California Academy of Sciences

[beckyalvarez]

I am going to be going to the Academy in February and this visit I am going to focus on evolution. I have read Jerry Coyne's Why Evolution is True, Richard Dawkins The Greatest Show on Earth and Origin of the Species. I have read several other books about science. Can anyone recommend any other books that I should read to enhance my visit to the Academy? It will be my second visit to the academy but this time I want to see the evidence for evolution specifically.
My background is that I was raised and lived for 40 years in a fundamentalist religion. Over the years since I have left I have come to realize that science makes the most sense. While I am an RN, I don't have a working knowledge of chemistry, physics, etc, so books that are on a par with the above are the best for me.

Thanks, Becky

[redwhine]

Can anyone recommend any other books that I should read to enhance my visit to the Academy? It will be my second visit to the academy but this time I want to see the evidence for evolution specifically.

Take a look at the 'evolution' link below ( ), and, don't worry, some people will be along soon to swamp you with suggestions!

Oh, and...

Welcome!


Some stuff to help you settle in:-

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Military? ...take a look in Atheists In Foxholes. (Looking's free but if you want to post there, you need to get permission from admin. - the mods with red names (Topsy, Sciwoman or Peter Harrison), 'cos there were problems with trolling.)

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A couple of examples of how bad the delusion can get by some of our fundie ex-members - "Proof" that God exists and even more "proof". And for those that have heard it all, here's one fundie member asserting that polar bears are white because they were scared white by humans after the Noachian flood.

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A big list of links about evolution that will help you make sense of this important topic.


...and welcome again !



redwhine

[Durro]

Hello from Brisbane, Australia and welcome to the RDF forums. I hope that you enjoy your stay and find your time here interesting. To help you find some relevant external resources and to bring a smile to your face, here are some links that may be useful.

Handy Links

Some reasons why many posters here disagree with theists and wonder Why Won't God Heal Amputees ? and then realise that God is Imaginary

If you want to read the Bible, Koran or Book of Mormon with some helpful commentary which point out the many contradictions, fallacies and absurdities, try reading The Skeptics' Annotated Bible.

Maybe check out some of the humanist assocations and secular groups around the world...
The British National Secular Society, the British Humanist Society, the International Humanist and Ethical Union, the Council of Australian Humanist Societies, the American Council for Secular Humanism and the American National Centre for Science Education.

If you want to see just how bad the delusion can get, visit (at your own risk of brain damage) these infamous creationist sites - Answers in Genesis, The Discovery Institute and The Landover Baptist Church

- Can you guess which one is the parody site and which two are sincere in their delusion ???

Know people who think that Evolution is "Only a Theory" ? Maybe show them this explanation of what a scientific theory actually is and why Evolution is as scientifically sound and factual as the Laws of Gravity. And for further discussion on "controversies" in Evolution, take a look at the Talk Origins Archives

For the days when you lose perspective, have a look at Pale Blue Dot or the Powers of 10.

If you are having trouble with Intelligent Design/Creationism, a comprehensive list of counter-creationism resources can be found here or have a look at Thunderf00t's series of videos entitled Why Do People Laugh at Creationists ?

To avoid being duped by woo and superstition, take a look at Michael Shermer's Baloney Detection Kit or maybe the James Randi Educational Foundation website.

Have a laugh or be offended, the choice is yours when you watch Achmed the dead terrorist!! (Silence, I kill you!) or everyone's favourite god, Mr Deity

Oldies but goodies...Classic comedy routines of catholic guilt by the legendary Dave Allen ... Nuns & Blessings, Adam & Eve and Self Abuse.

...and once again, welcome to RDF !



Durro

[beckyalvarez]

Thank you, both. Lots of places to search. I am really looking forward to my second visit to the Academy. My first visit piqued my interest in evolution and so I think I will get more out of it now that I understand more.
Becky

[flyingscot]

Hello Becky and welcome to the forum. Glad you found us and decided to join.

Hope you enjoy your time in the Oasis....did you mention books?

All the best
fs

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If you have not already done so, please take the time to read our User‘s Agreement

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Some books to consider reading if you have not already done so
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. The foundation of this site.
The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins. Detailed study of natural selection.
The End of Faith by Sam Harris. A slamming indictment of religion.
God is not great by Christopher Hitchens. Beats the crap out of religion.
Breaking the Spell by Daniel Dennett. Why we invented God.
Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Escaping the clutches of Islam. Fantastic!
The Quantum World by Kenneth Ford. Mind numbing physics made approachable.
God: The Failed Hypothesis by Victor J Stenger. How Science Shows That God Does Not Exist.
The Demon Haunted World by Carl Sagan. Science as a Candle in the Dark. Excellent!
River Out of Eden by Richard Dawkins. A Darwinian View of Life. Wonderful!
The Ancestor's Tale by Richard Dawkins. A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Evolution. Superb!
Letter to a Christian Nation by Sam Harris. A little book with a BIG message. Brilliant!
The Portable Atheist by Christopher Hitchins. Essential readings for the non-believer.
The Greatest Show on Earth by Richard Dawkins. The Evidence for Evolution. Enthralling!