X-Message-Number: 17991
From: "john grigg" <>
Subject: Ralph Merkle on the Art Bell show
Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2001 01:37:39 

Ralph Merkle did a fine job being a guest on the Art Bell show last night.  
I listened to the entire three hour interview, and was impressed by how 
Merkle handled Art's questions.  I say this because Art can ask sometimes 
loaded, difficult, or simplistic/corny questions.  And I realize Merkle has 
a reputation for not suffering fools gladly. lol  Not once did I hear Merkle 
declare, "next question!," or "next person in line!"  Of course, Art is not 
just anyone, and millions were listening.

Generally, at least for me, the subjects were discussed at a very basic 
level.  But then, this is meant for the general public, so it made sense 
that Merkle kept things pretty simple.  I remember another guest(can't 
remember the name) who could not do so, and drowned Art and the public with 
his technical depth!  He just could not keep it simple.

They focused on nanotech for quite a bit.  Merkle impressed me by going into 
the near-future forms of the technology, rather then just going off on a 
flight of fancy.  People need to realize this technology isn't just 
something thirty years away, and Art reaches millions of people around the 
world.

Art wanted to bring up all the scary possibilities of future nanotech.  But, 
Merkle would bring things back to a positive note.  I liked how Merkle could 
sidestep and put a positive spin on things.  He is an adept speaker/debater. 
  Art even commented on this several times in a sly way. lol  Art wanted 
Merkle to expound on the dangers on nanotech programmed to devour the planet 
or kill people with blue eyes!

Things got really good when cryonics came up.  Merkle shared that he was a 
member of ALCOR.  Art did not know this and was very surprised.  Art does 
know something of cryonics and ALCOR, due to Brian Shock and others already 
having been on the show.  Merkle went into "missionary" mode and explained 
in detail how it makes good logical sense to sign up.  He even explained a 
little about vitrification and how the technology of biostasis has really 
been improved.  When Art brought up the cost of it, Merkle responded that 
with life insurance it was very affordable.  Art's reply was, "so 
cryonicists can take it with them!" lol  Later, a caller said he was so 
impressed he wanted to join up!  Merkle told him how to get ahold of ALCOR.  
It would be interesting to see if anything comes of that.

When Merkle said his wife was also signed up, Art brought up how much easier 
it must be for him then those who do not have mates signed up.  He 
recognized how cryonics can be a very devisive thing sometimes.

It was a cool three hours for me.  The last time I enjoyed myself so much 
was when Bart Kosko was on.

I am now taking off to enjoy an early Thanksgiving dinner.  I will be making 
the rounds today and tomorrow! lol  Whether U.S. citizens or not, I think we 
can all find things to be grateful for, and to wish were different.

best wishes,

John

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