Piano World Home Page Forums Restricted and Archives The Coffee Room Oh Jesus, why couldn't you have made me straight like the good people?

Jolly: The pain I was referring to was the pain caused to gay children of parents unwilling to change their outmoded belief system, and love their children as they are. Several actual live posters have given real life examples of what I am referring to. I never thought you were the one in pain. I thought you would be the one causing the useless pain. (And no, comparisons to sons who are murderers and crack users don't count.)

As for the great philosophers. Before the rise of modern science, I grant that the idea that there might be some creater god was philosophically possible. Leibniz, Descartes, and other very very smart people had some Deistic conception (quite different from traditional revealed religion, which almost no philosopher has accepted). After the rise of modern science, and its incompatibility with traditional religion, this does not happen.

Most modern philosophical discussions of ethics and the nature of the universe occur without reference to a god of revealed religion. You may not like it, but no scientist needs to invoke god to explain any ongoing research program into DNA, cosmology, earth science, optics or any other aspect of the world around us.

My experience is that religious people are no more (and no less) kind and nice in person than anyone else. Religion seems to make no difference whatsoever to moral practice in actual daily life.

[edit: I see the posts above mine. This will be my last post on this thread. Others may have the last word, if they want.]

Everyone, let's dance...

Fin Rot
Fin Rot is a bacteria that attacks the fins and in extreme cases, the body. This bacteria is usually the result of environmental stress such as poor water quality, bullying, etc. Part of treating this illness is early detection. If left untreated, secondary infections can occur. Fin or tail rot can also be a secondary infection caused by stress from other diseases. There are many different ways that harmful bacteria can enter your aquarium, some fish at the pet store will look perfectly normal but harbor harmful bacteria that the fish has become immune to, and will release the bacteria through its feces in your tank. However, healthy fish will be able to fight off the bacteria with little trouble. If only a few fish infected, it is best to move them from the main tank, and place them in a bare hospital tank for treatment, but in most cases a hospital tank is not an accessible. Fish should never be given low dosages of medications over a long period of time, this could cause the bacteria to become immune to medications. Always follow the instructions on the bottle.
Symptoms: Rotting fins, loss of appetite, sluggish movements and laying on the tank bottom.
Treatment: There are numerous treatments available at any fish/pet store. Example:

Body Fungus Body Fungus is just that, fungus. It will attack your fish's skin and cause ulcers or death in extreme cases. Large amounts of organic materials such as decaying food or fish waste can cause a breakout of fungus in your aquarium. Open wounds can develop fungus. The fungi feeds by excreting digestive enzymes which if it's on the fish, slowly digests parts of the fish. Though cured easily, if the fish doesn't get prompt treatment it will surely die. Secondary infections are also common.
Symptoms: White or grayish patches appear on the skin or gills that look like cotton or wool.
Treatment: Either purchase a treatment from your local fish/pet store specifically for fungus or buy an all round antibacterial treatment such as Melafix.

Skin & Gill Flukes Flukes are a parasite that attack the gills and skin of infected fish. Small numbers of flukes are pretty much harmless, but in bad water conditions, over crowding, or aquaria with high organic content, they can multiply at a fast rate. According to the fish doctor the only reliable way to diagnose is with a skin scrape.
Symptoms: Fish will flash or scrape its self against aquarium décor, rapid gill movement, at a more advanced stage, the fish will isolate its self and lie at the bottom with fins clamped. Also cloudy skin due to excess mucus.
Treatment: Flukes are hard to treat and complete eradication is virtually impossible. It is said that for individuals affected with flukes, consecutive salt baths over 2-3 days can be useful. There are commercial treatments avalible.

personal favorite...

Hole In The Head – Hexamita Hole in head is a very serious disease that warrants prompt treatment. Large cichlids such as Oscars, discus, and pikes are very susceptible to this disease. Hole in head, believe it or not, is an intestinal tract infection.
Symptoms: Holes in the head area, ulcerations on the body, loss of appetite
Treatment: A recommended treatment is Hex-A-Ex, although I am not speaking from personal experience. Contact your local fish/pet store or the forum for more info.

Fish?
I've personally seen male guppies try to do it with other male guppies.

Clearly this proves that . . .

They call it guppy love....

"God love you - enjoy the love of those who love you - and the beauty of music to soothe your sorrows." I love this so I borrowed it.

Them boys need some viagra.