…and this is a 
Well, Auburn, actually. I'm visiting family this week and mainly holing up in my mother's house to type. She doesn't have an Internet connection, and no nearby wireless. It's like moving into the backwoods, so I'm going to be a bit throttled for a while. But I shall get much done!
I'm entering this brief note on my iPad 3G, which I've found to be bit flaky with MovableType. This may manifest itself as a blank entry, in which case I'll be very frustrated and you won't even know it.
At least the sun is shining and there are mountains and trees and oceans around here, even if this Internet thingie is glitchy.
Comments
Posted by: PZ Myers
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July 24, 2010 2:13 PM
Yay! I'm not frustrated!
Posted by: nejishiki
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July 24, 2010 2:15 PM
Living in your mom's basement? What are you, a mathematician?
Posted by: Evil Merodach
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July 24, 2010 2:29 PM
Thanks for bringing the sun with you, PZ! Summer has been intermittent around here this year.
If you need to get out for a few hours I'm sure there are a lot of Seattlites who would be honored to buy you a beer.
Posted by: gillt
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July 24, 2010 2:34 PM
You could crash a University of Washington sponsored molecular biology and evolution program graduate cookout today.
nerds 'n beer!
Posted by: CanadianChick
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July 24, 2010 2:38 PM
Yay! If you're in Auburn, you're that much closer to Vancouver! I'm looking forward to the 30th!!
Um...do you have a preference as far as cupcake flavours are concerned??
Posted by: recovering catholic
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July 24, 2010 2:44 PM
Is that the clackety-clack of an old Smith Corona manual I hear in the background?
Posted by: anthrosciguy
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July 24, 2010 2:46 PM
You know it's a little bizarre that after decades of internet and computers anyone should still have to be at all surprised that their computer/internet thingie didn't screw up. This isn't an Apple dig, just an overall observation. It happenes in all sorts of ways with all sorts of computers doing very common, simple things. Why can't they all get along?
Have fun in Seattle. Weather's nice; cool compared to most places in North America, nice summer temps.
Posted by: Jennifer
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July 24, 2010 2:50 PM
Has anyone seen this or the book?
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2010/0724/1224275393588.html?sms_ss=facebook
Interesting. Do you think you all could produce the sequel?
Posted by: https://openid.org/cujo359
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July 24, 2010 2:52 PM
In this area, most coffee shops, many King County facilities, and all King County libraries have wireless. You shouldn't have to be off the Net if you don't want to.
Posted by: sudomabinusri
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July 24, 2010 3:00 PM
Yeah, just in time for a heat wave; it's supposed to be 85 tomorrow.
Posted by: H.H.
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July 24, 2010 3:03 PM
Has any information on PZ's book been released yet? Do we even know whether it's going to be mostly a science and evolution book or is it going to be about faith and religion? While I'd be more interested in PZ's thoughts on the latter I'll probably end up buying the book regardless. Just curious.
Posted by: JagyrEbonwood
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July 24, 2010 3:08 PM
I read Pharyngula on my iPod Touch a lot, but I almost never post replies with it...Apple devices are not fans of MovableType.
Posted by: YetAnotherAtheist
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July 24, 2010 3:10 PM
Living in your mom's basement? What are you, a computer programmer?
*looks at himself*
Ah...
Posted by: Brian
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July 24, 2010 3:11 PM
Do keep us posted re any Seattle-based excursions. Not to distract you from the typing or anything. Writing is Serious Business.
Posted by: Cannabinaceae
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July 24, 2010 3:22 PM
If it were me, I'd hang out at Zeitgeist. Then I'd walk down to the ferry terminal, go over to Bainbridge, and hang out at the Harbor House.
Posted by: Zeno
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July 24, 2010 3:24 PM
Hey! I resemble that remark!
Okay. Not anymore. In the good old days, though, I even got Dad to install a blackboard in the basement. I mean, how was life even possible without one?
Later my kid brother inherited it and used it to write out and memorize lyrics of pop songs (by Kiss!). The memory of that desecration stays with me.
Posted by: Lynna, OM
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July 24, 2010 3:28 PM
PZ, I was in Seattle recently for my son's wedding. I loved the arboretum for forest scenery; Bimbos (café) for the atmosphere and interactions with Seattle's gay community; shopping for flowers early in the morning at the Public Market on Pike Street (nearby are great cheese curds at Beechers -- get 'em fresh, and there's a great crumpet/tea shop nearby). Ray's Boathouse offers a good view of Puget Sound, along with fish dishes that are quite good without quite rising to gourmet level.
In short, I suggest just a few breaks from your book-writing schedule to refresh yourself. Enjoy.
My daughter took her iPad to Seattle for the wedding activities, and we used it constantly for directions, street maps, communication, playing games, playing music, downloading photos, taking notes, etc.
Posted by: rynilss
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July 24, 2010 3:29 PM
Posted by: Shplane, some shit in french
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July 24, 2010 3:38 PM
Well there's your problem right there.
Posted by: beth.lehman
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July 24, 2010 3:39 PM
Yay! I live in Auburn! But you grew up in Kent, so you know it's all the same place, really, Auburn just has more trees. It is so nice today, I think I'm going to go hiking at Saltwater State Park.
I love all the tourist suggestions from people for this area. I grew up around here, so I haven't done a lot of the stuff people do when they visit. It's interesting to hear what people like about the area. =D
Posted by: sandiseattle
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July 24, 2010 3:54 PM
welcome back to the old stomping ground.
Posted by: Ophelia Benson
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July 24, 2010 3:57 PM
Oh hey, in the nabe are you. Well if you do come to Seattle I'd love to let you buy me a beer.
Posted by: sandiseattle
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July 24, 2010 4:00 PM
I'd offer to buy PZ a beer too, 'cept for the fact I'm broke and just had some may-jor drama involving alcohol.
Posted by: ThirdMonkey
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July 24, 2010 4:03 PM
Let us know if you want to get some beers. I can recommend lots of great places around Ballard or Fremont. Buying you a pint (or several) is the least I can do.
Posted by: irenedelse
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July 24, 2010 4:04 PM
Good to know. Another reason to be wary of iThings, then.
Posted by: MosesZD
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July 24, 2010 4:34 PM
Good to know. Another reason to be wary of iThings, then.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWUXOT2lvAg
Darth Jobs...
Posted by: KillJoy
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July 24, 2010 4:41 PM
Sweet.
At least its pretty for your visit!
As was mentioned earlier up thread, summer has been kind of unsummery this year. Im sure youve heard this alot, but there are a bunch of people who would be happy to buy you a beer. I know at least a dozen of them right off the top of my head. :P
KJ
Posted by: skepticmatt
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July 24, 2010 4:48 PM
Seattle! Well, Kent, actually. Visiting my brother, and i've been pleasantly suprised at how much free WiFi there is since the last time I was here (about 5 years).
If you're here on Sunday and don't mind a bit of a drive these guys meet at northgate.
Posted by: Khantron
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July 24, 2010 5:17 PM
I bet it's nice to know that wherever you go, people will be willing to buy you alcohol. Not that I wouldn't, but I don't really expect to see you on the ave.
Posted by: lorigb
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July 24, 2010 6:17 PM
You know the one thing I regret about my Seattle trip a couple months ago? Where we camped. I didn't realize that out west there's approximately twelve campgrounds per square mile, so I felt like I should make a reservation since we were going to be there over Memorial Day weekend...and the only place I could find online to make a reservation was the KOA in Kent. Lame, lame campground. I feel like the fact that it rained the entire time we were there (which we expected) would have been mitigated if we'd stayed at a nicer, less commercial campground. On the way home, we stopped at Rainbow Falls, which was absolutely beautiful and I wish we could've stayed somewhere like that.
Other than the crap campsite (and the fact that I paid $6 for a pint of Guinness at some bar in Kent, holy shit expensive compared to Iowa) we had a pretty awesome trip. I was super excited about going to the Science Fiction Museum and the Science Center (which was way better than the one in Des Moines).
Good luck with actually concentrating on writing!
Posted by: Silič O'Nopolitanopoulos, Färschdbischuf Beesknees aus Ulm und Klein Elguth, Elector Pharynguline.
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July 24, 2010 6:19 PM
I strongly suspect the whole point of the exercise is to be incommunicado.Posted by: MaverickNY
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July 24, 2010 6:19 PM
Hah! So while you're busy finishing your book and escaping from civilisation for a break, the creationists are sadly winning prizes for their zoos, of all things:
http://layscience.net/node/1078
Posted by: Nerd of Redhead, OM
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July 24, 2010 6:30 PM
MaverickNy, old news. You should always check first. Saves embarrassment later...Posted by: Newman
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July 24, 2010 6:46 PM
Heh. I love hearing 'Auburn' and 'backwoods' in the same paragraph. Regardless of geography. Roll Tide!
Posted by: bbreuer
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July 24, 2010 7:03 PM
Good luck to you! i just wish I was as isolated here as you think you may be isolated there. (Nor am I likely to get much done here, I guess.) Just get out on a long hike every second day, or so. That should keep your (and your publication's) sanity.
Posted by: https://me.yahoo.com/a/ZPvZAcM.w_yR65KeExFORxamfzZn1tUu5sw-#01472
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July 24, 2010 7:04 PM
@11
I met PZ at the Irish Atheists meet up and he said it would be about faith/religion. Although considering the argument from design and the fact that he's a biology professor I imagine evolution/science would come up.
Posted by: Nerd of Redhead, OM
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July 24, 2010 7:07 PM
PZ has given us a title. How tongue in cheek it is, I can't say: Science Rules, Religion Droolz.
Posted by: 'Tis Himself, Quel Dommage
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July 24, 2010 7:22 PM
There are platforms where MovableType isn't flaky?
Posted by: Ophelia Benson
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July 24, 2010 7:30 PM
How come none of you bastards want to buy me a beer? I'm right here in Seattle all the damn time, and do you come rushing up to offer to buy me a beer? Pffffffffff - it's PZ or nothing with you.
Posted by: 'Tis Himself, Quel Dommage
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July 24, 2010 7:37 PM
Ophelia, the next time you're in southeastern Connecticut give me a yell. I'll buy you two beers.
Posted by: PZ Myers
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July 24, 2010 7:47 PM
I'd be happy to buy Ophelia Benson a beer. When? Where?
Tuesday is good for me.
Posted by: Ophelia Benson
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July 24, 2010 7:58 PM
Tuesday it is. Wherever - the market, Pioneer Square, wherever.
Posted by: Ophelia Benson
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July 24, 2010 8:14 PM
Hey, what happened to all the volunteers to buy us a beer (each)?
Posted by: EboTebo
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July 24, 2010 8:18 PM
Used to live there myself, but was a wee tike, oh so many years ago when we left for the wilds of Oregon. Summer is beautiful on the Puget Sound.Lots of wind at anytime but far more blue sky at this time of year. I wish you well on your writing. I just did the few days of jonesing without pharyngula so I'm pretty sure I'll be able to make it a bit longer, if thats what it takes for you to get that book out! Cheers!
Posted by: Katrina, radicales féministes athées
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July 24, 2010 8:25 PM
I'm just across the sound from Seattle. Wish I could join you and Ophelia for that beer.
Posted by: PZ Myers
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July 24, 2010 8:25 PM
OK, Tuesday, early evening, somewhere near pioneer square/pike place market. Some local narrow it down some more -- I have no idea what's there anymore.
Posted by: 朴競花/박경화 (Gyeong Hwa)
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July 24, 2010 8:28 PM
Because I don't do beer, Ophelia. How about some absolute? I'll buy you one too PZ. I know I gay bar that serves them for only $3.50.
Posted by: A. Noyd
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July 24, 2010 8:31 PM
Ophelia Benson (#39)
WTF, you live in Seattle? I did not know this! And you were a keeper at WPZ, too?! *boggle* Were you a gorilla keeper there as well as an elephant keeper or was that another zoo? (I ask because I've been volunteering in gorillas for over a year now.)
Posted by: Sven DiMilo
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July 24, 2010 8:38 PM
well there's a sentence you don't read every day.
Posted by: Ophelia Benson
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July 24, 2010 8:44 PM
Whatever - lemonade, for that matter. Some other local should pick an actual place, because I'm a nerd and never go anywhere.
A. - ha! Funny you should ask! I wasn't a gorilla keeper but I did volunteer there - every damn day, for awhile, because I was so into it. Are Nina and Pete still alive?
Volunteering in gorillas is a perfectly meaningful phrase, to me.
Posted by: KillJoy
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July 24, 2010 9:01 PM
Pike place brewery?
There's also an irish pub I cant remember the name of on second. There's a ton of stuff in pioneer square, but I never go to any of the bars there. Im usually to be found hanging out on Cap Hill. :P I work in down town on 3rd, so you know...if you wanted to do pike place brewery around 5:30 or 6 It would make it easier for me stalk....i mean...buy you a beer. XD
KJ
Posted by: PZ Myers
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July 24, 2010 9:09 PM
Pike place brewery sounds good to me. Unless someone suggests something better, let's go for it.
Posted by: great.american.satan
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July 24, 2010 9:15 PM
Auburn is my old stomping grounds! I've walked up and down the length of it hundreds of times, from its southernmost vestigial organs Pacific and Algona all the way to Kent. Went to Auburn Sr. High and Green River Community College. I fucking hate that town!
I used to see these birds there in the middle of the night, which -as near as internet will allow me to determine- must have been common poorwills. And big flocks of them at that. Those I liked a lot. But Auburn on the whole, yes, it can burn in hell, PZ progenitors and relations excepted.
Posted by: Ophelia Benson
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July 24, 2010 9:17 PM
Pike Place brewery it is.
Posted by: great.american.satan
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July 24, 2010 9:34 PM
Oh man... I could totally go see PZ Myers and Ophelia Benson after I get off work Tuesday... That sounds awesome, but I just don't think I can hack it. Work wears me out too mightily. Curses!
You should go to Cowgirls, because from what I understand it's horrible. And you should always try to come away from a place with a story to tell. Or you could see my girlfriend's art at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer institute, in the cafeteria.
Well, nevermind. Have a good time, y'all.
Ophelia - Any chance the cutest prosimians in the world (the WPZ slow lorises) will be seen again? Newest press release says they're still around, off display. Hell, I'd settle for video feed. Loris-cam.
Posted by: Muskiet
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July 24, 2010 9:38 PM
Dude... seriously?
Is your definition of "intermittent" between 85 and 95 degrees for the last two months?
Posted by: CanadianChick
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July 24, 2010 9:54 PM
Ophelia, come up to Vancouver on Friday and I'll buy you BOTH a beer...or whatever other beverage you'd like. AND I'll throw in a cupcake - if PZ doesn't indicate a flavour choice they will be chocolate.
Posted by: Katrina, radicales féministes athées
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July 24, 2010 10:31 PM
@Muskiet: over here in the Seattle area, it was 65 and raining for most of June. July has been better, but we've only hit the 80's a handful of times.
Posted by: The Gregarious Misanthrope
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July 24, 2010 11:17 PM
Curses! I'll be in Kansas Tuesday otherwise I'd be there. Well, enjoy!
Posted by: A. Noyd
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July 24, 2010 11:35 PM
Ophelia Benson (#50)
Yep, and doing quite well for old folks. The zoo's trying to get a new male to take over Pete's troop, though, to let him retire in peace away from the ladies. They like to start all sorts of commotions and steal his snacks, poor guy.
It's so completely amazing having close contact with another species of great ape. Humans really aren't as special as we like to pretend. I thought I understood that before, but it's way more meaningful now.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Katrina (#58)
I heard there wasn't a single day in June that didn't have rain, but I don't know if that's accurate. Sure seemed like it.
Posted by: Katrina, radicales féministes athées
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July 24, 2010 11:39 PM
A. Noyd:
I wouldn't be surprised. There were a lot of gray and misty days, when it wasn't raining outright. I've liked these cool in the morning - clear and hot in the afternoon days that we've been having in July. Keeps the temps reasonable, and makes for good sleeping weather.
Posted by: jcmartz.myopenid.com
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July 24, 2010 11:46 PM
You're practically in DI's backyard.
Posted by: great.american.satan
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July 25, 2010 12:01 AM
jc-
To our very great shame. Aren't they on the east side of lake washington though? That means they're in OUR backyard. The creeps.
Posted by: sudomabinusri
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July 25, 2010 12:12 AM
Uh oh, Tuesday evening, the wife will be out of town, it's three hours round trip. Umm...
Posted by: B166ER
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July 25, 2010 1:01 AM
As a native of the Seattle area, I hope I can make it out and have a beer with "the one who got away" from Kent! It would be interesting to have a fun, science loving evening at the brewery!
No Gods, No Masters
Cameron
Posted by: Janey Mack
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July 25, 2010 4:28 AM
Dammit! My very Christian, teetotaler mother just showed up in town. somehow, I don't think "I want to drive 3 hours from the coast to Seattle (one way) to hang out with a bunch of atheists in a bar" would go over very well, so I don't think I'll be joining you.Otherwise, I totally would.
Posted by: ThirdMonkey
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July 25, 2010 12:06 PM
Pike Place Brewery on Tuesday. Awesome! I'll be there. What time?
Posted by: krc [clowersnet.net]
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July 25, 2010 1:06 PM
I'll be there too, if I can get back down from Everett in time. I'm excited for my first Pharyngula meetup!
Posted by: Ophelia Benson
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July 25, 2010 1:43 PM
Someone said 5:30 to 6ish, is that right?
great.american.satan - aren't slow lorises swell? I don't know zoo news though, my time there was decades ago.
A. Noyd - in my day Pete was the one who made ruckuses! Always bugging poor Kiki, who was kind of a reluctant silverback. That's probably why he died so young. Sniff.
Posted by: KillJoy
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July 25, 2010 4:34 PM
Yeah, 6ish was my suggestion, if folks want to do another time I'm down with that too. I just cant stay out drinking TOO late, I have to haul my ass out of bed at 5 the next morning.
At any rate, looking forward to meeting both PZ and Ophelia. And all the other Seattle pharyngulites as well. Squee. Thats right. You heard me. Squee.
KJ