I have followed a lot of Y2K forums over the last few years. I can't be critical of any of them. I got a lot of good information from Y2k Debunkers and csY2k. While at times, some of the people posting were offensive, they were, in general, very helpful. Now the turnover is gone and things have changed. IMHO, csY2k has become an evaluation of Paul Milne [hence, I call it Milneville]. Debunking Y2k has been invaded by Ron, Netghost and LL. I am not sure where it is going.

In contrast, TB2000 has never really been on topic. It continues that way. There must be a reason for this. It is not my field. If you want to argue genetic engineering, I'm ready. But not Forum Structure. I think that is closer to Hokie's field, and maybe others. What is your opinion?

Best wis

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), January 29, 2000

Answers

O-o-h!! Genetic Engineering!

What are your thoughts on the Human Genome Project and your opinion of Francis Collins?

When I was studying Gerontology at my Community College a couple of years ago, I chose that to report on, but then changed my report to Community Services; I've been curious ever since when I read anything about it.

Francis Collins graduated from the University of Michigan (or taught there) so I wonder what his input was. (We're in Michigan). U.S. News and World Report has a nice article on it in January 3-10's issue.

-- Connie (hive@gte.net), January 29, 2000.

Connie:

Personally, I work with plants and microorganisms, but I have oversight responsibility for projects dealing with research in animals [including human animals]. If you have been here for a while, you will remember that I am not a Meyer. No site busting long essays. I'm not even a 50 line Flint. I have meet Collins and he seems to be a competent administrator. The Genome project, in itself, is benign. Care must be taken in how the information is used. If you have more specific questions, lets hear them. Someone here will know about them.

Best wishes

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), January 29, 2000.

Hi Z1X4Y7,
I've done some work in a level 3 lab(virus), using Roche PCR for Qualitative and Quantitative analysis of viral load. Great learning experience, I wash my hands a lot more frequently now.(grin)

I am trying to learn(self-study) micro-propagation techniques for use on my farm. Mainly interested in herbs at the moment, trying to gather some specimens that I can 'start with' to combine heirloom qualities with commercial potential. I am thinking of lavender as a possibility, adaptation to central Texas conditions is a primary goal. Most county extension agents just peddle the "Big Ag" solutions, soybeans, corn, and cotton.

Are there any Texts or Web sites you would recommend?
Any Plant varieties that you think would be of interest?

-- Possible Impact (posim@hotmail.com), January 29, 2000.

Some interesting thoughts here. Regarding herbs: Have always been fascinated with those herbs that are culinary and medicinal (or dual purpose). We have many varieties of sage and they have done well over the years. Also have some unusual garlic-onion plants (3rd year), that seem to have the properties of both garlic and onion. Lavender has so many uses, think we sould also try some. Would be glad to exchange starts, once the ground thaws. We are in the midwest and our herbs would be considered hardy to zone 4. One of the strangest plants that we have, came from a friend. Its a little tiny tomato (standard bush follage) and it produces hundreds of tomatoes a season. We have never replanted this tomato, as it continually comes up each year (5 years now) from seeds fallen to the ground from the year before. The tomatoes are smaller than a cherry tomato and the flavor is highly concentrated.

-- suzy (HAYSandCO@aol.com), January 29, 2000.