Here it is, the long-awaited (and long-winded) explanation of my recent life-changing moment of realization and clarity ( Read more... )

I've been thinking about how ill-equipped evolution has left us to deal with the rapidly expanding borders of our personal universes. The human race grew up in tribes and villages where everybody knew everybody else. Sure there were liars, thieves, and charlatans, there always have been. But they had to practice a little more restraint, because if ( Read more... )

So I figured I'd try out a new restaurant that opened up near the office recently called Twin Peaks (turns out it's a small chain with locations mostly in Texas). The sign out front boasted scenic views. I found out they weren't talking about the Sandia mountains. It's like a lumberjack-themed Hooters. The twin peaks I had a scenic view of belonged ( Read more... )

I had an odd thought about the trend towards obesity in the US. I was thinking about how people live in places where something we consider essential to a healthy diet is scarce. They adapt somehow, and their bodies learn to get along without. I'm wondering if obesity might be linked to the variety in our diets. We eat Indian food, Chinese food, ( Read more... )

I'm interested to hear what people think of this definition of conservativism:

Conservativism is the belief that there exist certain things which it is of critical importance not to appear to condone.

Every once in a while I get these little scenes in my head. I have this intermittent experiment with minimalist literature regarding them. I try to see how little I can write and still get the scene to come out. I'm always interested to know what other people see in their heads when they read what I've written. Can they see the walls of the room in ( Read more... )

So, what are your thoughts on the concept of free will?

How would you define the word "power"?

Brief overview for those who don't know what I'm referring to (and please feel free to correct any inaccuracies, I am nothing like an expert): Intelligent Design is a theory proposed as an alternate to evolution and other currently held scientific theories to explain the origin of the species (and the universe). In essence it proposes that the ( Read more... )

Is there an order, a meaning, and a purpose to existence? Is there a great plan to everything, and am I then a part of this plan? Is the planner so wise that I cannot fail in my part, because everything I am and do, even my weaknesses and failings, are part of this plan? Or is it in fact important that I get this right somehow, though I truly don't ( Read more... )