The White Stripes

I was just listening to The White Stripes, and I thought I would share one small reason I think they are great.
They did a tour of every province and territory in Canada, something big bands rarely, if ever, do.

The director was interviewed on CBC's show Q, the episode can be listened to here. The actual interview starts at the 44:40 minute mark of the podcast.
I like the Simpsons bit with them too.

Dilution

Oh xkcd how I love you. It's just water people.

Katie Melua is a good sport

I had never heard this story before, but I thought it was pretty funny. Katie Melua wrote a song, and obviously songs are not the place to look for accuracy. Simon Singh wrote an article about it, and she actually wrote a little joke revision. I realize this is a pretty old story, but it's new to me.



The video clip comes from the end of Micheal Shermer's TED talk.
Cheers,
Scott

Penn Jillette on why you should read your Bible and more

For the record, I have read the entire Bible, twice, and was halfway through a third when I decided I just didn't want to anymore. 
There's a new study that suggests anxiety may be at the root of religious extremism.
I've been listening through all the Reasonable Doubts podcast, and just heard the one Determinism v Free Will.
http://doubtreligion.blogspot.com/2009/01/episode-29-free-willy-vs-determinator.html
The idea that we are not uncaused causers makes sense to me. I still have not come down on one side though, and it seems like a very complicated discussion. If anyone else has time to listen to the podcast, I would love to hear others thoughts.
Cheers,
Scott

Knowledge is preferable to ignorance

If I could choose to meet anyone I wanted from the last 100 years, living or dead, my first choice would be Carl Sagan. I have yet to come across a quote or interview I have not thoroughly enjoyed. I think it's time to have a Cosmos party.
The second would probably be Tolkien.
Who would you choose?



I love the quote at the end of that video.
"The significance of our lives and our fragile planet is then determined only by our own wisdom and courage. We are the custodians of life's meaning. We long for a Parent to care for us, to forgive us our errors, to save us from our childish mistakes. But knowledge is preferable to ignorance. Better by far to embrace the hard truth than a reassuring fable. If we crave some cosmic purpose, then let us find ourselves a worthy goal."
Carl Sagan - "A Pale Blue Dot"
Cheers,
Scott