Since rejecting theism it took me quite awhile to warm up what we called “Darwinism,” which was our way of painting the other side as a bunch of fanatics who worshipped Charles Darwin and were out to destroy Christianity, so oppressed were we. *snort*

Since then I learned what evolution is, its impacts and the science that has come from it. Since Christian biology class mandates that you learn a Christian-filtered critique of “Darwinism” than hold any real discussion on the theory of evolution, most arguments supporting the theory (outside of the theory itself) have been formulated independent of others’ opinions. In the past year, I’ve been learning more about what others say about it via blogs and topical websites, as well as discussion forums.

Two topics I’m interested in: learning more about the theory of evolution as it pertains to origins. The topic of human origins is where are the controversy is. It’s the topic that really pisses off the fundie circus known as the religious right. I’d also like to learn from people who are more outspoken against the fundamentalists. For that reason, I went to Barnes and Noble.

Lucky for me, they had what I was looking for. There was a small section dedicated to Richard Dawkins, and “The Singularity is Near” by Ray Kurzweil. That’s another thing, bio-singularity. I was first introduced to it by following the Dresden Codak webcomic and forum. I haven’t made up my mind on the matter one way or another, but it definitely piqued my interest.

However, I didn’t buy those books. The reason: I’m already in the middle of several other books, and Barnes & Noble didn’t have ‘em in hardcover. That’s just how I roll.

However, I did pick up some others that were on my literary To-Do list. They were on a shelf marked “buy two get one free.” Y’know, like cigarettes:

• The Arabian Nights
• Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
• Candide - Voltaire
• The Federalist - Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay
• Paradise Lost - John Milton
• Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
• The Origin of Species - Charles Darwin

Total cost: $45. All are in paperback, save for Douglass, which I found in the bargain bin.

In anticipation of my Composition 2 class this fall, I’m working on my sorry-ass writing skills. I have a copy of “The Call to Write,” a textbook for a similar such class at the University of St. Francis. Also working my way through “The Everyday Writer,” another one sold at Uni of SF. I ought to be done with both of them (or close to done) by the time I start this class in the fall. It has been 6 years since I passed my first Composition class, so I’d like to be prepared.

More so, I feel that in order to master the art of writing one must read constantly. I’m almost done with The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger, which has taught me a thing or two about the narrative style. It makes me think of a sober version of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Next on my list is either going to be Dante’s Inferno, the Life of Frederick Douglass, Julius Caesar (Shakespeare) or The Hobbit. I’ll let you know when I make up my mind.

Some filler for the transition:

“While we may never know the answers, Scott McClellan alone will have to wrestle with whether it was worth selling out the president and his friends for a few pieces of silver.” - comment from Republican Lamar Smith to Scott McClellan over his book chronicling the corruption of the Bush Administration during his time as a White House aide.

The important phrase here is “for a few pieces of silver.” This is what anchors the whole statement–a biblical reference to the betrayal of Jesus by his disciple Judas for thirty pieces of silver.

I’m not bothered by the comparison of McClellan to Judas. From the Administration’s view that one is easy to understand. What I find troubling is the equation of Bush to Jesus in the same reference. WTF?

People, this is the kind of batshit mindset we’re up against.

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Things are coming along with the redesign. Once I get a handle on this whole theming process, everything else should fall into place.