California Academy of Sciences, w00t

[twirlgrrl]

I am so excited to visit the brand new fancy California Academy of Sciences. Yeah, I know what you're thinking. But just because I don't believe in evolution doesn't mean I can't enjoy a good science museum. LOL! Actually I've been thinking about how simplistic "I don't believe in evolution" sounds. There are actually a million ways to not believe in evolution and also a million ways to believe in evolution, starting with 'what does evolution actually mean?' The whole thing is so complex and I've been meaning to post about it someday. But it would take a lot of time, energy, and links to even BEGIN to explore that topic. Plus, I'm not actually interested in science (you're shocked, huh?) enough to debate specific points, and there's only so much one can get out of debating a matter of faith anyway. The only reason I mentioned it in the first place, many moons ago, was to say hello, I'm not a total idiot in all walks of life (hi Sarah Palin) and I don't technically believe in evolution. I lost a couple LJ friends on the spot because I'm obviously an OMG CRAZY RIGHT-WING FREAK (which would be pretty hard to believe, if you've read any of my posts at all for example) but I've been meaning to elaborate ever since. For now, let me just say I prefer the term "adaptation" to the term "microevolution." Also, adaptation = scrambled DNA, not new genetic material, and certainly not whole new species. Holes in fossil record, no observable new species development, floods, fossil record, carbon dating, volcanoes, blah blah blah. See what I mean?

Anyway, I'm super excited to visit the new museum. We have a membership, even. So they send us cool emails with links to images like this Chinese mushroom:

http://www.calacademy.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=7064

Click it, you'll like it!

I might as well face it, I'm addicted to lulz. Also emoticons. I can't kick the habit. Please, everyone, just try to accept this. I'm too lazy (well, and pressed for time and energy) to figure out how to make my writing convey my emotional intent adequately. Emoticons are so EASY.

:)

=X

D:

;)


I fell into a work hole so I've been reading but not responding much. Also I've been really bad about replying to voicemails etc. I apologize.



P.S. The last time I mentioned evolution in a post, I know my entire FL held their hands to their faces in horror, but eac also thought to ask a question, which was really great and I appreciated it very very much. The question was Do I believe creationism should be taught in schools, and the answer was No. I say this to thank eac again, and also to emphasize that I am always, always open for questions about anything. No topic is taboo.

Comments

[alexisyael.livejournal.com]

well, I missed that drama! Personally, I'm a fan of science and the idea of evolution, but I tend to think of it more in terms of adaptation, too (hardcore evolution seriously annoys me!) and in terms of creation/ the beginning/ G-d, I tend to think in terms of metaphor and humanity's fallibility (in other words, I don't think we can know, we're just too human. Which is the same for science and religion, IMO.)

I was PISSED the CAoS wasn't opened yet when we were in the Bay Area in May. It looks like it is SPECTACULAR!

That mushroom was very pretty, btw. Even Remy agreed :D Also, I share your love of LULZ and emoticons. Obvy. <3

[twirlgrrl.livejournal.com]

"in other words, I don't think we can know, we're just too human."

EXACTLY. I feel the same way. Which is one of the reasons why I don't get into debating it all that much, though I do love to talk about it (and politics, religion, sexuality, all the supposedly-taboo subjects.) My comfort level with varying belief systems is high.

I personally get off on the idea of being able to ask God questions someday. I know that sounds goofy to a lot of people but I'm excited about it.

You'll have to come out again! I'd LOVE to go to the museum with you. That sounds like the perfect thing for Blue and Remy to do together too. :D and double :D !!!

[alexisyael.livejournal.com]

We're going to be briefly in SF in ebruary (I'm not sure how long for, if Rems and I are going to stay extra or not) since I'm officiating at a wedding in Monterrey (whether legally or not, is up to Prop 8 not passing).

I think hitting up the CAoS will be high on our to-do list! YAY!!!! Meet up!

[twirlgrrl.livejournal.com]

Oooooooooooh, really? I am so excited! Stay extra! I know you have a million peeps here, but add us to your list of kid-friendly places to stay.

[alexisyael.livejournal.com]

We're not staying with any relatives this trip (hopefully... M is in agreement with me on this one) so we have less peeps this time. I'm still pretty annoyed at how our last trip went. I'll put you at the top of the list, if the trip gets extended at all :D

I miss the Bay Area <3

[twirlgrrl.livejournal.com]

Oh, yay for being at the top of the list! *does happy dance*

As an aside... you are the BEST commenter EVER, lady, and I am loving having you on my FL.

[alexisyael.livejournal.com]

I aim to please... and have lots of computer time, as Remy has a bit of a youtube addiction right now.

[tellinellen.livejournal.com]

i totally want to crash the party and combine a trip to SF w a meeting-lexie party!

[alexisyael.livejournal.com]

That would be made of awesome in so many different ways!!!!!!!!!!

[alexisyael.livejournal.com]

PS: I totally grok your excitement :D I'm not entirely sure there's anybody/thing to ask but it'd be HELLA cool if there were!

[twirlgrrl.livejournal.com]

Wouldn't it though? WOW!! I'd probably hang around and listen to other people ask questions... the hardcore science geeks, especially. That would be so fun!

[alexisyael.livejournal.com]

Hell yeah, that would be fun!

[eac.livejournal.com]

Well, the question about whether creationism is taught in (public) schools as a scientific tenet is where my fury on the subject starts -- though I know and love you, so I probably would find some way to let it go even if you want creationism in the schools.

And I had this *sense* - silly me - that you weren't a terrifying right wing person.

Also - replying here because I didn't reply before - Thursday is the only day for a toddler free lunch, but perhaps we could meet somewhere with Kat in tow (Tuesday, Wednesday?) sometime. We could come to you.

(I am also looking forward to the Academy - I think Kate is going to LOVE it. We're waiting for the lines to shrink a bit before braving it, though.)

[twirlgrrl.livejournal.com]

And the fact that you would draw a line there, instead of being furious at people for believing it at all, fills me with admiration for your good sense.

Toddler-free is nice, I understand, but certainly not a necessity on this end! I haven't seen Kat in a million years and I miss her! Maybe she would have fun playing with Blue's toys when he's not around to grab them out of her hands. :) So yes. I'll pitch a day via email soon.

We're definitely waiting for lines shrinking, too. Plus, a good day to keep Blue out of preschool.

[ninjalie.livejournal.com]

Yeah I think we had this conversation in person at one point and I remember initially being shocked that you didn't believe in evolution but I don't care as long as you don't believe some far out impossible shit and even then it's really none of my business. I trust that you're the kind of person who believes something because you've put a lot of thought into it and it makes sense to you. Emoticons rock for expressing feelings over the internet I do it all the time. T_T that's my sulky one >_> that's my shit i've been called out or suspicious one. 0_o that's my observant one. and :") is for blushing of course!

[lavender-eve.livejournal.com]

when i was in high school we were taught evolution in science class. one of the students asked our teacher if he was christian and if so how could he justify teaching the theory of evolution. our teacher explained that he believed in evolution but that he thought it still could fit with christian beliefs of creationism. he asked the question, "how long is a day?" we, of course, replied it is twenty-four hours. he asked us if we were sure and went on to explain his theory that the seven periods of developent in the earths history could be considered seven days to an infinite God.

it is still something i think about when i consider different theories. i wish i could state what i believe but i'm still not sure. i'm only discovering my own spirituality in the last few years.

[twirlgrrl.livejournal.com]

Yeah, a lot of people find ways to fit the two together; I don't think they're entirely mutually exclusive but I don't care enough to try to hammer out the details for myself. Certainly there are many ways to interpret all the time periods mentioned in the Bible. I am excited to find out what it all means someday but I think that some things are just plain unknowable right now. :)