Off to the wilds of Oxfordshire 14 May 2010 So, tomorrow I fly to Oxford (well, to Heathrow, and bus to Oxford) to this conference on religion and toleration. It looks to be an interesting conference, and I am commenting on a paper by one of my favourite anthropologist/psychologists, Ara Norenzayan from UBC. It includes such luminaries as Amartya Sen, Robin Dunbar (he of the number), and Patricia Churchland, to name a few. I get to comment for 5 minutes, which makes the carbon footprint of each word I utter something inexpressible. Many thanks to Steve Clarke for the invite. I’m travelling with my daughter as a 21st birthday present, to show her that the world is larger than her country town home (I think she may know this). We’ll meander around the south of England for a few days after the conference before coming home. Administrative Evolution Philosophy Politics Religion AdministrativeEvolutionPhilosophy
Censorship Network censorship by Apple 27 Apr 2010 Everyone who knows me knows I am a Steve Jobs fanboi. I’ve been using Macs since January 1985, and yes, I have an iPhone and I will buy an iPad once I have the cash and they get to a few point upgrades (always a good idea with Apple). I… Read More
Australian stuff David Armstrong dies 17 May 201417 May 2014 I received this message via the Australasian Association of Philosophy: The philosophical community will be saddened to learn that David Malet Armstrong died on the 13th of May after a long illness: two months shy of his 88th birthday. DMA or Armo, as he was affectionately known, is the most… Read More
Evolution Two almost bear patterns from a partial Symocyon of a sesamoid "thumb" 14 Apr 2010 I’m really sorry for that pun. I’ve been waiting for years… Anyway, Laelaps (Brian Switek) has a lovely report on the panda’s “thumb” (actually, the sesamoid wrist bone being independently used by a bear lineage and a lineage closer to racoons than to bears, result in the giant panda and… Read More
Please blow the good people of Oxford West and Abingdon a fat raspberry from me for their appalling decision last Thursday.
Sounds like a good mix for a trip. Hope you both enjoy you’re time here. Was rather taken with the title of Dominic Johnston’s talk. An interesting question.
Ah, Dave. I’m assuming we’re on Stovold’s fourth variation here, given the circus opening? Central laterals counting double and Finsbury Park wild? Inner Ring Road.
Oh, dear! Has anyone warned the good folks of southern England about the impending beer shortage? Have a great time!
To mark the occasion, I will refrain from burning heretics for at least a week. International rules, appendix II. Hollywood/Vine
Thank Robin Dunbar from me for one of the best popular science books ever The Trouble With Science. Theydon Bois
When we were children flying was still special enough to merit a mention. I, 1965 I traveled to the UK via a transport ship—do they still exist? But now it would only be noteworthy if you traveled by ship or dirigible or sub-orbital something-or-other. So, yeah, you traveled to Oxford. I always visit Ely cathedral when I’m in the area, due to a passion for the history.