Monthly Archives: June 2017

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Posted: Jun 15, 2017 12:10 AM

Zero times anything is zero. The odds of life just happening by chance are zero.

This universe just springing into being by chance is impossible. It takes a leap of blind faith to believe in evolution, unguided or guided. Of course, there are tiny changes within kinds. It seems to me usually when the evolutionists make their case, they point to these tiny changes.

The analogies to the improbability of evolution by a random process are endless.

A hurricane blows through a junkyard and assembles a fully functioning 747 jet.

Scrabble pieces are randomly spilled out on the board, and they spell out the Declaration of Independence word for word. (Source: Dr. Stephen Meyer, author ofDarwins Doubt).

A monkey sits at a typewriter and types thousands of pages. He types out word for word, with no mistakes, the entire works of Shakespeare.

The odds against our universe, of the earth, of the creation, to have just come into being with no intelligent design behind the grand scheme are greater than all of these impossible scenarios.

Forget the works of Shakespeare. What are the odds of a monkey randomly typing away simply spelling the 9-letter word evolution by chance? That doesnt sound too hard, does it?

Dr. Scott M. Huse, B.S., M.S., M.R.E., Th.D., Ph.D., who holds graduate degrees in computer science, geology, and theology, wrote a book about creation/evolution back in the early 1980s,The Collapse of Evolution. Huse has done extensive study on these questions of random probability. I had the privilege of interviewing him about it for Dr. D. James Kennedys television special, The Case for Creation (1988). It was a type of Scopes Trial in reverse---filmed on location in Tennessee, in the very courtroom where the 1925 monkey trial took place.

Later, Huse created a computer program to see what are the odds of a monkey typing the word evolution? He notes that the odds are 1 in 5.4 trillion, which statistically is the same thing as zero. Any casino that offered such horrible odds would lose customers quickly, because no one would ever win. Forgive my bluntness, but the suckers have to win something before they start losing big.

Heres what Scott told me in an email: The typical personal computer keyboard has 104 keys, most of which are not letters from the alphabet. However, if we ignore that fact and say the monkey can only hit keys that are letters of the alphabet, he has a one in twenty-six chance of hitting the correct letter each time.

Of course, he has to hit them in the correct sequence as well: E then V then O, etc. Twenty-six to the power of nine (the number of letters in the word evolution) equals 5,429,503,678,976.

So, the odds of him accidentally typing just the 9-letter word evolution are about 1 in about 5.4 trillion From a purely mathematical standpoint, the bewildering complexity of even the most basic organic molecules [which are much more complicated than a nine-letter word] completely rules out the possibility of life originating by mere chance.

Take just one aspect of life---amino acids and protein cells. Dr. Stephen Meyer earned his Ph.D. in the philosophy of science at Cambridge University. In hisNew York Timesbestselling book,Darwins Doubt(2013), Meyer points out that the probability of attaining a correct sequence [of amino acids to build a protein molecule] by random search would roughly equal the probability of a blind spaceman finding a single marked atom by chance among all the atoms in the Milky Way galaxy---on its face clearly not a likely outcome. (p. 183)

And this is just one aspect of life, the most basic building-block. In Meyers book, he cites the work of engineer-turned-molecular-biologist, Dr. Douglas Axe, who has since written the book,Undeniable: How Biology Confirms Our Intuition That Life Is Designed(2016).

In the interview I did with Scott Huse long ago, he noted, The probability of life originating through mere random processes, as evolutionists contend, really honestly, is about zero. If you consider probability statistics, it exposes the naivet and the foolishness, really, of the evolutionary viewpoint.

Dr. Charles Thaxton was another guest on that classic television special from 1988. He is a scientist who notes that life is so complex, the chances of it arising by mere chance is virtually impossible. Thaxton, now with the Discovery Institute, has a Ph.D. in physical chemistry, and a post-doctorate degree in molecular biology and a Harvard post-doctorate in the history and philosophy of science.

Thaxton notes, Id say in my years of study, the amazing thing is the utter complexity of living things.Most scientists would readily grant that however life happened, it did not happen by chance.

The whole creation points to the Creator. Huse sums up the whole point: Simply put, a watch has a watchmaker and we have a Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Congressman Injured inShootingSaw 'Courage in the Face of Death'

Originally posted here:

The Odds of Evolution Are Zero - Townhall

For one thing, the gameplay feels smoother than ever before, something you'll notice the moment you start a match, pass the ball around and try to score some goals. The players are much easier to control, and their general body movement isn't as stiff as in past editions of the game. Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 is still powered by Konami's Fox Engine, which has been featured in franchises like Metal Gear Solid. This time around, though, the company says it wanted to focus on more than simply improving the gameplay. As such, the menus are now much easier to browse and look at, while the new "enhanced visual reality" makes the players closer resemble their real-life appearance.

In what's a marketing plot more than anything, Konami is bringing none other than Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt into PES 2018. What that means is you'll be able to have him on your My Club team, playing alongside Messi, Neymar and the rest of the football stars in the game. Bolt, a Manchester United supporter, has always said he wants to be a pro soccer player, so at least now he'll have that chance in a virtual world. "We wanted to do things differently, a little bit crazy," says Adam Bhatti, the game's product and brand manager. That's the reason Argentina legend Diego Maradona will also be a part of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018.

I don't know if I'll be playing it over my football game of choice, FIFA, as I have done in the past. But, based on the few matches I played here at E3 2017, it's great to see Konami's franchise continuing to get better every year, even if it may not even on the same level as FIFA yet. You can make that call for yourself when Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 arrives September 14th in the US, and a couple days later in Europe. The game will be available for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC.

Follow all the latest news from E3 2017 here!

Read the original:

'Pro Evolution Soccer 2018' continues to be a pleasure to play - Engadget

After a soft launch previously,Angry Birds Evolution, a new turn-based RPG combat game from Rovio, is officially launching in the U.S. and globally today.

The game is the latest in the popular Angry Birds franchise and, in addition to introducing a new type of gameplay for the birds, is the first title for the game made specifically for adults. As Rovio notes, that means naughty humor, pop culture references galore and classic turn-based RPG combat.

Angry Birds Evolution is a more adult take on gamings first flock with naughty humor, pop culture references galore and classic turn-based RPG combat. The famous birds and dastardly pigs, redesigned and reimagined with a stylized flair this go around, are at it once again in their age-old conflict. In the game, you can evolve and train over 100 brand-new birds we are introducing at the launch.

The game is free to download and play, but an in-app subscription is available for 24.99 USD that gets you in-game items including one Premium Egg Ticket every day and 10% more gold and gems when purchasing in the shop.

Angry Birds Evolutionis available now for iPhone and iPad as a free download.

A new gameplay trailer and screenshots below:

And the first of what will likely be more character introduction videos for the new game:

Link:

Angry Birds Evolution turn-based RPG combat game for adults now available [Video] - 9to5Mac

The shape of the new cabinet unveiled by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and his first Dil speech have signalled that he intends to govern from the centre rather than embarking in any radical new direction. After all the speculation, the cabinet reshuffle turned out to be a tame affair with just one senior minister being dropped. Following the departure of Enda Kenny and Michael Noonan it meant there was an opening for three new appointments.

Key cabinet positions have gone to experienced ministers. Paschal Donohoe takes over responsibility for Finance as well as Public Expenditure and Reform. This is a sensible move to bring revenue-raising and expenditure under the control of one powerful minister.

Simon Coveneys move from Housing to Foreign Affairs is a significant change. His experience as Minister for Agriculture and as an MEP will be helpful in dealing with Brexit and his department has been given special responsibility to deal with the issue. He will also have to get the Northern Ireland power-sharing Executive back in operation. He has huge challenges on his plate.

Charlie Flanagan faces a major task in Justice with reform of the Garda a serious imperative. He has proved a safe pair of hands in Foreign Affairs and, as a former justice spokesman, should be able to deal with the challenge of running a difficult department.

Although it smacks of punishment, Varadkar has wisely left Simon Harris in the demanding position of Minister for Health while Eoghan Murphy has been given a testing responsibility at Housing which must be at the top of the Governments priorities.

The promotion of so few new faces to Cabinet will disappoint those who had expected sweeping changes. But Varadkars own election as taoiseach, after just 10 years experience in the Dil, and the presence of other young ministers like Donohoe, Harris and Murphy in senior positions means there is a good mixture of youth and experience.

In his first speech to the House, Varadkar stressed the importance of stability, saying his Government would not be one of either left or right which he dismissed as outdated concepts from the 1980s but one of the new European centre. Emphasising words like opportunity, hope and progress, he spoke of the power of politics to inspire people and was clearly trying to put to rest the claims from political opponents that he is a politician with a right-wing agenda.

Commendably he began and ended his speech in Irish, saying things of substance in the first official language and expressing the hope his efforts would inspire more people to speak it. The overall impression he attempted to create was that of a reenergised Government while reassuring people the State remains in safe hands. Time will tell.

Link:

Varadkar's Cabinet: evolution over revolution - Irish Times

Southern California based Iconic Guitars has released the Evolution S Series line of guitars.

Iconic Guitars launched The Evolution line as a follow up to their popular Vintage Series line of guitars. These new models take their visual cue from the classic S shape and expand the tonal capabilities and playability to otherworldly new heights. The distinctive looks, impeccably selected tone woods, remarkable finishes, and contemporary appointments all combine for an amazing guitar with rich, pure, articulate tone.

The Evolution Series S and S Limited offer a unique array of custom options including pickup configuration, neck profile and wood configuration, fret size and body tone woods. The Evolution S models are available in an extensive palette of pearl and candy colors.

The Evolution S Limited models feature Master Grade, book-matched maple or other exotic tone wood tops, each uniquely dyed and masterfully finished with matching pearl or candy back, sides and head stock.

The Evolution S is a spectacular guitar designed to perform well beyond the expectations of the discerning player and exceed the needs of professional, touring and recreational musicians alike.

Standard features on the Evolution S and Evolution S Limited models include: Select Alder body 5A Flame or Quilt Maple or other exotic tone wood tops (Limited models) Quartersawn Maple neck with Maple, Indian Rosewood or Ebony fretboards 10 14 Compound Radius Fretboard 1.687 nut width with hand cut Tusq Nut .047 X .104 Jescar Nickel Silver frets (Stainless optional) Lollar or Bare Knuckle pickups standard (HH, HSS, HSH) Hipshot Contour bridge Hipshot Open Back Locking Tuners Emerson Electronics with Schaller 5-way Megaswitch

Retail pricing for the Evolution S model starts at $2099 and $3099 for the T Limited and includes a G&G Deluxe Embroidered hard shell case or Reunion Blues Gig Bag.

Available at select dealers nationwide or for more information on the Evolution S Series guitars and more see iconicguitars.com

More:

Iconic Guitars Releases New Evolution S Series - Guitar World Magazine

Its why it has pained me to watch SZA who is signed to Top Dawg Entertainment sit through mainstream media interviews where men half-listened to her, made sure to tell her to keep showing more skin, and, prior to her weight loss, referred to her as fat. Often times women, especially black women, have to contort into marginal spaces and molds just to be respected, even after we strip down and bare our souls. Following SZAs journey these last few years, I wanted her to know that I and other women really saw her. In recent days, as I played Ctrl, I imagined us sitting across from one another sharing an exchange that eased both of our spirits, a kiki among friends.

In unveiling her tumultuous romances, heartbreaks, and rocky path to self-acceptance on songs like Wavy and Go Gina SZA, in turn, celebrates her womanhood by focusing on the deep contours of her own self-evolution. She moved me to ask myself, How do you push forward without reflecting on where youve come from and what youve been through? She has showed me that talking about old feelings doesnt equate to harping on the past. Its okay not to have it all together when everyone thinks that you do or you should. Her need for clarity is evident but so is her grasp on it. And while SZA soars sonically, her willingness to admit and mend through beautifully honest lyrics delicately zaps the hearts of so many women, including me, who have for days on end struggled to get over something or someone. On 20 Something, the final track, she sings, How could it be?/ 20 something, all alone still. My heart contracts as she goes on, affirming, Aint got nothing, running from love/ Only know fear/ Thats me, Ms. 20 something.

Her words transport me back to the moments I battled bouts of suffocating anxiety, which were brought on by feelings of loneliness. It took me more than a few years, but I finally confronted and shed the insecurities that would manifest from the overwhelming sadness I frequently felt. Steering through these sentiments took time, and like SZA, Im not ashamed about my journey. If wed gotten the chance to have a heart-to-heart, I wouldve asked her now, after all of this outpour and cleansing, what self-love looks like for her? What have you done to fortify your spirit in addition to the writing 14 songs that dont ask for pity, but instead deserve applause for your courage to sing them? I would have said. The two of us may not ever get to be vulnerable together in a safe space about our insecurities and the redemptive moments of our womanhood, but I feel comforted by her offering. I hope she feels whole.

Through all of this, I thought about what waiting four years to relinquish control probably meant for the outcome of SZAs transformation, and was grateful that Id been patient with my growth too. Even if people were waiting on me.

Visit link:

What SZA's Evolution Taught Me About Healing - The FADER

PZ Myers is an atheist activist and evolutionary biologist whose blog is more about promoting his left-wing politics than it is about evolution. But this caught my eye. In denouncing me for a brief post here recommending a podcast interview with Introduction to Evolutionary Informatics co-author Winston Ewert, Professor Myers tellingly backs off from the idea of computer simulations of evolution, at least where the Cambrian explosion is concerned.

He doesnt like our use of the term falsify, or that I call the geologically sudden Cambrian event an event. But these are minor points. This I find very interesting. Dr. Myers writes:

I also take exception to creationists [sic] constant focus on computer models. Computer models are useful tools for assessing some ideas, but theyre no substitute for real dataespecially when the events youre pursuing are not simple, and have a million different equally valid ways of producing a result. Again with the binary thinking: Cambrian evolution will not be described with a yes or a no.

Im also going to call shenanigans on his assumptions. The Cambrian was not an event. It was a long, multi-million year series of events, and it was driven by multiple phenomena. There was the pre-Cambrian bioturbation revolution, in which the evolution of worms with hydraulic skeletons drove massive turnover of nutrients in sediments; there was the gradual increase in atmospheric oxygen, which made more energetic organisms possible; there was a long history of evolution of animal lineagesbeforethe Cambrian that set the stage with breadth and depth of diversity. How do you simulate all that on a computer? And why bother, because you know creationists like Klinghoffer will simply reject any result that shows an increase in complexity without aninfusion of biological information(whatever that means) ascheating?

Most importantly, no one with any sense or competence would carry out such a simulation to falsify creationism, an endeavor with no reward, since theyll just move the goalposts as they always have.

Now, Dr. Ewerts point was that computer evolution simulations, as a rule, fail. I wouldexpectthis. If they succeeded, that would be aproblem for alternatives to unguided evolution.

Ewert was simply reiterating the conclusion that he and co-authors Robert Marks and William Dembski reach, after meticulous investigation, in their book. As Marks puts it, There exists no model successfully describing undirected Darwinian evolution. Period. By model, we mean definitive simulations or foundational mathematics required of a hard science. In turn, Marks, Dembski, and Ewert were responding to the challenge of a distinguished mathematician, Gregory Chaitin, in his book, Proving Darwin: Making Biology Mathematical.

Dr. Chaitin wrote:

The honor of mathematics requires us to come up with a mathematical theory of evolution and either prove that Darwin was wrong or right!

Giving some mathematical rigor to evolutionary theory is not the focus of creationists, as Myers thinks. Gregory Chaitin is not a creationist, or a proponent of the theory of intelligent design. But he is a candid and gracious interlocutor. In a comment about the Marks-Dembski-Ewert book, he said that it was An honest attempt to discuss what few people seem to realize is an important problem. Well, well.

Others feel similarly. Here are a couple of further comments gathered by the publisher. Bijan Nemati of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory:

With penetrating brilliance, and with a masterful exercise of pedagogy and wit, the authors take on Chaitins challenge, that Darwins theory should be subjectable to a mathematical assessment and either pass or fail. Surveying over seven decades of development in algorithmics and information theory, they make a compelling case that it fails.

Professor Donald Wunsch, who directs the Applied Computational Intelligence Lab atMissouri University of Science & Technology:

Introduction to Evolutionary Informatics is a lucid, entertaining, even witty discussion of important themes in evolutionary computation, relating them to information theory. Its far more than that, however. It is an assessment of how things might have come to be the way they are, applying an appropriate scientific skepticism to the hypothesis that random processes can explain many observed phenomena.

That whether random processes can explain many observed phenomena in life is exactly the question to consider. Another atheist evolutionary biologist, Richard Dawkins, used to think that simulations held out great promise for settling the issue. (See, for example, Jonathan Witts post, Richard Dawkinss Weasel Program Is Bad in Ways You Never Dreamed.) This is not an issue that creationists invented.

And now, just as a major work of ID research arrives, at the cutting edge of thinkingon the subject, PZ Myers whines about how simulations are hopeless anyway: How do you simulate all that on a computer? And why bother, because you know creationists like Klinghoffer will simply reject any result that shows an increase in complexity

Its just what Robert Marks wrote here the other day. He responded to ten common objections to the evidence in Introduction to Evolutionary Informatics. This one is Myers in a nutshell:

2. But Darwinian evolution is so complicated, it cant be modeled!

If this objection is true, we have reached the same conclusion by different paths: There exists no model successfully describing undirected Darwinian evolution.

Which means that on anyones honest analysis, Darwinism fails to deliver on an expectation of what Marks calls hard science.

Myers is saying that simulations cant work, and even if they could, no one with any sense or competence would bother going through with the exercise for fear of being shown the doorbywho? Me? What?? Sorry, that is just a pathetic excuse, among the lamest from evolutionary advocates that Ive heard in a while, which is saying something.

Incidentally, for more on the Cambrian explosion from the perspective of biological information and the challenge ofmaking evolution mathematically rigorous, see our brief video,The Information Enigma, highlighting the work of Doug Axe and Stephen Meyer.Click on the image a scene from the video at the top of this post.

Read more from the original source:

Evolutionary Biologist Backs Off from Computer Simulations - Discovery Institute