Random

Another in the stained glass series: The light cast by stained glass windows in the National Cathedral leaves the illusion of robed figures–one standing, one kneeling—on the marble floor.

I wish the picture itself wasn’t marred by camera movement, but it’s still startling—and lovely.

From the “Token Jesus Freak On The Big Question Panel” and “What Part Of Don’t Schedule Me For Friday Did You Not Understand?” department:

* Fri 10:00 PM in 304—What We Don’t Know (67)
According to some experts, science has solved all the big questions, and all that remains is detail. At least, that’s what they said a hundred years ago, before quantum mechanics, airplanes, television, computers, atomic energy, and molecular biology. What are the big science questions of the 21st century, and how are scientists trying to answer them? What might we know in a hundred years that we don’t know now?
Peter Radatti (mod), Eric M. Van, George Scithers, Helen Thompson

From the “I Thought This Was The Hot Or Not Panel, And I’m Hot, You’re—About To Discover Me” department:

* Sun 11:00 AM in Salon A—Hot New Writers (you have not heard of yet) (140)
Bring your notebook!
Marilyn “Mattie” Brahen (mod), David G. Hartwell, Gardner Dozois, Gordon Van Gelder, Helen Thompson

From the “I Don’t Need To Start My Own Religion–I’m One Of Those ‘Revisionists’ Who’s Making Faith A Better Place For All (a/k/a We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Dystopias; Just Open The FSCKin’ Door)” department:
* Sun 12:00 PM in Salon G—Starting Your Own Religion for Fun and Profit (44)
Panelists discuss exploring your characters’ faith from beginning to end. How to create a belief system that is more than just filing off the serial numbers.
George Scithers (mod), Ann Tonsor Zeddies, Helen Thompson, Myke Cole

From the “We Thought Post-Christian Meant You’d Started A Church-By-Mail Service” department:
* Sun 1:00 PM in Salon A—Imagine No Religion (165)
Will we ever live in a truly post-religious future or will people continually come up with something new?
Diane Weinstein (mod), Eric M. Van, David Silverman, Alexis Gilliland, Helen Thompson

(Seriously, why the heck they didn’t put me on the science/religion panel where I have the MOST expertise–oh, and I’m actually there…but oh well.)