Cloning Wars

Simply put, cloning just makes sense.

The state we are currently in is one where transplanted organs must come from freshly dead cadavers or artificial sources, or in some cases, animal organs like pig hearts. The one consistent factor between all of these options is that they are not reliable.

Those who oppose cloning often make the argument that killing is not okay, and that creating a clone to be harvested for organs is unethical because it involves killing a human being. The alternative to this is to let people with faulty organs die slowly on life support, or use faulty organs that will require heavy medication to allow the body to accept the transplant. Does this sound ethical to you? I don't think it does.

The bottom line is this: When someone's vital organ fails, someone IS going to die. Were a clone to be raised to produce a better organ replacement, it would be that clone. Consider the two options: Kill a person who has already lived a long life and has a lot to offer humanity, or a clone which has nothing to offer besides its organs.

The choice, to me, seems obvious.

Second Life Prostitution

Just something to lol at.

On January 11, 2008, Linden Lab banned virtual prostitution. According to the post on the company’s blog, the change in policy has been brought about by many complaints about many in-world “whores” not delivering the services that they promise. These “whores” often promise an unusually high rate of satisfaction, while charging a higher than standard amount to their customers. “Johns” are left, high and dry after these dirty sluts TP out - leaving upset “would-be depositors” with nothing to show for their investments.

Here is the exact post:

“As of January 15, 2008, it will be prohibited to offer sex or any other escort service for a fee (whether in L$ or other currency) from any avatar, such as a stripper or prostitute, located in Second Life, without proof of an applicable medical clearance and real life Pimp Permission Form. We’re implementing this policy after reviewing Resident complaints, sexual activities, and the law, and we’re doing it to protect our Residents and the integrity of our morals.

There is no workable alternative. The so-called escorts are not operated, overseen or insured by Linden Lab (that we know of), nor can we predict which will fail or when. And Linden Lab isn’t, and can’t start acting as, a virtual pimp or prostitution regulator.”

If I even had any respect left for this game, I have lost the rest of it that I was holding on to.


Links
http://lindenlab.com/
http://secondlife.com/

Old does not mean boring.

Each year game companies like Blizzard and Electronic Arts keep releasing new video games that push the boundaries of graphic technology (see above: Mirror's Edge by Electronic Arts). About two weeks ago I found myself reverting back to older games with less advanced technology. I went all the way back to the original Nintendo Entertainment System and played Super Dodge Ball. This is an 8-bit game that only uses a directional pad and two buttons. The controls for games now-a-days are so much more complex; Having to use multiple keystrokes as well as different combinations of them at the same time. Super Dodge Ball was my favorite game to play when I was young and I feel that because of that, it will never seem boring. Another "old school" game I recently started playing again was created back in 2001. Diablo II was created by Blizzard and became huge shortly after its release. It is not as simple as Super Dodge Ball but im comparison to its successor, World of Warcraft, it looks very simple.
Graphics are not the main aspect to a game. It is the game play that determines the level of fun. All the graphics do is fluff it up and attract people to play it.