RM> One might go further, and argue that Mankind as a whole
RM> represents an extended organism which must evolve.
SK>One might, but I got tired enough of arguing with Michael as it is. ;-)
He's finally pushed me over the edge as well..
RM> I'm reading an interesting book which is based upon this
RM> idea: The Millennial Project; the author is Marshall T.
RM> Savage.  He cites the example of a closed bottle containing
RM> yeast cells.  As the cells double each day, the bottle
RM> becomes filled by the 30th day and all the cells die.  The
RM> last chance to impact on this situation is on the 29th day.
SK>This reminds me of the program I wrote recently to model the game of
SK>"Life" as played out on a computer. If you get to the point where the
SK>entire grid is full of cells (or close, in certain formations) the
SK>entire colony of cells die.
SK>(* attempt to get this message on-topic*):
SK>I am considering assigning this as a programming problem to my class
SK>this year. Are you familiar with the game? I had seen it before, but
SK>never programmed it until last week.
I'm familiar with the game, I haven't attempted to program
it myself; is it a difficult process?  I'd be inclined to
think that it might involve filling a 2 dimensional matrix
with a repeating pattern, doubling the number of interations
on each pass?  Then you map the patterns on the screen 
matrix in random fashion?  Are you planning on including 
attrition (or consumption) to complicate the doubling 
process?
RM> The thrust is similar: mankind as an extended organism which must
RM> evolve and press forward as a moral imperative...
SK>Interesting. Nice topic for another echo. ;-)
You're no fun since you became moderator!     ;-)
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