Changing ones mind

It's been several months since I've had time to do any entries. That does not mean the thinking has stopped. If it had, then maybe I would have stopped? Lately something I've been pondering is changing your mind or deconversion from previous beliefs. Many of the people who know me know I've changed my beliefs a lot in the last decade. I feel it very keenly sometimes. I think the video below explains how ones belief slowly can be eroded away. He's specifically talking about belief in g0d, but I think it can apply to anything. I know it's sort of how it worked for me. Enough points get countered strongly enough, you just end up waking up one day believing something different. On a slightly related note, I asked a friend a few months back what started him on his road to deconversion. To paraphrase my memory of what he said, he said that instead of just reading the quotes that apologists would use, he went to the source material. Finding that Christian apologists tend to distort and 'lie for Jesus' makes it hard to buy into their arguments. That's a specific reason not to believe, but as the video shows, it takes more than just one specific reason.

WNYC - Radiolab Is Awesome

I know I'm probably one of the last people to have started listening to Radiolab. I've listened to the oldest three episodes that itunes has, each from 2007. All three have left me feeling excited and wishing my vocabulary was bigger. Not that the show is hard to understand. I just wish my brain would not keep saying, "This is such a "expletive of your choice" amazing podcast."
The most memorable phrase from the Who Am I episode was that you are one head injury away from being a completely different person. The ramifications of that have me a little dumbfounded. The Placebo episode also has me seriously pondering the amazing ability our bodies have to heal ourselves. Something that does not exist can cure you. Well, at least 25% of the time, but you'll have to listen to get the whole story.
Anyways, if anyone has room for one more podcast to fit into their play list, I would strongly, energetically, beseechingly, heartily, and vigorously encourage everyone to listen to Radiolab! I'm looking forward to a road trip soon, just so I can listen to 30+ hours of it.  Though my lovely wife might not be so keen. Who am I kidding. She's intelligent and beautiful, and intelligent beautiful people love Radiolab.
Cheers,
Scott

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