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Scum

scum

1. The extraneous matter or impurities which rise to the surface of liquids in boiling or fermentation, or which form on the surface by other means; also, the scoria of metals in a molten state; dross. Some to remove the scum it did rise. (Spenser)

2. Refuse; recrement; anything vile or worthless. The great and innocent are insulted by the scum and refuse of the people. (Addison)

Origin: Of Scand. Origin; cf. Dan. & Sw. Skum, Icel. Skm, LG. Schum, D. Schuim, OHG. Scm, G. Schaum; probably from a root meaning, to cover. Cf. Hide skin, Meerschaum, Skim, Sky.


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Re: WHO scum - politics over lives

Hopefully that was directed at enviros in general, not me specifically? While I've definitely made some environmentalist arguments in this forum, I don't think I've "posted any flags" in this particular discussion, merely defended a point of view. No that was not directed at you. I was ju...

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by MichaelXY
Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:31 am
 
Forum: Ecology
Topic: WHO scum - politics over lives
Replies: 15
Views: 711

Re: WHO scum - politics over lives

You make good points, however, I do not think we are in agreement that Africa has DDT in abundance. From what I have read, DDT is in low suppply in Africa due to world restrictions. The only nation I know of that still has large amounts of DDT is India. Finally, the entire socioeconomic climate of t...

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by MichaelXY
Fri Jun 12, 2009 8:49 am
 
Forum: Ecology
Topic: WHO scum - politics over lives
Replies: 15
Views: 711

WHO scum - politics over lives

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124303288779048569.html In 2006, after 25 years and 50 million preventable deaths, the World Health Organization reversed course and endorsed widespread use of the insecticide DDT to combat malaria. So much for that. Earlier this month, the U.N. agency quietly reverte...

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by JorgeLobo
Sat May 23, 2009 6:47 pm
 
Forum: Ecology
Topic: WHO scum - politics over lives
Replies: 15
Views: 711

Evolution

... gives us reason to be pleased with ourselves, doesn't it? We might even dare to call ourselves civilized, so far are we above the lowly pond scum! And yet what do we do with this wondrous superiority? We destroy the environment and we kill each other. Do you call that civilized? Pond scum ...

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by alextemplet
Wed Aug 13, 2008 3:24 am
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Evolution
Replies: 36
Views: 5165

Re: Evolution

... are losing the battle). From these perspectives, no species is higher or lower than any other. Of course we're a little more complex than pond scum. But be careful, some of my best friends live in ponds.

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by wbla3335
Tue Aug 12, 2008 1:15 pm
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Evolution
Replies: 36
Views: 5165
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