What caused the extinction of the dinosaurs? Most of us accept the theory that it was in some way related to asteroid impact. Ah, but did you know that "some ancient alien theorists believe" that ancient aliens may have been responsible? That they may have used their technology to intentionally direct asteroids to hit the earth for the purpose of exterminating the dinosaurs? And they then genetically engineered new, more manageably sized species? So that humans had a better shot at survival? Did you know this?
I've recently caught an episode or two of a show on History Channel 2 - H2, called Ancient Aliens. I've watched this show not expecting to be informed, just entertained. But last night I saw an episode where the "theory" mentioned above was just too much for me. Write a sci-fi book on the subject, make it a movie, fine. I'll read it, watch it, and most likely genuinely enjoy it. But present this as a theory that deserves objective consideration and you've lost me.
Am I being rash or rational? I'd really like to know what you all think.
Ever heard some variation of this? "An open mind is a good thing as long as you don't keep it so open that your brain falls out." I've been unable to find to whom this is originally attributable, but it appears to be common among some in the scientific community. If coming from a truly objective scientist, it strikes me as wise admonition. But I've also been in situations where it's been used with special emphasis on the "lest your brain falls out" part for the sake of de legitimizing another POV.
So my question is, when do we reach the point that we keep such an open mind that our brains fall out? Is it a good thing to allow for the possibility that ancient aliens intentionally exterminated the dinosaurs? Or should we start looking around on the floor to see where our brains landed?
I accept that in a universe this large and this old that it's possible, maybe even likely that intelligent life exists beyond this planet. But ancient aliens killed the dinosaurs? Really?
Update
You guys are hillarious. Thanks for all the witty comments. More laughs than I've had in a while.