anotherlook

Fertility is a growing problem in many countries in the world. It is estimated that 1 in 7 couples have problems with fertility, thus reproduction. In London, a medical first has been discovered, British scientist claim to have found a solution to the male fertility problem; a solution that some are calling morale madness.

The process is a by product of embryonic stem cell research which would allow human sperm to be created from embryos. This new technique involves taking stem cells from embryos in the first stages of life, prompting them to develop into many different cell types, marking and isolating those that have characteristics of early sperm and with certain chemicals added, they seem to show some growth and push out a tail so they can move like normal sperm.

Embryonic stem cells have a nearly unlimited ability to create any type of cells found in the body and have already been used successfully to create human egg cells as well as heart, brain, pancreatic cells and other cells that function like ordinary cells. While this new “sperm” is illegal to use in fertility treatment, the knowledge gained on how sperm is developed could help researchers develop treatments to enable infertile men an earnest chance to produce a biological child.

Stem cell research has been condemned by the Catholic leaders because of the way stem cells are harvested from embryos that show potential for life – this is nothing less that murder in the eyes of the church; on the same level as abortion.

Never the less, New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced the availability of $21.5 million is State funding for stem cell research. This investment highlights New York’s commitment to stem cell research with the hope of being recognized as a national leader in biomedical research with the potential to create jobs and develop a new economy based on knowledge, innovation and technology which would hopefully draw business and jobs to the state.

Although the main goal of stem cell research has been cited as the search for treatments of devastating diseases, already with the creation of “sperm” it has taken on a new path with more paths to come I’m sure. Yet, through this research, no cures have been found for devastating diseases such as cancer or simpler illnesses such as the common cold or any other disease that is costing serious money to treat and burdening our health care system.

Some researchers are unconvinced that the information provided in this newest discovery of manufactured sperm can actually be called spermatozoa; citing the observation that this sperm did not have the specific shape, movement and function of real sperm while still acknowledging that this is a marvelous first step in the direction of obtaining human sperm from embryonic cells.

What is the real motivation in stem cell research? In the final analysis is it mankind’s desire, born from arrogance and ego, to become as God in the creation of man. Where will this end, this soup bowl creativity of the creation of man. Will the ultimate man be finally created or will we instead create an indestructible monster in our midst. I’m glad I will not be around to see the final outcome because just the thought takes my imagination to levels that are somewhat frightening.

And that’s the way I see it!!!

Humphrey’s Corner dungarees set 12-18months

Will the violence ever stop in Iraq? Since the U.S. withdrawal it just seems like the violence is on the increase. The intensity of the violence is beginnig to make me sick to my stomach. According to the AP, Suicide bombers Thursday morning took the lives of at least 34 people while injuring as many as 70, in the city of Mosul. This act of violence was perpetrated on the home of an anti-terrorism officer. While roadside bombs in Baghdad killed an additional seven people.

These murders are on the heels of car bombs that killed 16 civilians and injured more than two dozen in Shiite villages in recent days. While it is past time for United States involvement in this war to cease, are Iraqi’s truly at a point where they can effectively defend themselves and if not what have we or they gained by this 6-year long engagement?

It is obvious that these insurgents do not care about their own life let alone the lives of the people they kill. The suicide bomber simply strapped on the bomb, disguised as an officer, walked to the door of the anti-terrorism officer and when the officer opened the door, the insane person detonated the bomb, killing the officer, his wife and his son.

What is even sicker is the fact that as people begin to converge on the scene, another bomber, who did not let the explosion of the first suicide bomber dissuade him from his mission, detonated a second bomb hidden in some trash near where the first bomber had dedicated and ended his life. This second bomb is what took the lives and/or injured those who gathered at the scene.

How do you defeat this kind of insanity? When will the madness stop? Bombs are going off continuously in Iraq and as our troops come home and we draw closer to the time when total withdrawal will be achieved what will be the fate of the Iraqi people?

Meanwhile in Afghanistan as violence intensifies, on Thursday, an explosion took the lives of at least 25 people including 15 students. The more aggressive the U.S. gets in their fight against these insurgents, the more violent they become. In that violence, will the people of Afghanistan recognize the error of their ways in allowing the Taliban/al-Qaeda to reside and flourish in their area. Will this become a turning point in the attitudes of the people of Afghanistan as well as Pakistan or is this a war that will rage on indefinitely.

Three hundred and fifty soldiers returned home to Ft. Lewis from Iraq on July 4 after being over there for 15 months; 350 soldiers coming home to a world that was once familiar but may now seem foreign; 350 soldiers who have bravely served their country – when it comes time to get discharged from the military, will there be jobs available to these women and men or will they look around and see the state of the economy only to decide to remain in the service and again be placed in harms way in a foreign country.

For me, I am beginning to have strong reservations and even anger about our involvement in these countries. While General Petraeus seems to feel Bin Laden’s influence has diminished, I say it is still abundantly obviously that the hate that Bin Laden inspired lives on in the hearts and minds of the insurgents both in Iraq and Afghanistan; that being said, Bin Laden could die or be captured tomorrow but the hate and desire for chaos would prevail even in his absence as it has continued since he has been in hiding.

And that’s the way I see it!!!

Hollywood Slate Board - (That’s A Wrap - When Will Those Words Be Spoken In Relationship To These Wars)