Blimix

I've just compiled many of the short bits that I enjoyed writing while supporting folks in the writing class. Possibly self-indulgent, but hey, there are double dactyls, twist endings, and a limerick about Tim Minchin.

I built a light box. (The kind you use for treating seasonal affective disorder, not the kind you use for photography.) ( Behind a cut in case you don't care. )

Edit: My friend Tracey asked what I did about UV protection. The answer is that it never occurred to me. However, Wikipedia says that the mercury in fluorescent bulbs primarily emits light with wavelengths of 253.7 and 185 nanometers (nm) (which then hits phosphors to create visible light). This graph on this page shows such wavelengths getting completely absorbed by each type of glass tested. Additionally, this epidemiological study has typical fluorescent UV being much less dangerous than sunlight. Even with my box delivering 4.4 times normal fluorescent light (my estimate), a half-hour session would be equivalent to 17 seconds of sun exposure, even without the glass front absorbing the UV. So I expect it's safe.

The Reason For God, by Timothy Keller, is a work of Christian apologetics. It claims to present a case for god and for Christianity, using reason and logic to appeal to skeptics. It is an example of a class of books that achieve unwarranted sales by virtue of churchgoers buying many copies each, to hand out to unbelievers so that they might be converted. I was one such recipient.

Essentially, these sales constitute a scam. The reasoning presented by the book is so thoroughly and consistently unsound that it cannot appeal to anyone who does not already hold the views of the author. Those buying the book in hopes of winning converts have spent their money (and time) in vain.

I had begun to dissect the logic of the book when I first received it, but quickly lost interest due to the lack of challenge this presented. More recently, a Christian friend of mine began reading the book, and having problems with it. So we began taking notes, and meeting weekly to discuss each chapter. One problem was that Keller's reasoning process was often obscure: There were several points where it was not easy to discern how Keller had intended one idea to support an earlier or later one. The other problem involved the format of the first half of the book: In each chapter, Keller would introduce an objection either to theism or to Christianity in particular, then spend the rest of the chapter trying to argue against that objection. His arguments were so weak (and sometimes incomprehensible) that the still viable objections were pushing my friend toward atheism. I was able to clarify some of the arguments, but even then, they gained no credibility. Keller's system backfired, and in consequence of reading this book, my friend has become more solidly agnostic.

Over the past few months, I have published my notes on the book in serial form. You can find "The Lack of Reason For God" collected here:

• Introduction
  
• Chapter 1: The divisiveness of Christianity.
  
• Chapter 2: Why does god allow evil?
  
• Chapter 3: Christianity's restrictions on intellectual freedom.
  
• Chapter 4: Injustice in the name of Christianity.
  
• Chapter 5: A loving god sends people to Hell.
  
• Chapter 6: The conflict between science and Christianity.
  
• Chapter 7: Can you take the Bible literally?
  
• Intermission: A switch from arguing against skepticism to arguing for theism and Christianity. Also bad epistemology.
  
• Chapter 8: Evidence for the existence of god.
  
• Chapter 9: Atheists really believe in god.
  
• Chapter 10: Building one's identity without god.
  
• Chapter 11: Salvation through god's grace rather than good works.
  
• Chapter 12: The crucifixion.
  
• Chapter 13: The resurrection.
  
• Chapter 14: The holy trinity.
  
• Epilogue: Conversion.
  
  This post, collecting the entries, would be a suitable place to comment on the project as a whole, on the book, or even on the field of Christian apologetics. However, if you are looking for a religion debate with a stranger, look elsewhere. (This includes you, Timothy Keller. Straw man arguments make baby Jesus cry.) If you're a friend of mine looking for a religion debate, I'm game, and we can surely find a better venue than the comments section.

My green belt sword form video. It's finally public! ( Why did it take a year? )

Coriolanus was brilliant. Great acting, direction, and sound design. I particularly appreciated the silent and comic "straight man" expressions by minor characters when the lead characters behaved unexpectedly. This was my first time seeing a National Theatre Live production, and I love the concept. It's way cheaper than seeing a live show, and the cameras get the best seats in the house (so we do too). (Thanks to cluegirl for gathering us to see it!)

I just finished reading the Iliad. There's an unintentionally silly bit at the end of the wrestling match between Odysseus and Great Ajax, during the funeral games for Patroclus. It struck me as so odd that I decided to write a short, funny story around it. (Note: Familiarity with the Iliad is not necessary to enjoy this.)

Here it is: Conundrum of the Prizes

Gratuitous links: Goblins: I'd describe it as yet another fantasy gamer comic, but that's a different comic (and a decent one at that). "Goblins" got really good after a while: Keep reading; it's worth it.

leora reminds us of what the election is about.

I really hadn't meant to do this so soon. I just mentioned to Jay my intention to eventually gather people to fix the "Order of the Stick" game, and got roped into discussing it right then and there. We hammered out a bunch of ideas. And because I can't bring myself to publish something unpolished, my attempt to clean it up for my website turned into many hours of further creation. I'm rather proud of some of my shtick ideas.

Anyway, here you go: House Rules for "Order of the Stick: The Dungeon of Dorukan"

It is yet unfinished. I still need more input, more ideas. But it's a good chunk of work done.

... a bit nervous. I just posted my first YouTube video. It's me playing a medley of Jonathan Coulton songs, so if you're not already a fan, it'll probably be a bit confusing.

Here it is.