clouds.

The frayed jeans-jacket, please.