Monthly Archives: March 2008
Evolution: a complex systems perspective
The best way to build a large, complex system that works is to evolve it from a small, simple system that works. – Information technology maxim (cf. Gall’s Law) The most complex and difficult intellectual work performed by humans to … Continue reading
Posted in Belief systems, Environment, LDS Doctrine, Main, Science
3 Comments
Churches of anticipation (pt. 2): baptism [revised]
[UPDATED 03/16/08 -- made some corrections and significant additions] In my earlier posting on “churches of anticipation”, I pointed out some parallels between Alma1 and John the Baptist, noting in particular that while Nephi1 spoke of baptism and his brother … Continue reading
Posted in Book of Mormon, Main
4 Comments
Imago Dei
I wrote nearly a year ago about how US-based Latter-day Saints — unlike members of other major religious groups — tend to be more devout the higher their level of education. In other words, US Mormons with a college degree … Continue reading
Posted in Belief systems, LDS Society, Main
Leave a comment
The Brotherhood of the Beard
[UPDATED 3/12/08: Check out this corresponding post over at The Posts of My House: The Sisterhood of the Slacks. I must confess some real sympathy for the sisters who would rather wear dress slacks than skirts.] We had stake conference … Continue reading
Posted in LDS Society, Main
6 Comments
D&D at BYU (1976)
With the passing this week of Dungeons & Dragons co-inventor Gary Gygax — and was there ever a more perfect name for the inventor of role-playing games? — I’ve reflected a bit on my own introduction to the game and … Continue reading
Posted in BYU, Games, LDS Society, Main
1 Comment
Rapture Index hits 168; film at 11:00
The Rapture Index is one of my guilty pleasures and has been on my bookmarks list for a few years now. Being a computer science geek with professional experience in simulation and modeling (not to mention computer game design), I’m … Continue reading
Posted in Belief systems, Main, World Religions
Leave a comment
Modern-day polygamy…in Iraq
A report from the frontlines: Some of these guys are very active. One old toothless sheik has a very young son from a very young new wife. While I suspect it is possible that there might be more men on … Continue reading
Posted in LDS History, Main, World Religions
Leave a comment
The Trek rebooted
The Trek lives. I actually went out and walked 11 miles on Friday. I got tired of waiting for my various foot and tendon problems to go away, so I simply got out and did the walk. One of my … Continue reading
Posted in Main, The Trek
Leave a comment