Hi. I’m pinakidion, Scott’s long-lost friend.
It’s a Greek word, it means “writing tablet”. Pink is easier to say. I’m secure enough that I can deal with being called Pink.
I’ve been absent on my own site, but since I was graciously asked to fill in next week, I figured a preemptive strike was in order.
I miss the Religious Ride, I really do. I wish that I could make the time to call, but if it’s not late night, it cannot happen. I enjoy a religious discussion, though not a theological debate. There’s a difference – debates are usually produced by two people that will not change their fundamental position. Minor points may be conceded, but a good debater prepares the points to concede in advance. One person in my denomination held a debate with nontheist Michael Shermer, founder of Skeptic magazine. The only reports I’ve seen declare Jacoby the winner. Now the debate is on sale for $10. Shermer doesn’t even mention the debate after it occurred as far as I can google. Let me know if you find any commentary on the debate between Michael Shermer and Douglas Jacoby on June 23,2007. (Don’t count the Orange County Atheists or a post on Amazon.com’s boards)
Discussion, though, is more enjoyable. Points aren’t fixed and it’s easier to discuss. It doesn’t have to be deep stuff, either. Scott posts about Sun Tzu, and that’s great. There’s a lot to learn from Sun Tzu. Believe it or not, there can even be discussion about predestination. I wouldn’t look for it on the Pyromaniacs site, but it can be found. And, contrary to some beliefs, the result of a discussion can be something besides, “You have your way, I have mine.”
In any case, I miss the ride, if for no other reason than to hear Scott speak.
In the other taboo topic, Karl Rove resigned. This prompted John Edwards to declare, “Goodbye. Good riddance.” This also seems to be JE’s policy on Iraq.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a liberal, but a candidate doesn’t need a statement for *everything*. I haven’t done a search, but I wonder if he commented on Paris Hilton. He used to be an attorney, you know.
Maybe the Unity08 people should let Stephen Colbert run for president.
Anywho, that’s enough fodder for now. See you next week.