As the beginning of my second century- which is to say, the first post of my second hundred (no, I’m not yet that old)- I thought I’d give those of you who stumble across this blog a guide.
This is a road map, as it were, to this meandering record of my thoughts- and it contains the warning signs which go with it.
But first things first: Your map.
- Unlike some blogs, this one is not topical. You’ll find posts on bioethics, science, movies, politics, and culture. You’ll also find prose poems, rants on cultural follies and inadequacies, literary essays, paeans to outstanding achievements, and posts on a smattering of other topics as well- topics which range from Windows Media Player to the Paris-Dakar Rally.
And now: Your warnings.
This is not a blog which I write to keep the world at large updated on my personal life. It covers topics from cosmology to constitutional law, and I take most of those topics very seriously. My posts are largely structured essays, and meant to be read that way. If you want a blog full of amusing anecdotes, cute one-liners, or adorable photographs, you may be disappointed in this one.
Danger – Corrosive.
I’m an enthusiastic smartass and an avid iconoclast, and there are few things that are immune from mockery here. (Two of the sacrosanct subjects are human rights and scientific achievement.) If you expect writers to treat certain topics with reverence because “everyone else” does, because some religious text says so, or because it’s impolite not to, you may be offended by some of the statements here.
Highly Flammable.
I have very definite opinions on the topics on which I write, and I’m not hesitant about expressing them. In detail. If you’re troubled by seeing points of view other than your own challenged and certain behaviors condemned, you should avoid quite a few of the political and ethical posts here.
Warning – High Voltage.
You’ll encounter essays on subjects from torture to abortion to rape on this blog. When I write about abuses of power and ethical dilemmas, I don’t sugar-coat. If you prefer euphemistic treatment of unpleasant subjects, some of these posts will trouble you.
Parental Advisory – Explicit Lyrics/Strong Language.
I have a very good English vocabulary, and I use it. If you’re uncomfortable with precise and extensive use of the language- and I don’t mean the traditional “cuss” words, but caustically critical language that goes into rich detail about certain flaws and candidly exultant praise of certain achievements and knowledge- then some of these posts will frustrate you.
Caution – Uneven Surface.
I’m a lit geek, a science geek, a superhero geek, an SF&F geek- in short, a geek in just about every way it’s possible to be one. You’ll find ample evidence of all my geekery here. If it’s your quest in life to accumulate cool points or associate only with the chronically chilled, this blog will disappoint you in your aim.
…Made it this far? Cheers. I’m glad you’re here.
