A "clone" is an identical twin, and not an identical copy. Whilst the genetic code may be identical, neural pathways will not be. It is a different being, with (as rightly noted) its own memories and identity.
And though I do not doubt that imprinting memories may be possible in the future (our brains are more manipulable than we care to admit), I do not think transference is possible. It would be like trying to clone your Windows 95 computer onto a Commodore Amiga, ignoring the different internal architecture. You may get some memories transferred, but the neurons won't match.

I started using trackpads on my desktop computers with the original Apple Magic Trackpad, and haven't gone back. I just like the way it feels.

The other thing that makes it so mysterious is how far away it is — a quasar is something from the distant past. We have little hope of ever discovering what it looks like now, let alone approach one. We are looking at something that existed billions of years ago!

One other thing not though of: as a guerrilla army, each pilot needs to have his vehicle with him at all times. We never see Luke taking his X-Wing on a recreational trip, it is always with a purpose that is tied to the Rebellion, and in his role as commander done with his ability to set his own agenda. Guerrilla armies require much more autonomy from their field commanders, as they are discouraged from making contact for long stretches of time.

The German version has a hedgehog instead of a tortoise, and the hedgehog wins not by being faster, but by getting his wife to stand at the end of the race course and pretend to be him.

I would say the difference is that Star Wars is more reflective at its roots. It was a throwback to the old Saturday serials, with a world that borrowed from foreign historical movies. For all of its innovations, it is at its heart nostalgic.

Star Trek had the explicit mission of being speculative. The government on Earth was explicitly never mentioned, the details were supposed to be vague. Instead, it was to concentrate more on what life could be like, combined with some Gulliver's Travels reflections on the world the series was made in.

Actually, this is something Hollywood FX specialists should pay attention to. When Gollum landed in the lava, for example, the effect would be pretty similar: >30kg of organic matter, violent reaction as the water vaporises - a very painful but quick death I would suspect.

Here in Munich, Germany, the situation is pretty clear: German traffic laws define bicycle usage as part of the general traffic code, and major violations can cost you your driver's license. Munich also has the advantage of having a large net of bike lanes that sometimes are on the sidewalks, sometimes on the streets. Another thing that makes it safer here is that the cops will ticket you if you go the wrong way on the bike lane.

I guess the two factors that play a role are that (1) bike use is encouraged, and (2) the rules that surround cycling as a traffic participant are clearly defined and enforced.

Anker is correct. I worked as a brewer in a Bavarian brewery where these barrel rails (Fassschienen) are still used. The shape of the barrel itself helps to keep it centred on the wooden rails, so they are used as much as guides for rolling from storage to the filling station to cold storage as they are for loading and unloading.

Actually, Gonzo was originally referred to as a vulture (thus the hooked nose), and the weirdo epithet evolved from his very eccentric interests.

After all, he does bear as much resemblance to a vulture as Sam does to an eagle, or Kermit to a frog for that matter...