Just a pondering

[Jim Becker]

Good point, Rob. I seem to have forgotten that our two birds communicate with us quite clearly with sounds, words (really) and gestures....but then again, man is also an animal! I wonder if "complex language" would be more appropriate, although we really don't know what the depth and complexity of communication in the animal world really is...

But you are right...writing is quite significant in all respects.

[Gary Herrmann]

I'd have to agree with Rob. The permanency of the written word has allowed one generation or group to build on the accomplishments of the previous.





But beer and chocolate are right up there too...

[Mark Stutz]

The Thermos.


Why, you ask? Because it keeps hot things hot, and cold things cold!




















The real mystery is......How does it know?






I realize this was a serious question, and I will need to ponder a while as well...but I just couldn't resist.

Mark

[Robert Mickley]

The Thermos

Mark

Beat me to it! But I agree thsi will take some creekering

[Mark Singer]

"Just one word" "Plastics"


From "The Graduate"

: Mr. McGuire: I just want to say one word to you -just one word.
: : Ben: Yes sir.
: : Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
: : Ben: Yes I am.
: : Mr. McGuire: 'Plastics.'
: : Ben: Exactly how do you mean?
: : Mr. McGuire: There's a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?
: : Ben: Yes I will.
: : Mr. McGuire: Shh! Enough said. That's a deal.

[John Schreiber]

I wonder if "complex language" would be more appropriate

I've given this some thought myself and I think it is abstract communication. Animals can certainly communicate, but humans can talk about something that is not present. We can even talk about things that have never existed. Right here on the Creek, we often give each other ideas about how to solve problems that we haven't directly experienced.

Any time you feel stupid, imagine just how wonderful humans are that we can do things like that. Or imagine how different the world would be if we couldn't.


On a different level, the basic "machines" that they teach us about in high school are just amazing. One of my favorites is so basic it doesn't get any recognition - momentum. Think of how much more force you have when you swing a hammer instead of trying to push a nail into a board with a hammer. The guy (or gal) who figured that out probably moved humanity further forward than any other. Inclined planes, wedges, levers, wheels, pulleys, hydraulics - they are all great, but momentum was probably the first.

Deep thoughts.

[Joe Tonich]

Awww maaannnnn.............ya gotta ponder in the 'loo????????

I thought it was used for readin the comics n' sports section...


Guess I's have to say the coffee cup.....THATS the most important thing I use all day. Matter of fact....I'm usin it right now.

[Jeffrey Makiel]

The most important thing that man has created was himself through years of evolution which has separated himself from the beast.

However, when watching the nightly news, one may easily argue my point of view.

-Jeff

[Russ Filtz]

The idea of making tools to make other tools, such as the wheel!

Plus, you can't say "POND"ering around here anymore! I think the correct term must now be creekering.