HDXM-2008

Merry Christmas 2008

Greetings “Cousins” – I belatedly realize we are indeed all cousins -- about 1970 Dr O’Kief said my “signal processor” concept was a mini-computer -- after lunch he asked if it would be possible to design a computer that could replicate itself – after a pause I said no, we couldn’t automate the supply of parts. He smiled saying “I’m looking at one” – it took a bit for that to sunk in. At lunch we’d discussed the DNA molecule. I’d been taking night classes on world history, astronomy, geology, biology and world religions. O’Kief’s question would not go away. A few weeks later it came to me while watching the motion of particles in the back yard pool – that was it, life began in the sea – the chemistry of life evolved in a sea of parts in motion.

This 2008 tale of our origins shows what humans have learned in our lifetime. The ancients filled in the unknowable with beliefs, Columbus believed the sun orbited the earth. Using new observations Kepler found the earth orbits the sun, Newton followed by others, continued unraveling natures laws. In our lifetime humans determined 15 billion yrs ago the Big Bang created the cosmos, 4.5 billion yrs ago the Earth had formed, that continents drift, that by 3.5 billion yrs ago chemicals doing what comes natural found four ways to replicate – plants used one method and animals another – by 1.7 billion yrs membrane enclosed cells had evolved DNA molecule codes for parts replication. Plants took in carbon dioxide and exhausted oxygen, animals took in oxygen and exhaust carbon dioxide, they are symbiotic. Our DNA linage includes worms, star fish, cordites and amphibians. Our DNA coded branch became mammals with four chambered hearts carrying eggs till live birth. Our version, living in trees, developed forward looking eyes and hands that grasp. Later models mastered walking upright freeing hands to carry babies or weapons – learned to communicate by sound. These relatives could voice communicate, make weapons and kill from afar – they became master predators – who’s primary competitor is another human, and bacteria. Our genetic codes are copies of those used by prehistoric humans, we are medically alike – our instincts are their instincts – we are all “cousins”

Summer of 2008 endeavors – intermittently done at age 85

Humans are self replicating computers with no quality or quantity control, born with blank memories and primitive operating systems. Each parent carries two codes, the sibling is manufactured from two of four possible. Replication is not perfect, most are good, some are bad – requiring human laws for human flaws. Each new blank memory is programmed by the society about them – they can be taught to believe almost anything. They can all vote and replicate before maturity. Humans are now hybrids, half man and half machine. To survive humans protected friends and killed enemies – often requiring snap decisions based on emotion, planning requires reason and forethought – beliefs are emotion, science is validated reason. All living things replicate to their maximum and compete for existence. Human population is charging headlong into natures absolute limits. Each human is an independent agent, behaving as programmed.

Children are masters of “make believe” and “play like” they enthusiastically make and eat mud pies made real by fantasy. They believe in Santa and his reindeer, long after they know Santa cannot come down the chimney and reindeer can’t fly. As adults coping with real problems, they yearn for the happy day’s of youth.

Surviving 19^th Bomb Group friends gathered at Cincinnati for a reunion – Mary was not up to the trip and enjoyed her view of the back yard. I was stunned to find I was a man of means by no means when investment worth plunged – down 35% by Mary’s Dec 4 birthday – remembered by Daughters Julia and Monica.

Monica prepared cake and dinner – “just like Mom did when we were little”. Nostalgia was enjoyed by all. Julia composed and emailed a card and David had a good visit with Mom by phone. Father now plays a new roll, “Driving Ms Daisy” (Mary) who’s “get-along” copes with arthritis.