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News & General Discussion => News Stories and Current Events => Topic started by: trdsf on March 14, 2018, 12:26:58 AM

Title: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: trdsf on March 14, 2018, 12:26:58 AM
Even granting that with his illness, he lived far longer than one might have expectedâ€"in 1964 he was given two to three years to liveâ€"the news that Stephen Hawking has died (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43396008) is still something of a shock.

Time to dig up my audiobook of 'A Brief History of Time'.  Damn.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Shiranu on March 14, 2018, 01:44:34 AM

'It would not be much of a universe if it wasn't home to the people you love.' - Stephen Hawking

:(
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: GSOgymrat on March 14, 2018, 01:48:22 AM
Coincidentally, I was reading a book this afternoon that referenced Stephen Hawking and Googled his age. I'm many ways he was an inspiration.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Munch on March 14, 2018, 06:49:34 AM
Oh no :(

We've lost one of the greatest minds of the current age.

R.I.P Stephen, we all rejoin the stars eventually
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Mr.Obvious on March 14, 2018, 08:12:29 AM
We lost one of the finest.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: SGOS on March 14, 2018, 08:47:01 AM
Quote from: GSOgymrat on March 14, 2018, 01:48:22 AM
Coincidentally, I was reading a book this afternoon that referenced Stephen Hawking and Googled his age. I'm many ways he was an inspiration.
Also, coincidentally, Hawking was on my mind two days ago.  I was thinking about how amazing it was the he lived so long with an ALS diagnosis.  And today he is gone.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Hakurei Reimu on March 14, 2018, 09:50:36 AM
I heard the news not an hour ago.

I can't say I am shocked. Nor do I feel like he died before his time. Just surprised and pleased that he lived as long as he did, became world famous, and even got to guest star on ST:TNG. I would be happy with that life.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Mike Cl on March 14, 2018, 10:38:59 AM
It seems god had to work extra hard to keep Hawking alive.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: SGOS on March 14, 2018, 10:45:50 AM
Quote from: Mike Cl on March 14, 2018, 10:38:59 AM
It seems god had to work extra hard to keep Hawking alive.
Must have irked him too.

"I am an atheist"
      -Stephen Hawking

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/im-atheist-stephen-hawking-god-space-travel-n210076
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Unbeliever on March 14, 2018, 01:14:40 PM
Damn, I'm torn up about this! But we all have to go sometime, even the best of us. My favorite Stephen Hawking video was when he got to be weightless for a while:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2KrEH-8lJw
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Shiranu on March 14, 2018, 02:06:25 PM
Quote from: Mike Cl on March 14, 2018, 10:38:59 AM
It seems god had to work extra hard to keep Hawking alive.

Or extra hard to bring him down.

I definately recommend not reading any "regular" forums about his death... I am seeing spam everywhere about how he is going to hell, yada yada, this proves atheism is wrong because we all die... (wut?).
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: trdsf on March 14, 2018, 02:20:56 PM
Quote from: Shiranu on March 14, 2018, 02:06:25 PM
Or extra hard to bring him down.

I definately recommend not reading any "regular" forums about his death... I am seeing spam everywhere about how he is going to hell, yada yada, this proves atheism is wrong because we all die... (wut?).
I saw a couple of those, and tuned them right out.

I was visiting friends a couple years ago and their daughter, grandson and son-in-law were over and a program happened to be on that included Hawking and son-in-law rather disdainfully commented, "How can someone be that smart and not believe in god?"

I bit down all my other more aggressive and/or insulting responses and held myself to a tart "Because there is no physical, concrete evidence."  Happily, the matter died there.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Mike Cl on March 14, 2018, 02:50:55 PM
Quote from: Shiranu on March 14, 2018, 02:06:25 PM
Or extra hard to bring him down.

I definately recommend not reading any "regular" forums about his death... I am seeing spam everywhere about how he is going to hell, yada yada, this proves atheism is wrong because we all die... (wut?).
I missed all those--haven't been to any of those sites in awhile--glad I did.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Mike Cl on March 14, 2018, 02:53:23 PM
Quote from: SGOS on March 14, 2018, 10:45:50 AM
Must have irked him too.

"I am an atheist"
      -Stephen Hawking

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/im-atheist-stephen-hawking-god-space-travel-n210076
I was being a 'tad' facetious.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Unbeliever on March 14, 2018, 03:02:57 PM
I just found out (should already have known) that Professor Hawking died on Einstein's birthday, and also on pi day!

http://bgr.com/2018/03/14/stephen-hawking-death-cause-5-things-to-know/
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: trdsf on March 14, 2018, 04:29:15 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 14, 2018, 03:02:57 PM
I just found out (should already have known) that Professor Hawking died on Einstein's birthday, and also on pi day!

http://bgr.com/2018/03/14/stephen-hawking-death-cause-5-things-to-know/

Born on Galileo's birthday, held the same professorship Newton did, died on Einstein's birthday.  That's your physics trifecta right there.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Unbeliever on March 14, 2018, 05:29:14 PM
This was a lot of fun to watch. Hawking had a great sense of humor!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WTQryVAXX8
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Baruch on March 14, 2018, 07:08:20 PM
Quote from: trdsf on March 14, 2018, 04:29:15 PM
Born on Galileo's birthday, held the same professorship Newton did, died on Einstein's birthday.  That's your physics trifecta right there.

Seems suspicious to me.  A Gray alien perhaps?

My favorite cameos was his appearance on The Simpsons and Dilbert (the animated TV series).
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Unbeliever on March 14, 2018, 07:23:22 PM
50 shades of a gray alien!
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Cavebear on March 15, 2018, 01:07:07 AM
I can't post the image I was sent, but I can post the content...

God @The Tweet Of God...  It has only been a few hours and Stephen Hawking has already proved, mathematically, to MY face, that I don't exist!
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Unbeliever on March 15, 2018, 03:42:23 PM
This is a good example of Hawking's sense of humor - he plays a game of quantum chess with an actor:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi0BzqV_b44&t=525s
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Telesio on March 15, 2018, 03:46:10 PM
Seeing the Christian retards gloating over the death of a great scientist on the various forums is pretty sad.  America seems to love the fruits of high technology but persecutes and hates the scientists who make it possible.   I can't wait for China to become the next world superpower.

Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Cavebear on March 15, 2018, 04:10:47 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 15, 2018, 03:42:23 PM
This is a good example of Hawking's sense of humor - he plays a game of quantum chess with an actor:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi0BzqV_b44&t=525s

That Was AWESOME!!!

Seriously, thank you for posting that.  I enjoyed every minute of it.  (And there were LOTS of minutes)
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Cavebear on March 15, 2018, 04:14:22 PM
Quote from: Telesio on March 15, 2018, 03:46:10 PM
Seeing the Christian retards gloating over the death of a great scientist on the various forums is pretty sad.  America seems to love the fruits of high technology but persecutes and hates the scientists who make it possible.   I can't wait for China to become the next world superpower.

I heard no gloating here.  But then I don't go to the places that would.

A rare mind has left this mortal realm... 
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Cavebear on March 15, 2018, 04:18:17 PM
Quote from: trdsf on March 14, 2018, 04:29:15 PM
Born on Galileo's birthday, held the same professorship Newton did, died on Einstein's birthday.  That's your physics trifecta right there.

I knew only the middle of those things.

Thank you.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: trdsf on March 15, 2018, 04:59:23 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on March 15, 2018, 04:18:17 PM
I knew only the middle of those things.

Thank you.
I have to correct myself -- he was born on the 300th anniversary of Galileo's death.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Cavebear on March 15, 2018, 05:20:41 PM
Quote from: trdsf on March 15, 2018, 04:59:23 PM
I have to correct myself -- he was born on the 300th anniversary of Galileo's death.

A minor quibble in the timeline of the great scientists... 
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Munch on March 15, 2018, 05:40:03 PM
There are a lot of Christian evangelical wank stains current gloating his death, but I just smile at it. Hawkings achieved so much in his life and left an impact on the scientific world, as well as overcoming adversity. These Christians will leave nothing of value when they die, so caught up in believing their going to go to some eternal paradise, when all they have to look forward to is nothingness, and forgotten.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Cavebear on March 15, 2018, 05:46:55 PM
Quote from: Munch on March 15, 2018, 05:40:03 PM
There are a lot of Christian evangelical wank stains current gloating his death, but I just smile at it. Hawkings achieved so much in his life and left an impact on the scientific world, as well as overcoming adversity. These Christians will leave nothing of value when they die, so caught up in believing their going to go to some eternal paradise, when all they have to look forward to is nothingness, and forgotten.

I'm actually kind of surprised.  Why would anyone gloat about Hawking's death?  Did they confuse him with Richard Dawkins?
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Unbeliever on March 15, 2018, 05:51:16 PM
At least Hawking outlived Billy Graham. I sort of felt like celebrating when Graham went away.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Cavebear on March 15, 2018, 06:04:59 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 15, 2018, 05:51:16 PM
At least Hawking outlived Billy Graham. I sort on felt like celebrating when Graham went away.

LOL!  My first thought about hearing about Graham was "He was still alive?"  My second was "good riddance".  And I suppose that is how some theists think about Hawking and any other scientists...
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Baruch on March 15, 2018, 07:32:05 PM
Quote from: Telesio on March 15, 2018, 03:46:10 PM
Seeing the Christian retards gloating over the death of a great scientist on the various forums is pretty sad.  America seems to love the fruits of high technology but persecutes and hates the scientists who make it possible.   I can't wait for China to become the next world superpower.

They always were the superpower ... just study history.  The Europeans temporarily had more toys ... now those toys are made in China.

Americans perhaps would gloat.  Americans have always been low-brow.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Baruch on March 15, 2018, 07:33:41 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 15, 2018, 05:51:16 PM
At least Hawking outlived Billy Graham. I sort on felt like celebrating when Graham went away.

Billy Graham was too close to the powerful.  I never trust anyone like that.  Particularly if they are the powerful!

But will the science cardinals now meet, and elect the new Science Pope? ;-)
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Unbeliever on March 15, 2018, 07:37:25 PM
Actually, it was Ed Witten (http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/06/27/witten.physics/index.html) who was voted by his peers the smartest living physicist.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Baruch on March 15, 2018, 07:45:18 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 15, 2018, 07:37:25 PM
Actually, it was Ed Witten (http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/06/27/witten.physics/index.html) who was voted by his peers the smartest living physicist.

I have read him and Hawking.  Physicists are easily impressed by hat tricks.  I am no longer impressed by physicists, living or dead.  Ask Dr Witten how M Theory is going.  It is about the same as declaring ... the best chess player, to be the smartest person (well they are in chess, if in nothing else).
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: trdsf on March 16, 2018, 12:38:48 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on March 15, 2018, 05:46:55 PM
I'm actually kind of surprised.  Why would anyone gloat about Hawking's death?  Did they confuse him with Richard Dawkins?
According to Dawkins, that did happen sometimes due to the broad similarity between their last names.  He says he's actually been asked where his wheelchair was...

Meanwhile, I offer: A Beer With Stephen Hawking
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsNjHaKwN5E?t=608
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Shiranu on March 16, 2018, 12:46:14 AM
Quote from: trdsf on March 16, 2018, 12:38:48 AM
According to Dawkins, that did happen sometimes due to the broad similarity between their last names.  He says he's actually been asked where his wheelchair was...

Meanwhile, I offer: A Beer With Stephen Hawking
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsNjHaKwN5E?t=608

That wouldn't surprise me in the least that people mistake the two.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: trdsf on March 16, 2018, 12:50:43 AM
(https://image.cagle.com/208030/1155/208030.png)
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Cavebear on March 17, 2018, 02:27:01 AM
Quote from: trdsf on March 16, 2018, 12:50:43 AM


A great image; a goddish type reaching HIGHER to offer Hawking wings of freedom and him declining...
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Unbeliever on March 17, 2018, 06:08:08 PM
Some of these damned God-bothers make me angry:


QuoteWith the death of the brilliant theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, you knew there would be religious people eager to use the tragedy to promote their own beliefs. What’s surprising is that it’s not just random trolls doing it...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIb-EPY5VaA
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Cavebear on March 17, 2018, 09:58:55 PM
I always liked the fact that his electronic voice was American and he thought that was funny, so he kept it.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: trdsf on March 17, 2018, 10:32:57 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on March 17, 2018, 09:58:55 PM
I always liked the fact that his electronic voice was American and he thought that was funny, so he kept it.
He was offered new voices several times, but always refused.  He was so associated with that particular voice, he didn't want to change it.  It led to some problems later because the hardware and software were so out of date, almost no one knew how to support it anymore.  I seem to recall that it was DEC hardware, which pleases me immensely as I had long been a fan of DECâ€"the first computer I used extensively was a DEC VAX, and you always keep a soft spot in your heart for your first silicon.  :)
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Munch on March 17, 2018, 10:37:18 PM
it was still amazing technology and amazing how precise he was using it
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Cavebear on March 17, 2018, 10:44:40 PM
Quote from: trdsf on March 17, 2018, 10:32:57 PM
He was offered new voices several times, but always refused.  He was so associated with that particular voice, he didn't want to change it.  It led to some problems later because the hardware and software were so out of date, almost no one knew how to support it anymore.  I seem to recall that it was DEC hardware, which pleases me immensely as I had long been a fan of DECâ€"the first computer I used extensively was a DEC VAX, and you always keep a soft spot in your heart for your first silicon.  :)

I didn't know that, so thank you.  I can well imagine that almost any voice synthesizers would have loved to provide his voice closer to his original one, but I can also imagine how he came to own his "voice" and would be reluctant to change it.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: trdsf on March 17, 2018, 10:56:35 PM
Quote from: Munch on March 17, 2018, 10:37:18 PM
it was still amazing technology and amazing how precise he was using it
Around 2010 or so, long after DEC had been bought out and the vocoder tech spun off, Intel mounted a major effort to improve Hawking's system at the interface level, since changing the sound was not an option.  Over time, as he aged and the disease progressed, Hawking's 'typing rate' had degraded to about one or two words a minute; Intel was able to improve his predictive text system... but the DECtalk unit stayed, and the company that bought out DEC's TTS still markets it as DECtalk (http://www.speechfxinc.com/dectalk.html).
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: trdsf on March 17, 2018, 11:11:30 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on March 17, 2018, 10:44:40 PM
I didn't know that, so thank you.  I can well imagine that almost any voice synthesizers would have loved to provide his voice closer to his original one, but I can also imagine how he came to own his "voice" and would be reluctant to change it.
I did a little research; Hawking's voice is called "Perfect Paul" and is based on the actual voice of the designer of the system, Dennis Klatt.  The same voice used to be used by the National Weather Service for their automated weather system, along with the DECtalk's default female voice.  My ex and I always referred to them as Stephen and Stephanie.

Klatt, alas, died in 1988, but his voice has outlived him by thirty years, attached to one of the premiere theoretical cosmologists of the age.

Not a bad legacy, that.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Cavebear on March 17, 2018, 11:11:44 PM
Quote from: trdsf on March 17, 2018, 10:56:35 PM
Around 2010 or so, long after DEC had been bought out and the vocoder tech spun off, Intel mounted a major effort to improve Hawking's system at the interface level, since changing the sound was not an option.  Over time, as he aged and the disease progressed, Hawking's 'typing rate' had degraded to about one or two words a minute; Intel was able to improve his predictive text system... but the DECtalk unit stayed, and the company that bought out DEC's TTS still markets it as DECtalk (http://www.speechfxinc.com/dectalk.html).

I don't like to offer undescribed links, but I am completely out of my depth of this subject, so I offer it undescribed.  The efforts to keep Hawking communicating with us is impressive.  https://www.wired.com/2015/01/intel-gave-stephen-hawking-voice/ (https://www.wired.com/2015/01/intel-gave-stephen-hawking-voice/)! 
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Baruch on March 17, 2018, 11:37:58 PM
Quote from: trdsf on March 17, 2018, 10:32:57 PM
He was offered new voices several times, but always refused.  He was so associated with that particular voice, he didn't want to change it.  It led to some problems later because the hardware and software were so out of date, almost no one knew how to support it anymore.  I seem to recall that it was DEC hardware, which pleases me immensely as I had long been a fan of DECâ€"the first computer I used extensively was a DEC VAX, and you always keep a soft spot in your heart for your first silicon.  :)

My first "work" computer was a DEC VAX too.  Good stuff back in the day.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Shiranu on March 18, 2018, 06:25:16 PM
My thoughts... beautiful image.

(https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/29178445_1850157741669451_6377876437551971369_n.jpg?oh=e5d3553673524a83e296baf358f713f3&oe=5B4E5C56)

But apparently this is an extremely derogatory image, because it depicts having ALS as something "wrong" and "bad" that needs to be fixed... and is a form of "abelism", or bigotry and social prejudice against people who are physically impaired.

*sigh*

I don't buy into this generation being any more "easily offended" than the last (the amount of people who cried and protested that it was oppressive for them to have to go to school with "the negro" shows that's a load of shit), but the internet has certainly made some really stupid as fuck issues to be offended over much more visible.

I think it's less "this" generation (most of the people I see calling this abelism are at least 40+, so it's not even my or the younger generation) is easily offended and more technology has given the stupidly offended people a louder voice than before.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: SGOS on March 19, 2018, 08:58:40 AM
Quote from: Shiranu on March 18, 2018, 06:25:16 PM
My thoughts... beautiful image.
Mine too.  I'm at a lost to understand what is controversial about it.  Has this opened a public debate on Twitter that I've missed?  I can see people hating Hawking.  He's not only an atheist, but presents an alternate story to one found in Genesis, but the picture itself is just a poignant farewell.  It even has a spiritual tone with Hawking leaving his chair and walking off toward the heavens, or maybe just off into the universe he loves.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Munch on March 19, 2018, 09:15:03 AM
Think a lot of people seem to forget, that Hawking wasn't always physically disabled, the condition set in later on.

I'm reminded of a friend of mine, years ago, he was a member of the gay community in my local area, and was the brightest, nicest person you could meet, charming and caring, had a boyfriend, worked with the community and everyone turned to him when things were rough. He sadly developed the same condition that killed his mother, Muscle atrophy, and he went from a bright, shining man, to being complete disabled, and so much so he couldn't even hold his head up without support. He died from the condition, and it hit the local area so much so they had him on the front cover of the town paper.

I want to remember the man he was and kindness he gave to everyone, not remember the condition that he died to.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Hydra009 on March 19, 2018, 10:01:07 AM
Quote from: Shiranu on March 18, 2018, 06:25:16 PM
But apparently this is an extremely derogatory image, because it depicts having ALS as something "wrong" and "bad" that needs to be fixed...
I'm confused by this. The ice bucket challenge was a fundraising drive to cure ALS, so surely it's undesirable to have malfunctioning neurons, right?  I mean no one wakes up with ALS and is happy about it.  And more generally, isn't bodily disease/disorder undesirable by definition?
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Shiranu on March 19, 2018, 10:44:55 AM
Quote from: Hydra009 on March 19, 2018, 10:01:07 AM
I'm confused by this. The ice bucket challenge was a fundraising drive to cure ALS, so surely it's undesirable to have malfunctioning neurons, right?  I mean no one wakes up with ALS and is happy about it.  And more generally, isn't bodily disease/disorder undesirable by definition?

Yeah, I'm honestly not sure. I just skimmed it because I thought it was really stupid.

If I had whatever disability, ALS or had my legs blown off or whatever, I think I would be more offended by people telling me I need to look at it positively than sharing images like that.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Baruch on March 19, 2018, 12:22:23 PM
Quote from: Hydra009 on March 19, 2018, 10:01:07 AM
I'm confused by this. The ice bucket challenge was a fundraising drive to cure ALS, so surely it's undesirable to have malfunctioning neurons, right?  I mean no one wakes up with ALS and is happy about it.  And more generally, isn't bodily disease/disorder undesirable by definition?

The extreme SJW consider blindness or deafness to be desirable variants, because all variants, other than the average, are desirable to them, as political hobby horses.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Baruch on March 19, 2018, 12:23:45 PM
Quote from: Shiranu on March 19, 2018, 10:44:55 AM
Yeah, I'm honestly not sure. I just skimmed it because I thought it was really stupid.

If I had whatever disability, ALS or had my legs blown off or whatever, I think I would be more offended by people telling me I need to look at it positively than sharing images like that.

For some perhaps ... "Whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger" is a reason to consider adversity to be desirable.  Nietzsche.
Title: Re: RIP Stephen Hawking
Post by: Cavebear on March 20, 2018, 02:42:28 AM
Quote from: Shiranu on March 18, 2018, 06:25:16 PM
My thoughts... beautiful image.

(https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/29178445_1850157741669451_6377876437551971369_n.jpg?oh=e5d3553673524a83e296baf358f713f3&oe=5B4E5C56)

But apparently this is an extremely derogatory image, because it depicts having ALS as something "wrong" and "bad" that needs to be fixed... and is a form of "abelism", or bigotry and social prejudice against people who are physically impaired.

I never accepted the differently-abled argument.  Hawkins was limited in his ability to communicate and move on his own.

The image of him walking away from his chair is very moving to me.  Which, as an atheist, does bother me, suggesting an afterlife.  I just liked the idea of freedom.  Sue me...  LOL!
*sigh*

I don't buy into this generation being any more "easily offended" than the last (the amount of people who cried and protested that it was oppressive for them to have to go to school with "the negro" shows that's a load of shit), but the internet has certainly made some really stupid as fuck issues to be offended over much more visible.

I think it's less "this" generation (most of the people I see calling this abelism are at least 40+, so it's not even my or the younger generation) is easily offended and more technology has given the stupidly offended people a louder voice than before.