Scientists to discuss alien life

Hi all

This article is a science report from Guardian, on a gathering in London regarding extra-terrestrial life. (For those who haven't seen the article yet, here is the link to the original web page on Guardian website: +). This scientific conference is held by the UK's national academy of science, and the possible effects of Extra-Terrestrial (do you remember ET and Spielberg?) life on humanity is the main focus of the discussion.

Among interesting things that the article has reported is Dr. Drake speaking, which claims that satellite TV and the digital revolution is making humanity more and more invisible to aliens from other planets. Which means the chance of us being seen by the far more advanced civilizations of the alien ETs is being decreased!

Two statements are proposed at the end, for further discussion:

1. Sending rockets, people and satellites into space is a waste of money - we do not need a space program.

I personally do not agree. At least, it is a part of science, as a human intellectual endeavor to discover, explore, understand and explain the world and universe in which he lives and exists. This knowledge and discovery may also have many benefits and utilities as a result.

2. Trying to discover new, and possibly hospitable, planets is vital for our future survival.

It could be a good -and interesting- suggestion to try finding some place other than the earth to live in, after fully exploiting it. But, apart from the possibility that we couldn't find a place so appropriate for human being to dwell as the Earth, if the way of exploiting new planet continues, we should also continue our searches for new homes as well.

Waiting to hear you on the topic!

Sadra

Smokers may face tougher bans

Hi folks

The article is a news report from Reuters (+), describing the new rules and regulations that smokers in Britain may face. The government launched these plans to reduce the percentage of the population who smoke. Removing branding from cigarette packets and banning cigarette vending machine are among them.

Three questions are asked at the end:

Q1. Do you think smoking should be banned?
Article doesn't say that the smoking should be banned, because the smokers have the right to choose their own way of life. I agree with the idea. The point is how to reduce the number of smokers with regulations the are not so much illiberal, like increasing the expenses or encouraging people to stop.

Q2. How can we encourage people to stop smoking?
With taking measures like banning vending machines, improving NHS Stop Smoking Services, tackling tobacco smuggling and maintaining awareness campaigns, as article has said.

Q3. Should smokers pay more for health care?
The question is not answered directly in the text, but in my opinion the answer is "no". Or you should do as the same for all the other activities that increase the chance of being harmed or becoming unhealthy. Think of eating fast food, just for an example!

Feel free to leave comments!
Sadra