(September 19, 2012 at 10:08 pm)Minimalist Wrote: Study up on the concept known as confirmation bias. It will help you.

Oh does this mean this is not the 'right one'?
I was only joking about the lizard thing chaps.

I don't disbelieve in alien life, but I don't think we'll ever come into contact with them. I heard someone in a lecture say that the universe is a big place where rare things happen all the time. I hope this is true of life. Still, no UFOs.

I'd love to think that some race or other has managed to cross the void to our little backwoods planet; occasionally, when the mood strikes me, I might entertain the thought that they have and the X-Files are fact instead of made up. Just for a bit of escapist distraction, you understand, a sort of 'what if?'. Unfortunately, having some little knowledge of astronomy, I know the obstacles involved are just too overwhelming, at least in any feasible sense, in fact they may be insurmountable. Distance is only part of the problem: it takes light itself about four years to get here from our second-nearest star. Most stars, including other neighbouring stars, are vastly more distant.

I see a planet with my souped up telescope that is conducive to life and decide to go there. The problem is this planet is 10,000 light years away and by the time i get there, it may no longer be desirable. After all, I saw what it was 10,000 years ago and not today. So, why would I expend the resources on that slim chance there might be something useful there?

Quote:I'd love to think that some race or other has managed to cross the void to our little backwoods planet

Yes, Stim - but why would any group which has attained the level to cross many light years of space come here to meet a group of shitheads like this?

(September 19, 2012 at 10:57 pm)Minimalist Wrote: -why would any group which has attained the level to cross many light years of space come here to meet a group of shitheads like this?

Anthropology.

This is one of the BEST actual discussions of alien life that I've come across... Featuring Dawkins and Tyson.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qikjljlbTQw

My opinion: Chances that aliens exist, very good. Chances that we've been visited by aliens, not so great...

(September 19, 2012 at 10:57 pm)Minimalist Wrote:

Quote:I'd love to think that some race or other has managed to cross the void to our little backwoods planet

Yes, Stim - but why would any group which has attained the level to cross many light years of space come here to meet a group of shitheads like this?

(channels Marc Singer from "V"): Fooood.

(September 19, 2012 at 11:24 pm)Stimbo Wrote: (channels Marc Singer from "V"): Fooood.

They could have found something a little closer to home... Haven't you ever gone on a misguided, alcohol fueled munchie run?? Closest target, BAM go home.

They don't come here for anthropology, or for the food.

They're in it for the buggery.