Did I spell "barrels" right?

<<<>>>

What is going on here endangers the progress of science. I tend to keep my mouth shut because I don't know much about geology. I am, however, an avid amateur astronomer and my study includes mathematics as well as astrophotography and some writing on cosmology. It's pretty involved.

I know I seem like a staunch defender of Petra. I am because the posts - regardless of what they are - go to the development of her person, her mindset and everything about someone who is willing to put themself out there to be picked apart over a theory of which many will summarily dismiss. I like to read them.

If you don't like to read them - just don't.

I tried a murder case two years ago and the DA and I didn't argue half as much as what I see here. It's funny. Based on my VERY well founded experience, scientists are actually more aggressive than lawyers. While it may seem amusing, the attitude is quite stiffling to the expression of ideas. I don't want to talk to someone who thinks they're just too good to stoop to the layman.

If you can't make science relevant for all, it ain't relevant. And, many in the scientific community have long forgotten the magic of life and the wonder it provokes when amicably expressed. If you believe in anything less, you're a self absorbed bureaucrat in a white coat.

Frankly, I could care less about what someone in the scientific community thinks about me. I'm not looking for the next grant or shying away from undue criticism from colleagues.

For those of you who are lucky enough to spend your days debating the finer points of being (i.e., serious scientific inquiry), you have no idea how lucky you are. I turn to the skies each day after the literal horror that I deal with on a daily basis. I am nothing less than amused when I see the wonders of the world cast aside over trivial bickering.

It's your loss. But, at the same time, think about the people you alienate. My 11 year old daughter had such an experience while studying geology in sixth grade. Otherwise a good student, she was dismayed over her C- on a geology exam. After looking at the totally irrelvant, stuffy garbage that was to be regurgitated on the exam, I explained to her, "This test is nonsense, but you still have to do it. On the other hand, this is why people drop out of school."

It was a true statement.

She got what I was saying. And, that's what became of the geology lesson.

Expand the paradiegm a bit folks.