The Library of Alexandria -can we rebuild it?

[Rick Sobie]

What if, we were to take on the task, of building The International Library of Knowledge instead?

And what if, we designed a community around it, and what if we
recognized, that we cannot duplicate the Library of Alexandria
but we could do something equally cool?

Like create a complex, and have 1000 science exhibits, and 1000
religious exhibits (of the potential 4,200 in the world) and what if
we invited Hollywood to creat exhibits of how they have portrayed these
things over the years, and what if we added the humanities, and a
better living center, and what if we added a school of higher learning,
then, then my friends, would we, as men and women of good faith,
be able, to make history? Forge our own DESTINY? ! out of the
toil, and the blood, and the SWEAT and the TEARS! of this,
great civilization we call, the modern world?

Well?

What do you think?
Overview

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http://profiles.myspace.com/users/15311153

http://www.members.shaw.ca/rsobie/paradise1.jpg

 

[Gokul43201]

I don't know what to make of this. You seem to have put a lot of time into this, yet believe that the Library of Alexandria was in Greece ! I'm glad you decided to have others give their feedback before you walked up to Gates and Allen with a petition.

 

[tribdog]

I'm more of a Hanging Gardens type of wonder wanter.

 

[Gonzolo]

It wouldn't be a Library of Alexandria if it wasn't in Alexandria.

 

[franznietzsche]

It wouldn't be a Library of Alexandria if it wasn't in Alexandria.

And that was in Egypt.


But there is an Alexandria Virginia.

 

[Rick Sobie]

And that was in Egypt.


But there is an Alexandria Virginia.

Egypt Greece hey we are ALL Greeks when you come right down
to it in a cosmopolitan world.

Well I don't want to give the impression that I worked on this alone,
I am just the poster boy for it.

There has been a great deal of input and I should gather the minutes
of the meetings and all that but I don't have them here.

I will a little later on.

But the reason for asking Bill and Paul, was to avoid a rush of people
wanting to donate, and the politics involved.

They can always offer them some money if they want, and once it is
up and running then others can donate.

We were thinking of the basic structures first. And then in conjunction with
the scientific community and the International Diplomatic Community and
Hollywood, renovations and modifications can take place.

So the initial infrastructure is what the Gates and Allen money was for.

 

[tribdog]

How will you get around the touchy subject about Gates's first girlfriend? She left Bill for some Greek guy named Alex.

 

[fourier jr]

there's already another library of alexandria except it's got a different name now. it's called the library of congress.

 

[Gokul43201]

There's one in Alexandria, Egypt too :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Library2.jpg

 

[Rick Sobie]

There's one in Alexandria, Egypt too :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Library2.jpg

Well that's nice but in actual fact it doesn't compare to that which we
are planning to embark on.

If you examine the image, try and picture two large statues behind
the library, on the islands behind it.
One an angel with a globe over its head on the left representing
religion or spirituality, and on the right a statue of Achiles,
representing Government and the military.

The size of the statue of Liberty or thereabouts.

And two dragons farther back at the channel which opens to the Strait
of Georgia.

The idea is to creat a community, not just a library. A place where diplomats,
and dignitaries and scientists and religious people from all over the world can
gather to walk the boulevards and discuss great things.

Hollywood and the very wealthy will have a place there in order to
learn about the issues and direct their philanthropy, and scientists
can shmooz with the leaders in their field and others, to provide
a place where the interdisciplinary science effect, can take place.
Where a biologist may provide a clue for a horticulturist, or
a physicist a chemist or etc.

And the community will advise the UN, and NATO and be a support system
for the revamped United Nations.

 

[Rick Sobie]

How will you get around the touchy subject about Gates's first girlfriend? She left Bill for some Greek guy named Alex.

If people would rather fund the project with tax dollars we are not aversed to that.

But better fund raising mechanisms that tsunamis is what I am thinking of as go forward into the new age of reason and peace.

 

[Evo]

Well that's nice but in actual fact it doesn't compare to that which we
are planning to embark on.

If you examine the image, try and picture two large statues behind
the library, on the islands behind it.
One an angel with a globe over its head on the left representing
religion or spirituality, and on the right a statue of Achiles,
representing Government and the military.

The size of the statue of Liberty or thereabouts.

And two dragons farther back at the channel which opens to the Georgian Strait.

The idea is to creat a community, not just a library. A place where diplomats,
and dignitaries and scientists and religious people from all over the world can
gather to walk the boulevards and discuss great things.

Hollywood and the very wealthy will have a place there in order to
learn about the issues and direct their philanthropy, and scientists
can shmooz with the leaders in their field and others, to provide
a place where the interdisciplinary science effect, can take place.
Where a biologist may provide a clue for a horticulturist, or
a physicist a chemist or etc.

And the community will advise the UN, and NATO and be a support system
for the revamped United Nations.

My 2 cents, leave religion out of it. If you want a center for learning, creativity and open thinking, religion is the last thing you want there.

 

[Janitor]

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the world. I wonder if it was in sight of the library. Earthquakes and fires were unkind to the great structures of old.

 

[Rick Sobie]

My 2 cents, leave religion out of it. If you want a center for learning, creativity and open thinking, religion is the last thing you want there.

Well the reality of the world is there are 4,200 religions in the world.

And in many places in the world, third world countries in particular it is
a very important part of their lives.

And to understand the world and the people you can't turn a blind eye
to something that is a very big part of the world.

It is not a science club really, it is a place of understanding, and to
understand the people I think we need to include that which is
in the world. Don't you think?

 

[Rick Sobie]

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the world. I wonder if it was in sight of the library. Earthquakes and fires were unkind to the great structures of old.

I think that natural disaster of any type can at any time threaten the existence
of mankind. Yellowstone Supervolcano for instance could cause a mass
extinction event. However people will still be building highrises tomorrow in
America.

And the San Andreas fault is an earthquake zone. And the statues may
topple, but I think we have the technology to try and prevent that.

There is a model of that lighthouse in the vacinity already if I am not mistaken.

But you know, it isn't the Library of Alexandria, it is something new. Similar,
but we have the same mandate do we not? To create something for posterity? Something interesting? When was the last time a statue the size
of the Statue of Liberty was raised?

 

[Evo]

Well the reality of the world is there are 4,200 religions in the world.

And in many places in the world, third world countries in particular it is
a very important part of their lives.

And to understand the world and the people you can't turn a blind eye
to something that is a very big part of the world.

It is not a science club really, it is a place of understanding, and to
understand the people I think we need to include that which is
in the world. Don't you think?

I'm sorry, but you cannot expect groups with their own specific agendas to "understand" each other. It simply isn't going to happen.

 

[Rick Sobie]

Picture this...
This is what we discussed...

1000 scientific exhibits to display the current scientific advances.

Maintained by scientists.
People in white lab coats, milling about, explaining the exhibits to
the visiting dignataries.

Hollywood movie actors and actresses also milling about as hosts
and hostesses.

On the grounds to the right, a tropical gardens. Past that a sports
field, where youth will come to hold their tournaments of the best
in some sport activity in order to involve youth.

Past that, a petting zoo, with the purpose of exhibiting genetic enhanced
pets or animals with the purpose of convincing the populace that what you are doing is safe.

You see we are going to place, a 30 year moritorium on gentic engineering
because science has failed to show the people that is safe.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

There's one in Alexandria, Egypt too :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Library2.jpg

...and it had a fire as well.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2812765.stm

You would think that libraries would contain books about fire prevention!

 

[Rick Sobie]

Do you want to showcase a miniature unicorn there?
Do you want to create a miniature pegasus horse and showcase it there?
You may not get another opportunity such as this.

You know, I often wondered what would be better. To have small
robot gardeners, or genetically manufactured gnomes.

Who amongst us, could approve such a thing by themselves?

Shall we who have been given the technology to create, choose to
create metal monsters, or can we do things better?

Is it ethical to do so?

reference

These are the questions which we will need to answer in the near future.

 

[Rick Sobie]

...and it had a fire as well.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2812765.stm

You would think that libraries would contain books about fire prevention!

Ain't it the truth.

But then we are not actually going to make the same mistakes are we?
Examine the difference in architecture.

This is not a post modern steel and glass tourist exhibit.

This is a post post modern consciousness raising experience. lol

On the spiritual side of the grounds, to the left, you have the philosphers
gardens. A half acre of gardens replete with bronze statues of the most famous philosphers. And as you approach, the Charleton Heston tapes
begin to speak to you as only Moses could.

And farther on past that, the old fashioned picnic grounds, complete with calliope, and merry-go-round, and a replica of the Gazebo from Ground Hog Day, where lovers will dance in the moonlight.

As you enter the Gazebo, Ray Charles will begin to play.

Picnics on Sunday, and bring a basket.
The exhibits may be religious, but the left side is about spirituality,
organized religion will be exhibited, but spirituality covers such things
as modern family arrangements. Like gay marriages for instance.

 

[Rick Sobie]

I'm sorry, but you cannot expect groups with their own specific agendas to "understand" each other. It simply isn't going to happen.

That isn't the point is it?

The point is to have something interesting to talk to diplomats and dignitaries about as you walk around eating small sandwiches.

The building is not only a library, it is a place where behind the scenes diplomacy can take place. In the UN, they gather in the chamber in public and it is like parliament.

By getting the parties together, they could discuss these things in a more
suitable atmosphere and then take agreements to the UN.

But that is only a small part of it.

It is to be called The International Library of Knowledge.

 

[Smurf]

I nominate Switzerland for Host of The International Library of Knowledge

 

[franznietzsche]

My 2 cents, leave religion out of it. If you want a center for learning, creativity and open thinking, religion is the last thing you want there.

Quoted for emphasis.

And no, egypt and greece are not the same, alexander's spread of hellenistic culture aside.

 

[franznietzsche]

I nominate Switzerland for Host of The International Library of Knowledge

ON so many levels, no.

 

[Astronuc]

1000 scientific exhibits to display the current scientific advances.

Maintained by scientists.
People in white lab coats, milling about, explaining the exhibits to the visiting dignataries.

Isn't that the purpose of the Internet? And its a lot less expensive. Dignitaries?? What about the ordinary public - are they invited too? On the other hand, most people in the world probably could not afford to travel to this place.

Hollywood movie actors and actresses also milling about as hosts and hostesses.

Why? You propose paying these people to mill about? That could be expensive! And why just Hollywood actors and actresses? If you have scientists on hand, why bother with entertainers? Or is this really about entertainment?

On the grounds to the right, a tropical gardens. Past that a sports field, where youth will come to hold their tournaments of the best in some sport activity in order to involve youth.

Reminds me of the Olympics which are held in a different venue every two years.

Past that, a petting zoo, with the purpose of exhibiting genetic enhanced pets or animals with the purpose of convincing the populace that what you are doing is safe.

Where do you hide the failures? Why genetically engineer pets? We have a surplus of natural pets, and we seem to be losing many wild species.

You see we are going to place, a 30 year moritorium on gentic engineering because science has failed to show the people that is safe.

You might. Others will not.

 

[Rick Sobie]

Isn't that the purpose of the Internet? And its a lot less expensive. Dignitaries?? What about the ordinary public - are they invited too? On the other hand, most people in the world probably could not afford to travel to this place.

Yes the Internet is nice, but where are the little sandwiches with the crusts removed and the walking down the boulevards emmersed in discussion?

If you have ever been to a science center, in any city you know that it is very interesting. Two I recommend are the one in Sudbury Ontario, and Toronto Ontario.

But you can only spend a few days there. We want 1000 exhibits and they will change and evolve on a regular basis. Managed by the scientific
community. They can take turns sending reps or even dedicate team leaders.

Food accommodations provided.

Why? You propose paying these people to mill about? That could be expensive! And why just Hollywood actors and actresses? If you have scientists on hand, why bother with entertainers? Or is this really about entertainment?

Well for one thing many of them have been asking how they can make their lives more fullfilling and they see Angelina Jolie and they say to themselves
maybe I could do more.

And then there is the thing about there being more to life than just acting.
Once they reach the top of their ladder, and they have money and fame
they look for other things to interest them. Some have joined the UN
because they see people making a difference there.

This just makes it easier for them to do so, and then there is the problem
some people in Hollywood have finding a good relationship, and their
group of friends does not usually include people outside of Hollywood
and so they are looking to expand their horizoins and make new friends.

And I am sure that there are scientists who would love a chance to meet
them and maybe even find a lasting love relationship.

Reminds me of the Olympics which are held in a different venue every two years.

Where do you hide the failures? Why genetically engineer pets? We have a surplus of natural pets, and we seem to be losing many wild species.

You might. Others will not.

Well it is not just pets. Genetic engineering is a new field and the people do not feel convinced that it is safe. That is why foods genetically modified are not labelled as such. People would refuse to buy them.
And there has been problems. To what extent the food chain has been damaged we do not yet know.

 

[Rick Sobie]

I nominate Switzerland for Host of The International Library of Knowledge

What the plan is, is to make more than one community.

The first one, is based on the Library of Knowledge,
and then when that is completed, another community
or base will be established in another location and then a third and so on.

In that way we can raise the level of civilization on the planet. One
community at a time.

The plans for the other communities are such things as a flight academy,
and a translators or linguistics community.

Each one will have some benefit to the UN and NATO.

People have asked for a more effective UN, and this will provide
some support for it, to make it better.

As far as it being open to the general public, there will be days
when it is open. You have to consider the security needs of
the people involved. Hollywood and the paparazzi has to be managed,
and world leaders and the sensitive nature of some sciences as well.

There will also be televised cultural events and there has been talk of
involving TV such as the Discovery Channel and the like to provide
content.

These things will be managed but in that way more of the world
can be a part of that community.

 

[Moonbear]

Yes the Internet is nice, but where are the little sandwiches with the crusts removed and the walking down the boulevards emmersed in discussion?

Well, I already know how to remove the crust from my own sandwiches. And you can browse the web from your PDA while strolling down the boulevards.

If you have ever been to a science center, in any city you know that it is very interesting. Two I recommend are the one in Sudbury Ontario, and Toronto Ontario.

Those usually seem geared toward children and those who have little knowledge of science.

But you can only spend a few days there. We want 1000 exhibits and they will change and evolve on a regular basis. Managed by the scientific
community. They can take turns sending reps or even dedicate team leaders.

Sounds a bit like the Smithsonian. They have both fixed exhibits and rotating exhibits, research facilities, a zoo, a nice grassy mall to walk around between the museums, complete with a carousel for the kiddies, and surrounded by buildings chock full of politicians.

Well for one thing many of them have been asking how they can make their lives more fullfilling and they see Angelina Jolie and they say to themselves
maybe I could do more.

And then there is the thing about there being more to life than just acting.
Once they reach the top of their ladder, and they have money and fame
they look for other things to interest them. Some have joined the UN
because they see people making a difference there.

This just makes it easier for them to do so, and then there is the problem
some people in Hollywood have finding a good relationship, and their
group of friends does not usually include people outside of Hollywood
and so they are looking to expand their horizoins and make new friends.

And I am sure that there are scientists who would love a chance to meet
them and maybe even find a lasting love relationship.

Meh, Hollywood stars are over-rated.

Well it is not just pets. Genetic engineering is a new field and the people do not feel convinced that it is safe. That is why foods genetically modified are not labelled as such. People would refuse to buy them.
And there has been problems. To what extent the food chain has been damaged we do not yet know.

What makes you think the people who fear this technology would visit the place? They'd probably boycott it or stand outside with picket signs protesting.

 

[Rick Sobie]

Well, I already know how to remove the crust from my own sandwiches. And you can browse the web from your PDA while strolling down the boulevards.
...
Those usually seem geared toward children and those who have little knowledge of science.
...
Sounds a bit like the Smithsonian. They have both fixed exhibits and rotating exhibits, research facilities, a zoo, a nice grassy mall to walk around between the museums, complete with a carousel for the kiddies, and surrounded by buildings chock full of politicians.
...
Meh, Hollywood stars are over-rated.
...
What makes you think the people who fear this technology would visit the place? They'd probably boycott it or stand outside with picket signs protesting.

Well it may not be for you. I mean not everyone will find it a place
where they feel at home.
Well it is to be part of a base, and they can picket but outside the base.

If you are aware of the North America Security Zone which is being designed
to protect North America in the case of desease ourtbreak and to better
defend against terrorism, and to secure the perimeter
of North America and relax the border between Canada and the US,
to allow for more efficient flow of goods and tourism etc, then this is
a base designed to support that. It is a joint US and Canadian
base, which has security, and contains a community which
not only interfaces with government the military and the UN and NATO,
but interfaces with science and religion to be able to meet the needs
of the diplomatic community to maintain peace in the world.

 

[Rick Sobie]

Why not just use the Internet?

At any time, any portion of the Internet can come under attack, be rerouted, captured, infected by Virii and hacked. In case of emmergency the net
becomes useless. So that cuts off the International community which does most the work of diplomacy in the world from each other and from the military and from government resulting in potential catastrophe.

 

[Evo]

I have the answer!

It wouldn't be fair to limit this to just one part of the world. Too many deserving people would never have the opportunity to visit. Not to mention the hatred and envy that would arise from this being located in the US.

The only way this can work is to make it a FLOATING CITY! This way you could take this marvel all over the globe. Perhaps we could even make it amphibious, so it could also travel inland for those too far from the coast.

This can work! See the current plans for a "floating city" here http://travel.howstuffworks.com/floating-city.htm

With just a few modifications, you could house your entire project. This would draw in those vacuos celebrities like flies on poop.

Edit - and I think those little crustless sandwiches are a great idea.

 

[Rick Sobie]

I have the answer!

It wouldn't be fair to limit this to just one part of the world. Too many deserving people would never have the opportunity to visit. Not to mention the hatred and envy that would arise from this being located in the US.

The only way this can work is to make it a FLOATING CITY! This way you could take this marvel all over the globe. Perhaps we could even make it amphibious, so it could also travel inland for those too far from the coast.

This can work! See the current plans for a "floating city" here http://travel.howstuffworks.com/floating-city.htm

With just a few modifications, you could house your entire project. This would draw in those vacuos celebrities like flies on poop.

Edit - and I think those little crustless sandwiches are a great idea.

Wow Evo, it looks unsinkable!

What about ice bergs?

And not only sandwiches with the crust cut off, but small coctail
weiners, (vegetable or turkey ones)

And you know Evo, if I wasn't head over heels for Angelina and Jen,
I would be all over you like a kid on a popsicle. lol

 

[Evo]

Wow Evo, it looks unsinkable!

What about ice bergs?

I suggest you avoid them.

And not only sandwiches with the crust cut off, but small coctail
weiners, (vegetable or turkey ones)

YES! Don't forget the frilly little cocktail toothpicks! Nothing will get people in a mood conducive to discussing world peace quicker than good eats.

 

[Gokul43201]

I would be all over you like a kid on a popsicle. lol

You and the rest of the male population here. Pick a number and stand in line. Or else, step in here and strut your stuff.

 

[Rick Sobie]

You and the rest of the male population here. Pick a number and stand in line. Or else, step in here and strut your stuff.

Well thanks but I am taken.

But you know when we get the library built, there will be plenty of
time for people to meet new people, and to schmooz, rub elbows
with people, real people, like with faces, and bodies, and stuff.

I know the world has pretty much forgotten how to do that,
and people have been cocooning now for a number of years,
but when the cocoon opens, out emmerges a bunch of
butterfiles. And then, they dance. la lal lal la la, bump bump,
bump bump, la la la la la, bump bump, bump bump...